#United States #California #Shokz #OpenRun Pro 2 #Western States

Shokz Partners with the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run

Shokz, a leader in open-ear audio technology, has proudly announced its official partnership with the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run (WSER), widely recognized as the oldest 100-mile trail race in the world. Set to take place from June 27 to 28, 2026, in California, this race marks the beginning of Shokz's inaugural year as an official partner, alongside the launch of its 2026 “Run the Legend” campaign which highlights the race's distinguished legacy and pays tribute to the athletes participating in this ultrarunning challenge.

Celebrating the Spirit of Ultrarunning

Often referred to as the “holy grail” of ultrarunning, the WSER covers a grueling distance of 100.2 miles from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California. Athletes engage in a battle against harsh terrain and unpredictable weather, truly testing their endurance and mental strength. Shokz’s partnership signifies a significant leap forward as the brand aims to solidify its place within the outdoor sports community while simultaneously showcasing its flagship product, the OpenRun Pro 2, in such a demanding environment.

This collaboration involves a three-year commitment (2026–2028) that extends throughout race week, encompassing various facets from the course to the live broadcast. As part of this partnership, Shokz will equip participating athletes with OpenRun Pro 2 headphones, designed to enhance their experience by promoting open-ear listening during both their training and the race itself.

A Word from the Leaders

Craig Thornley, the Race Director, states, “Western States 100 is rooted in themes of endurance, preparation, community, and connection. We’re excited to welcome Shokz as our official partner and work together with a brand that recognizes the significance of amplifying awareness and connection for trail runners.”

Meanwhile, Vincent Xiong, CEO of Shokz North America, expresses that “The Western States 100 embodies all the elements that drive our passion for endurance sports—focus, resilience, community, and the capacity to stay connected during a long and arduous journey. Our collaboration presents an opportunity to manifest this belief on one of the sport's legendary stages through our OpenRun Pro 2.”

Open-Ear Technology in Action

At the Western States 100, athlete performance transcends simple speed; it incorporates awareness, endurance, and mental fortitude. The OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are engineered to help runners stay connected to their surroundings while enjoying their favorite music. This feature creates an ideal blend of entertainment and safety, allowing athletes to maintain auditory awareness of their surroundings—for instance, detecting changes in terrain, listening to crew instructions, and encountering the natural sounds of the trail.

Lightweight and equipped for extended use, the OpenRun Pro 2 headphones provide vital audio support throughout the race, offering runners a steady source of motivation, pacing guidance, and emotional resilience.

Athlete Insights

Elite athlete Marianne Hogan, who has finished third at the WSER twice, is no stranger to this challenging race. With a deep love for the scenic beauty and demanding conditions, Hogan aims to tackle the course once again. She remarks, “OpenRun Pro 2 assists my journey with crystal-clear sound and situational awareness; it allows me to remain focused and in sync with every stride.”

Another rising star, Caitlin Fielder, who achieved a remarkable third place at the UTMB® OCC and eighth during her WSER debut in 2025, returns with determination. Music plays a pivotal role in her training, assisting her in maintaining cadence and pushing through tough competition moments. Relying on Shokz headphones, she stays mentally engaged while fully cognizant of her trail environment.

Together, these athletes embody the spirit of resilience, ambition, and a profound connection to the trails that the “Run the Legend” campaign aspires to celebrate. From the initial footsteps in Olympic Valley to reaching the finish line in Auburn, Shokz aims to support runners in their quests to carve out their own legendary narratives.

About the Western States 100

Established in 1974, the WSER welcomes participants from all over the globe, showcasing a competitive field of 369 runners hailing from the U.S. and over 40 other countries. As one of the premier 100-mile trail races globally, its mission is to create a transformative and quality experience for runners while paying homage to trail stewardship and engaging in medical research to enhance the sport.

The race, occurring on the last full weekend in June, spans the Sierra high country and the American River canyons, celebrating the ancestral lands of the Washoe and Nisenan tribes.

About Shokz

Shokz is committed to the advancement of open-ear audio technology, focusing on creating products that enrich the experiences of athletes and everyday users alike. Emphasizing innovation, comfort, and safety, Shokz is dedicated to redefining how people experience sound—whether on a run, on the trail, or beyond. Discover more at Shokz.com.