Injinji Names Ultrarunner Michael Wardian as
Designated Runner for Western States 100
San Diego, Calif. (December 2014) – Ultrarunner Michael Wardian (Arlington, Va.) was selected by Injinji®, the innovator of the patented five-toe-sleeve Performance Toesock™, as its sole representative for the 2015 Western States 100-Mile Endurance trail race. A globe-trekking ultrarunner, Wardian has competed in races around the world from New Zealand to Chile and even as far as the North Pole where Wardian won the 2014 UVU North Pole Marathon.
As an official sponsor of the Western States Endurance Race, one of the oldest and most prestigious trail races in the country, Injinji is allotted a race entry for 2015. The race is limited to 400 participants, with a lottery system selecting from among 2,500 athletes vying for a chance to compete. Wardian, an Injinji sponsored athlete, will be making his third appearance at the race with previous appearances in 2009 and 2012, with an overall finish of 15th (19:32:08) and 40th (19:26:19), respectively.
Wardian was selected to represent Injinji because of his ambition and serious commitment to running – Wardian will compete in 53 races by the end of 2014. Recently, Wardian ran in the 2014 IAU 100km World Championships in Doha, Qatar where the U.S. team placed first, with Wardian finishing 28th overall (7:19:00).
“I am so very humbled and excited to be selected by Injinji to represent them at Western States,” said Wardian. “I have been fortunate enough to have raced at Western States in the past and I cannot wait to share the trails with those that will be selected. In anticipation for the race I want to log more trail miles this year along with additional climbing training.”
The Western States Trail starts in Squaw Valley, Calif. and ends 100.2 miles later in Auburn, Calif. which requires runners to climb more than 18,000 feet and descend around 23,000 feet before completing the race.
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About Injinji: Injinji® is the innovator of the patented five-toe-sleeve Performance Toesock™ for runners and fitness enthusiasts. Injinji, which means to reach one’s peak performance, is dedicated to helping athletes attain their personal best by offering a seamless, anti-friction sock in any shoe. Recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association for proper digital toe alignment and superior moisture management, all Injinji Toesocks have the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Injinji Toesocks can be purchased online at injinji.com.