New Film Follows Jim Walmsley’s Life from the Air Force to Last Year’s Infamous Wrong Turn at Western States

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

With the lead up to the 2017 Western States 100 Endurance Run reaching a fever pitch, the timing of the release of Lighting the Fire: Wrong Turns, by 9MindAsylum, about current ultrarunning star Jim Walmsley couldn’t be better. Walmsley, of course, is famous for his wrong turn at mile 92—while on a blistering course-record pace—of the 2016 Western States 100 (see also “The Legend That Could Have Been”). Walmsley is gunning to avenge that wrong turn in this year’s Western States, June 24-25, 2017.

The powerful, emotional Lighting the Fire tracks Walmsley’s exciting, now-historic 2106 race, and backtracks through his life in the Air Force as a nuclear “missilier,” a questionable DUI, discharge from the military, subsequent depression and rejuvenation through ultrarunning after moving to Flagstaff, Arizona.

Trending on Trail Runner Magazine

Want to Know What It Takes to Finish at Western States? Just Ask Hellah Sidibe.

Find out what happened when this six-year run streaker and HOKA Global Athlete Ambassador took on an iconic ultramarathon in California's Sierra Nevada