Annual Membership

Annual membership in the Club costs only $75. For your annual membership dues you get:

• free access to all Club Fat Ass events around the world for the entire calendar year. (Space permitting. First come, first served - so register early!)
• a distinctive Club Fat Ass t-shirt. This high quality, technical t-shirt will not only keep you warm while you run, it will identify you as a member of this venerable organization to other members and other athletes and prompt quizzical looks and comments from the general public (shipping extra; no t-shirt option for $50). For 2011, a selection of our classic short sleeve shirts, as well as a few yellow, long sleeve collector shirts are available as quantities last.
• a voice in how Club Fat Ass can improve member benefits.
• the chance to contribute to the development of grassroots sports worldwide and get a cool t-shirt to prove it (even if you do not actually participate in a Fat Ass event).
• A chance to host your own event. Club Fat Ass makes it easy for you to host your own sport "party". We provide a website, online registration and a manual to guide you through the logistics of organizing a successful event.
• Registration for 2011 is open now. Join here!

Single Day Membership

A single day membership in the Club is $20 if you register online, and $25 if you register in person at the event. For your single day membership dues you get:

• free access to a particular Club Fat Ass event
• no cool Club Fat Ass t-shirt, but many of the other full-member benefits...
• a voice in how Club Fat Ass can improve member benefits
• join here

New Member Welcome

What have I gotten myself into?

Welcome to Club Fat Ass! While the name and event descriptions can be a bit intimidating, come out to any of our events and you will find a friendly, outgoing group of runners of varying experience, speed and endurance. You will find that since each event is run by a different club member, each event has a unique vibe. The emphasis is on camaraderie over competition, so hopefully, you'll come home having learned something and having made some new friends. 

How do I find and pick an event?

There are a number of tools on the Club Fat Ass website to help you keep up to date on upcoming events. The right-hand side of every page and the club newsletter both list upcoming events, the Event Calendar shows all planned events on a monthly calendar and the ActivePorker iPhone app provides iPhone access to the event calendar and race reports (no app for Android users, but the site is optimized for mobile)

Once you find an event that fits your schedule, event details can help you determine whether the event is suitable for you. The event page contains links to a number of sub-pages for each event. The following are the most helpful when evaluating an event: 

• Event home: provides a description of the event
• Course: detailed course directions, approximate distances at checkpoints, information on waterstops (and washrooms!). May also include maps and elevation profiles for the course.
• FAQ: within each event FAQ, there is generally at least one question that deals with the level of difficulty for the event. Responses to this question may give you comparable road distances or emphasize those runs geared towards very experienced trail runners.
• While Flash events may provide fewer details than scheduled club events, you will usually be able to determine the distance, type of event (loop, point-to-point or out-and back) from the flash event description. And you are always welcome to send a comment to the event host to discuss an event.
• Results: Check out prior year results. A 25K event with finishing times in the 3-5 hr range is going to be much harder than one finished in the 2-3 hour range!

But won’t I get lost?

Without flagging or other temporary trail marking, it is easier to get lost at a Club Fat Ass event than other trail runs you might have been in.  Route finding is part of the challenge.  While you probably won't get a prize for being first, you may well get a prize for being the most off-course at a CFA event!

Of course, you don't want to get lost, so here are a few suggestions:

1. Run with someone else.  Most CFA members would love nothing more than to pair up with you.  Don't be afraid to ask!  Just mention you'd like to share the run with someone at the start.  You're less likely to get lost in the first place, but if you do, you'll share the experience with some new friends!  
2. Read the course description on the website.  Get an overview from the map, then review the detailed description.  This will give you an idea of how complicated the course is and help you identify key points along the way.
3. Print out a copy of the course description.  The real reason they invented Ziploc bags was to give trail runners a handy container to put their PRINTED COURSE DESCRIPTION inside when they are running. 
   Most the Club Fat Ass events are on courses where you could easily get lost if you are not following the course description. Carrying the description in your handy-dandy, water-resistant, reusable Ziploc bag helps ensure you have access to legible course details for the duration of the run.  (Keep in mind, you’re not only protecting the description from rain – trail running is sweaty work!)
4. Depending upon the runners participating in for any given race and your pace, you may find comparable runners to run the course with. (I have yet to have to run a course alone). Scheduled events allow you to see who else has registered from the event home page. If you know that you are going to be customizing the course or distance to suit your abilities or intentions for that day, you may wish to use the event comments to try and identify comparable runners with the same intentions in advance of the event.

