The Western States Endurance Run (WSER) is one among ultrarunning’s most prestigious and aggressive races–so unique that its race-day memorabilia will be cashed in for a hefty sum. One runner has taken to eBay to public sale up a uncommon Western States 1000 belt buckle, one among simply 45 in existence.
Western States 100, the oldest 100-mile race in North America, is held yearly in California, following historic trails from the Olympic Valley to Auburn. Every finisher receives an iconic handcrafted sterling silver (92.5 per cent silver) belt buckle that includes the race’s cougar emblem.
The WSER 1000 buckle is just awarded to runners who’ve accomplished the race 10 occasions. As of 2026, simply 45 individuals have achieved the feat since 1990.
The vendor, based mostly in Modesto, Calif., has additionally included a WSER finisher’s buckle and Sierra Nevada Endurance Run buckle within the bundle; the lot is listed as “used.” Bidding at present sits at US$810 (C$1,121) after 21 bids, and closes on Sunday.
The entry price for WSER is roughly $500, plus extra prices for coaching, journey and lodging.
Steve Prefontaine’s Nike Oregon Waffle footwear promote for USD$163,800
Cashing in operating memorabilia
This isn’t the primary incident the place we’ve seen runners promoting race day memorabilia–and it’s additionally not even the primary WSER buckle bought.
In 2016, U.S. distance runner Jared Hazen pocketed US$519.09 (C$719) after promoting his WSER under-24 hours belt buckle on eBay–a controversial transfer, within the eyes of many within the operating neighborhood.
In 2021, Steve Prefontaine’s profitable race bib from the 1970 NCAA cross-country championships bought for slightly below US$27,000. The next yr, his Nike Oregon Waffle footwear bought for a whopping US$163,800.
In 2024, ultramarathoner Jasmin Paris’s signed race prime, worn when she grew to become the primary lady to finish the Barkley Marathons, was listed on eBay with a beginning bid of £5,000 (C$8,734).
Olympic medals can even herald massive cash. Final yr, a 1904 Olympic gold medal, received by Group USA’s Fred Schule within the males’s 110m hurdles, bought for greater than $500,000, thrice its preliminary value. Dutch sprinter Eugene Oma additionally auctioned off his Paris 2024 Olympic gold from the 4x400m combined relay, with proceeds supporting charity and a portion of the funds going to assist his household.
