Jerry Wittenauer

About

Jerry Wittenauer is an American ultrarunner from Palo Alto, California, best known for finishing runner-up at the 1996 Western States Endurance Run in 18:50:31, more than 40 minutes faster than his previous best on the course. That edition was run in brutal heat that thinned the field ahead of him — he had been in 10th place at the 30-mile mark before working his way to second as competitors dropped out, sustained by his crew's ice packs, melons, and constant hydration through the Sierra Nevada canyons. He remained connected to the Western States community for decades afterward, including participating in the 2019 Tevis Cup, the equestrian endurance ride that shares much of the Western States trail.

Notable Wins

• — 2nd place
• — Western States Endurance Run (1996
• — 18:50:31)

Race History