Wow, the event start is pretty far away – any suggestions on getting there?

Club Fat Ass events are popping up all over North America, but the vast majority are still in the lower mainland of Vancouver, Canada. However, this entails starting locations from Squamish to Manning Park, with great day trips possible to Victoria, the Sunshine Coast and Washington State. Car-pooling to both local and distant events is encouraged! Not only is it good for the environment, but it gives you the opportunity to get to know your fellow club members.

If you are interested in trying to arrange car-pooling for an event, you are invited to post a comment on the event page or in the forums. While on the topic of transportation – keep in mind that most parks now have parking fees. You may want to have an assortment of loonies and toonies in your vehicle to avoid any surprises!

I don’t want to show up and not know anyone...

We are a very friendly group! But we all know the feeling of showing up somewhere without knowing anyone else and trying to fit in. To address this discomfort, we have implemented an Ambassador program. Under the Ambassador program, new members may choose to be contacted by a current club member after joining Club Fat Ass. The ambassador will help answer any questions you may have, help identify suitable upcoming runs and where possible, coordinate to run with you at your first club event. If you would like to get in touch with an Ambassador, please contact Marc Schmitz. For additional information check out the Ambassador program page.

I’m really new to trail running. What do I need to know?

Tough question! Ask a hundred people, get a hundred answers... some of the more common answers you may get are: 

• Don’t be afraid to walk part of the course. Very few of us run the entire course during any event.
• Come prepared for the weather and to support yourself for your chosen distance/time. Have appropriate clothing, water, food and any other supplies you expect to need with you. Aid stations are generally not provided at Fat Ass events.
• Trail running is slower than road running. Any distance on trail will (almost definitely!) take longer than the same distance on the roads. Plan and pack with this in mind.
• Leave NOTHING behind. Bring all of your garbage out with you. Better yet, pick up other people's trash and get bonus points in the club points competition !
• You will need your course directions. Print them and bring them!
• You may be caught needing a washroom where there isn’t one. If you can't hold it, be discreet, do your business at least 5 meters from the trail, bury anything solid at least 10 cm deep and don't use stinging nettle or poison ivy to clean up! 
• Other club members are a great source of information. You’ll be surprised how much talking takes place on these runs! Trail Runner magazine has a Beginner Trail Runner section on their website. Check it out for helpful information!

What’s with picking up garbage?

At every event, you will see a parade of people showing handfuls and baggies full of garbage to the event host. No, these are not poorly selected gifts. We are so adamant that trail users leave nothing behind on the trails that collecting garbage found on the trail has been included into the Club Fat Ass points series. One point is awarded to each runner who finds and brings garbage off the trail during a scheduled event. (Although no garbage points awarded for flash events, collecting garbage during flash events is good for your karma.)

I have an event idea for an event...

Fantastic! The club is based on member-hosted events and we are always excited about new events to participate in. Event host information can be found on the Club Fat Ass website here (link). This link provides information on posting, documenting and planning your event. If you have any questions on hosting an event, you can use the Contact link on the site to ask any questions you may have.

As a bonus, all hosts of scheduled events get their Club Fat Ass membership fee waived the following year!

What gear do I need to participate in club events?

Every runner has their own idea of essential gear.  In this FAQ, we have only addressed those items that would be considered essential for safety.  Please check the list of ten essentials on the Club Fat Ass site here and at North Shore Rescue. 

