Raring to run?
Mask up for these low-key January events.
By Gretchen Ammerman
Oregon Coast TODAY
Spend enough time around trail runners and you’ll soon find that they are too tired all the time to have a sense of humor that transcends the adolescent level. So, it’s no surprise that when an ultra runner, or someone who finds the marathon distance not enough of a challenge, tried to come up with a name for a non-formal race during the traditionally calorie-dense holidays, he came up with “Fat Ass Run.”
That was back in 1978. In the years since, Fat Ass races have become an institution in the trail running community, almost always held in the winter and following the simple rules of “no aid, no entry fee, no awards and no whining,” and usually ending with a potluck where runners share their tales of time on the trails, usually who got lost, where and for how long.
The Perpetua Fat Ass has become an Oregon favorite, even drawing runners like Salem based Pam Smith, who has been a national champion, won the Western States 100, represented the United States in international competition multiple times and set a 100-mile track world record.
The 7th annual event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9, starting and finishing at the Yachats Commons, located at 441 Hwy. 101. You can choose from four route distances, from nine miles all the way up to a 50K.
With the lack of formal organization, start times and competitive pressure, Fat Ass races are perfect COVID-19 events. Unfortunately, there will be no potluck. But stories, there will assuredly be plenty.
“This is a self-supported event,” said organizer Ed Cortez. “I'll drop off water along the course but that's it. Bring your own food, electrolytes or whatever you'll need during the run. The courses will not be marked or flagged, but directions posted on the website have been used for years without any problems, although of course use them at your own risk. Also, every year people come who know the trails that you can run with.”
Registration is not required but suggested, and can be completed at Ultrasignup.com. You can see who else is registered so far on the site. You can also see updates as the date nears on the Perpetua Fat Ass page on Facebook.
Newport Trail Series
The winter edition of the Newport Trail Series is already in progress, but three races remain to be run. The small, low-key annual event consists of races held on Saturdays in different spots in and around Newport, and participants can choose between a short distance race, from 5K to 5 miles, and a longer distance of six to 13.1 miles. There’s still time for some extra training for the next series race on Saturday, Jan. 16.
The times for each participant’s best three races are used to determine the overall series winner so, even though you missed the first race, you can still win the whole thing.
The course map and elevation profile for each race will be posted on the Ardor Newport Trail Series Facebook and the race website, ardoradventures.com prior to race day.
This is the perfect way to take the first step into the fun world of trail running. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, this series can help you discover new fun trails, meet new friends, challenge yourself or find the motivation to stay active in the cold winter days.
Though COVID-19 has caused most races to be cancelled, those that are continuing are doing so with necessary changes; please come equipped with your own hydration and fuel, as none will be provided, and there will be no post-race food. You will not be allowed to start if you don’t have a mask, and you are expected to comply with pandemic etiquette, like making sure your mouth and nose are covered when passing other racers if the trail is less than 10 feet wide.
However, you can expect well-marked courses that are challenging but situated in beautiful locations, with chip timing and live results.
Single-race registration is $20, or $15 for runners 18 and younger, and you can register up until one day prior to each race. There will be no race-day registration.
The full series registration is $60 for adults, and $40 for 18 and younger.
The final two races will be held Saturday, Jan. 30 and Feb. 27.
For more information about the Perpetua Fat Ass and the trail series, go to www.ardoradventures.com.