Charlie Ware

About

Charlie Ware is an elite ultrarunner from Tucson, Arizona, who discovered trail running after college as a means of relaxation and adventure before elevating to the world stage with a series of breakthrough performances at America's most competitive 100-mile events. A Topo Athletic and (2019) Aravaipa Racing team athlete, he announced himself to the broader running community by finishing 8th at the 2018 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run in a personal best of 16:59 — one of the fastest Tucson-area results ever at the race — wearing Topo shoes in a surprise discovery that earned him immediate sponsorship recognition. He went on to become a three-time Western States 100 golden ticket holder through podium finishes at qualifying events including a 2nd place at the Black Canyon 100K in the Bradshaw Mountains of Arizona and a win at the Zane Grey 50-Mile Endurance Run in 7:30 in 2018. He has also won the Javelina Jangover 50K (2021). Beyond elite racing, Ware co-founded a distance running club at the federal prison in Tucson, bringing competitive running culture to incarcerated athletes — a programme he volunteers at regularly. He trains on the trails of Mount Lemmon, Sabino Canyon, and the Tucson Mountains with weekend runs of 20-30 miles, and is known for his advocacy around inclusivity in the sport.

Notable Wins

• — Western States 100 8th 2018 (16:59 PR)
• — Zane Grey 50-Mile winner 2018 (7:30)
• — Black Canyon 100K 2nd (Golden Ticket)
• — Javelina Jangover 50K winner 2021
• — 3× Western States 100 golden ticket holder

Race History