• Water - belt, bottle or vest as you prefer
• Shoes (you won’t find many trail runners running barefoot)
• Weather appropriate clothes
• Food as appropriate for your selected event and anticipated time.
• A whistle or other attention-getting device
• Bear bell or bear spray as appropriate for your selected event
• emergency foil blanket
• a cell phone or FRS radio
• flash light

I have another question...

Please send any questions or New Member content suggestions to Marc.

Welcome to the club!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page is intented to give you the answers to the questions we are most typically asked.  If you can't find the answer you are looking for, then please contact us for a prompt, personal reply.

Prospective Members

Thinking of becoming a member of the Club?  Here's some background information:

Q: Do I need to be an endurance sport junkie to join Club Fat Ass?

A: No. Club Fat Ass encourages anyone who supports our objectives of promoting safe, economical, environmentally friendly endurance sport events and an active, healthy lifestyle to join. Benefits of Club Fat Ass membership.

Q: I don't live in Canada. How much is membership in my currency?  

A: Your membership dues will be calculated in Canadian dollars. Currencies fluctuate hourly relative to one another, so we can't tell you exactly the amount in your currency that will show up on your credit card when you sign up for a Club Fat Ass membership. You can get a decent idea of the amount in your currency, however, from an online currency conversion service such as Yahoo

Q: I'd like to give a membership in the Club as a birthday present. Can I do that?

A: Thoughtful idea! Please complete the membership form as if you were the person you are giving the gift to (e.g. enter their name, address, t-shirt size and other coordinates.)  Please contact us if you would like a gift notice sent by email.    

Q: Do I need to be a member to participate in a scheduled Club Fat Ass event?  

A: Yes. You can choose to join for a year and participate in as many Club Fat Ass events as you want, or join for a single day and participate in a particular event.

Note:  Most Flash and Speaker events are free and open to everyone, so if you have no money or are not sure if the Club is for you.  Benefits of Club Fat Ass membership.

Q: I'm confused. You say you promote free events, yet you charge me a membership. Please explain.

A:  Without funding of some sort, it's not possible to host a single "free" event, let alone an international network of them. Membership fees allow Club Fat Ass to function. We aim at all times to provide far more value to our members than the nominal cost of membership.    

Q: Where do my membership dues go?

A:  Annual membership dues cover the cost of t-shirts, technology infrastructure such as computers and web development, fees to consultants such as lawyers and accountants, salaries (currently all volunteer) and miscellaneous office and administration costs such as telephone.

     Day-of-Event membership dues are split with Event Hosts, the people who go to the trouble to put on free Club events.  These funds help them cover costs they would otherwise have to bear out of pocket, and gives them the opportunity to improve the value they provide to participants.

Q: How many months of membership do my dues cover?

A: Memberships are good until 31 December (calendar year), so the number of months of club benefits you receive depends on when you join. Maximum is 14.5 months. (See clarification of 15 October below.)

Q: When do I get my club colors? (The cool, custom t-shirt.)

A: We order shirts for all members on record 1 January.  The order has to be processed by the fabric supplier, the manufacturer, screener and the post office.  The shirts should be in your hands in early March.     

Q: Why should I consider 15 October?

A: If you join between 1 Jan and 15 October you will get the classic club colors (short-sleeve, blue or black, technical MEC shirt with orange screening). Your membership is valid until 31 December and you will need to renew your membership for next year any time after 15 October. If you join on or after 15 October, you will get free access to all CFA events for the remainder of the year, membership for the next year and the t-shirt for the next year.  

Sounds complex, but what it means is that after 15 October, you get 14.5 months of membership rather than 12. We figure this is a fair way to encourage new members to join toward the end of a year when they would otherwise only get a couple months of club benefits. It also encourages renewing members to renew before the first day of the new year.

