How about directing the event. Norm Klein is at the helm of this race, organizing thousands of volunteers. There is almost an endless list of things that can go wrong, with 500 tired runners spread out over 100 miles of desolate mountain terrain. Runners becoming disoriented, lost, or in need of emergency medical care are three of the biggest concerns. A sophisticated communications network helps with the first two, while several medical checks along the route help with the latter.
Physicians monitor runners throughout the race.
Lose more than seven percent of your body weight and you are on the sidelines until you are re-hydrated enough to continue. Very few appear as if they could move another inch after the finish and many don't, choosing to simply collapse on the field next to the finish under the warm California sun. It's quite a sight. Western States has developed a deep tradition. Much of it is in the awards, which are distributed at an elaborate ceremony the afternoon after the race is completed.