A Fat Ass or fatass is a type of informal ultramarathon running event.[1]
Fat Ass runs are usually community events and training races with no reward. These events have the unofficial slogan of "No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps", meaning entry is usually free but amenities are limited.[2] Some events require the donation of aid items to a communal station.[3] Many people participate to see if they enjoy running ultramarathons before spending money on registering for an official event.[4]
The idea of the Fat Ass came from Joe Oakes, a runner from the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1979, he started the "Recover from the Holidays Fat Ass 50" event.[5] The name of the event is derived from participants wanting to reduce weight after the holiday season. Fat Ass runs are typically held in late autumn or early winter.[3]
References
edit- ^ Yanek, Cheryl (19 January 2015). "Fabulous Fatass: How to Organize a Fatass". UltraRunning Magazine.
- ^ John, Sherpa (15 October 2012). "The Fat Ass Ultra: A History". Trail And Ultra Running. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ a b Davidson, Sara (18 November 2019). "Trail races are chill, but you know what's even more chill? A "Fat Ass"". RunWashington. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ "The Lost Art of the Fat Ass". Trail Runner Magazine. 25 March 2022.
- ^ Dutro, Dave (28 March 2017). "Fat Ass Runs: A Brief History". Out There Outdoors. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
Further reading
edit- "Fat Ass Founding Father – Joe Oakes". UltraRunning Magazine. March 1997.
- Lacroix, John. "The Demise of the Fat Ass Series". Human Potential Running. Retrieved 29 July 2024.