Q: What's the difference between a "Fat Ass" and a "Club Fat Ass" event?

A: The term "Fat Ass" as it applies to running events was coined by Joe Oakes in 1978 to mean "no t-shirt, no aid, no wimps." Several community-minded folks around the world host "Fat Ass" events. "Club Fat Ass" aims to help more folks host "Fat Ass" events by introducing standards for quality and expectations and aims to help athletes find events by hosting a worldwide event calendar.    

Q: Where can I find a Fat Ass event?

A: We've attempted to list "Fat Ass", "Club Fat Ass" and any shade of cheap and cheerful endurance sport event on our Fat Ass event calendar. If you know of an event that is not listed, please send us a note and we will gladly add it.    

Q: I love the concept of Club Fat Ass. I want to help. What can I do?

A: We love you! Please join the club. Wear your club colors. Encourage your friends to join the club.  Blog.  Tweet.  Share the love by hosting your own event.    

Q: I have a question or a suggestion that I'd like to direct to Club Fat Ass. Who do I contact?

A: We welcome your your feedback and count on it to improve our member benefits. Details on the people behind Club Fat Ass and contact information is on our about us page.    

Q: Some of the terms you use are new to me. Please clarify.

A: In the hope that we might better match the expectations of people who host events and those who participate, we've defined some of the terms we use below:

• CFA Event - a Scheduled, Flash or Speaker event offered by Club Fat Ass
• CFA Event Host - person who hosts a Club Fat Ass event
• Guest - someone who participates in a Club Fat Ass event
• Aid - what you may or may not get in a Club Fat Ass event
• Crew - those who may or may not assist with a Club Fat Ass event
• RP (Reference Point) - a location in an event where a guest might find aid or crew

Prospective Event Hosts

Thinking of hosting a Club event?  Here's some background information:

Q: Do I need to be a Club Fat Ass member to host a Club Fat Ass event?

A: Yes, we do ask that you drink the Kool-aid. Join now!

Q: Do all members have to host an event?

A: No, but wouldn't it be nice if they did?

Q: Do I need to be an ultramarathon runner, a climber who has conquered Mount Everest or Ironman triathlete to host an event?

Q: No. If you have the desire to host an event and are prepared to invest some time and follow our recipe for success, we provide you with everything you need to host a safe, fun event.

Q: I'd like to host a Club Fat Ass event to help raise money for my favorite charity. How do I raise money if I allow Club Fat Ass members to participate in my event for free?

A: We applaud your intent and strongly support your initiative to host a Club Fat Ass fundraiser event.  Several scheduled and Flash events have a specific aim of generating funds.  Please refer to our fundraising resource page for ideas on how to raise funds by hosting a free event.  Please contact us to discuss.

Q: What does Club Fat Ass do for me that I can't do on my own?

A: Save you a lot of time. Save you a lot of money. Potentially limit your personal liability. Allow you to put on a better event. Help you to attract more participants. Help make you famous.  The list of benefits to Event Hosts is quite compelling!

Q: I'm a member. How do I sign up as an Event Host?

A: Please refer to hosting an event.

Q: I've been hosting my own Fat Ass-style event for years now. My event has a history. People are used to participating for free. Why would I want to become affiliated with Club Fat Ass?

A: Good question. If, after understanding the benefits we provide to CFA Event Hosts, you feel Club Fat Ass can't do anything for you that you can't do on your own, you're best to keep on doing things as you are. We'd be happy to help you promote your event by giving you a free listing in our Calendar of Fat Ass Events Around the World. You're also welcome to use the resources we have developed for our members. Contact us with the details for our event calendar.

The T-Shirt - Our Club Colours

If nothing else, Club Fat Ass aims to provide annual members with the best shirt in their closet for way less than it would cost in the store. We want it to be your 'signature' t-shirt: The one you reach for over and over again despite the rips, the blood stains and the fact that it is faded from being worn from dawn to dusk on long training days.

