The Fat Ass Run: No Fees, No Awards, No Whining

If you spend enough time in the trail running community, you’ll eventually hear someone mention a "Fat Ass" run. No, they aren't talking about their physical condition after a holiday weekend. They’re talking about one of the oldest and purest traditions in the sport.

In an era where some ultra-marathons cost $300+ to enter and come with professional timing chips, massive swag bags, and finisher medals the size of dinner plates, the Fat Ass style run is a radical return to basics.

What is a "Fat Ass" Run?

The concept is simple and was born out of a desire to run long distances with friends without the corporate polish. The "rules" are usually centered around the four "No’s":

1. No Fees: It costs $0 to enter.
2. No Awards: There are no podiums, no trophies, and usually no medals.
3. No Aid: You are responsible for your own water, food, and navigation.
4. No Whining: If you get lost or run out of water, that’s part of the adventure.

The "Venture" in Your Adventure

At On Trail, we talk a lot about the difference between a "Race" and a "Run." A race is about the clock; a run is about the story. Fat Ass events are the ultimate expression of the "Run."

Because there is no official support, these events require a higher level of self-sufficiency. You have to know your gear. You have to trust your hydration system. You have to be comfortable with the "Lift, Don't Shuffle" mindset when you're 20 miles into a self-supported loop and the sun is starting to set.

Why I Love the Low-Key Life

I’ve participated in everything from massive city events to "events" that consisted of a handful of trail runners meeting at a trailhead with a printed map.

There is a unique kind of magic in a Fat Ass run. Because there are no bibs or timing mats, the ego disappears. You aren't checking your watch every thirty seconds to see if you're on "PR pace." Instead, you’re checking in with your body, checking your map, and actually looking at the scenery. It’s the purest form of Defining Your Adventure.

I've done a few Fat Ass runs and for me it's having the freedom of no pressure and truly taking it all in. Just a few years ago, about a dozen of us headed out to Arizona to run the Grand Canyon, Fat Ass style. We planned to run R2R2R, meaning South Rim to North Rim and back to the South Rim. This was definitely a more extreme example of a Fat Ass run, but it strictly followed the "Four No’s."

It took a massive amount of planning to determine when and where we could fill up with water and ensure we carried enough food and energy to support us the entire time. But the payoff? We had the freedom to stop for photos and truly take it all in without the looming pressure of a race cut-off or a PR. To this point, it was the best experience of my life.

How to Find (or Start) One

Fat Ass runs are usually "un-advertised." You won't find them on huge billboard ads. Instead, check:

• Local Trail Groups: Facebook groups and local run shops are the hubs for these
• UltraSignup: Occasionally, directors will list them here with a $0 entry fee just to manage the headcounts
• The "Human Network": Ask someone at the trailhead or if you see a small group of runners

If you can't find one, start one. Pick a loop, tell five friends, and agree on a start time. No permits, no fanfare, just the dirt and the distance.

Mark’s Founder Tip:

"Self-supported runs are the best place to test your 'What If' kit. When there’s no aid station at mile 10, that's when you really learn the value of a high-quality hydration vest and a reliable salt-tab strategy. If you’re planning your first Fat Ass run this spring, make sure your gear is as ready as your legs."

Gear for Every Mile.