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