We want the t-shirt to be edgy, a bit provocative, unique, classy but casual, stylish, practical, ironic and a bit understated... just like our members!

For 2011, our classic short sleeve shirts, as well as a few yellow long sleeve collector shirts are available as quantities last.  Don't miss out, register now.  Club shirts will be mailed by Canada Post as soon as we confirm your registration.

2010 T-Shirt (the "Daffodil Yellow" long-sleeve year)

 

The 2010 Club Colors

The 2008 and 2009 no-stink, long sleeve club colours were so popular, we repeated in new colours.  Member, Vanessa Fors, pulled it off again.  She oversaw buying the fabric, laying the pattern, cutting the fabric, printing the labels (and cutting them) and making sure everything came together in the end.  Thanks, Vanessa!  

Our exclusive label is be called "FatAssWear." This special edition garment is made only for Club members. A one-time order was placed early in January 2010, so only those members who have paid their 2010 club dues by then will get them. Ya snooze, ya loose . . . (as some unhappy campers learned last year)

The good news is that I do have a handful of extra shirts and will make them available for purchase.  If you are interested in buying one keep your eyes peeled for updates on this website on how to get your hands of one.

The 2010 Poster Children

Our 2010 Poster Children are Seattle residents, Sarah Anderson and Noal Cattone. We met both of them when they came up to Vancouver to participate in the Seymour Super Fun Run in November 2009 and are happy to have up the numbers of our Washington members. 

Introducing FatAssWear

• Designed by Club Fat Ass member Vanessa Fors, cut, sewn and screened in Vancouver
• Made of 100% antibacterial Chitosante Interlock polyester microfibre
• Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
• Durable and washable, piling resistant, breathable
• Odour resistant non-toxic, antistatic, fast drying
• Moisture wicking
• Long sleeved
• Yellow with purple screening for the girls and yellow with royal blue (thanks to Reagan and David Papineau for this suggestion) screening for the boys
• Mens shirts have a classic fit for comfort (available sizes M-XL)
• Womens shirts feature a form fitted cut (available sizes S-L)
• Fabric has a bit of stretch and fits very nicely

On the front of the t-shirt:

The Club Fat Ass porker logo. Subtle and informative, enough to turn heads and prompt the question, "What's Club Fat Ass?" from the cashier in the grocery store checkout line.

On the back of the t-shirt:

"I may be a fat ass, but I'm in front of you!"
"www.ClubFatAss.com "
"free events for active people"
Provocative, but tasteful. It answers the question, "What is Club Fat Ass", but barely. The cashier checks out your butt.

On the right sleeve:

www.clubfatass.com

2007 T-Shirt (the "green" year)

The 2007 Club Colors

The 2005 and 2006 shirts were so popular and of great quality that it wasn't difficult to choose the same shirts and decide on a different colour:

The 2007 Poster Children

CFA Steering Committee Members Lara, Berglind and Michele and Ean modelling the 2007 Club colour

Introducing the Rapidi-T from the Mountain Equipment Co-Op!

• moss green for for men and lime green for women
• Made of 3.7oz. 100% polyester microfibre, micro-waffle, mini-mesh fabric for moisture wicking
• Made in Canada, fabric from Canada
• Mens shirts have a classic fit for comfort (available sizes M-XL).
• Womens shirts feature a form fitted cut (available sizes S-L)

On the front of the t-shirt:

The Club Fat Ass porker logo in orange (on the men's shirts) and in magenta (on the women's shirts. Subtle and informative, enough to turn heads and prompt the question, "What's Club Fat Ass?" from the cashier in the grocery store checkout line.

On the back of the t-shirt:

"I may be a fat ass, but I'm in front of you!"
"www.ClubFatAss.com "
"promoters of oddball athletic events and a healthy, outdoor lifestyle"
Provocative, but tasteful. It answers the question, "What is Club Fat Ass", but barely. The cashier checks out your butt.

 

2006 T-Shirt (the "black" year)

The 2006 Club Colors

The 2005 shirts were so popular and of great quality that it wasn't difficult to choose the same shirts and decide on a different colour:

The 2006 Poster Children

Craig Moore modeling the 2006 Club colours
Ontario member Julie Wobbe modelling the 2006 Club Colours

 

Introducing the Rapidi-T from the Mountain Equipment Co-Op!

• Black for men and for women
• Made of 3.7oz. 100% polyester microfibre, micro-waffle, mini-mesh fabric for moisture wicking
• Made in Canada, fabric from Canada
• Mens shirts have a classic fit for comfort (available sizes M-XL).
• Womens shirts feature a form fitted cut (available sizes S-L)

The only potential hiccup is that the MEC can't promise that all sizes will be available all year, so we encourage you to pay your Club dues early in the year.

On the front of the t-shirt:

The Club Fat Ass porker logo in orange. Subtle and informative, enough to turn heads and prompt the question, "What's Club Fat Ass?" from the cashier in the grocery store checkout line.

On the back of the t-shirt:

"I may be a fat ass, but I'm in front of you!"
"www.ClubFatAss.com "
"promoters of oddball athletic events and a healthy, outdoor lifestyle" in orange

Provocative, but tasteful. It answers the question, "What is Club Fat Ass", but barely. The cashier checks out your butt.

 

 

 

2004 T-Shirt (the "red" year)

The 2004 T-Shirt

 

Rhonda and Rob model the 2004 Club Fat Ass 'Club Colors'

Manufactured by Gaia. High quality technical t-shirt made with flo-tech fabric to keep you cool and dry. We went with separate men's and women's styles and colors to keep everyone happy. (Please note: women's sizes are form fitted and fit fairly small; men's sizes are loose fitting and fit large. We recommend that women preferring a loose fit take smaller men's size.) Bright red was chosen because we are told it is 'hot!'

On the front:

The Club Fat Ass porker logo and "promoters of oddball athletic events and a healthy, outdoor lifestyle" in white with 'club fat ass' in orange across the porker. Subtitle and informative, enough to turn heads and prompt the question, "What's Club Fat Ass?" from the cashier in the grocery store checkout line.

On the back:

"I may be a fat ass, but I'm in front of you!" in orange. "www.ClubFatAss.com It's an endurance sports thing. You wouldn't understand)" in white. Provocative, but tasteful. It answers the question, "What is Club Fat Ass", but barely. The cashier checks out your butt.

 

On the right arm:

A small acknowledgement to Rackets and Runners for all of the help Kevin Thomson provided.

Our 2004 Poster Children

Rhonda Schuller

A Club Fat Ass member since 2003, Rhonda has a penchant for creative turns and alternate course routes. Despite the fact that she sometimes runs farther than she has to, Rhonda earned women's 50+ 2nd place in the 2002 Montrail BC Ultra Trail Running season and 1st place 2003 women's 50+ Iron Lung series.

Rob MacDonald

Club Fat Ass member #2! As of early 2004, Rob had run 27 ultras and 15 marathons including five Haney-to-Harrison 100K races and the Boston Marathon. While he feels like he's getting slower, he's still game to go 100-miles on a beer bet. He likes long runs in the woods where there's a chance of seeing some wildlife... and has been the wildlife at more than one Club Fat Ass finisher party!

2004 Club T-Shirt Survey Summary

Thank you for participating in our first annual club colours survey. The survey was conducted in October 2004. All Club members and newsletter subscribers were invited to participate. Here are the results:

Survey invitations sent:		175
Survey participants:		66	37.7%
Question	Options	#	%
1.Do you think a short sleeve t-shirt is a good garment?	Yes No No opinion	62 3 1	94% 4.5% 1.5%
2.How often do you wear your club colours?	Never <12 times a year <4 times a month 1-6 times a week	5 17 28 12	8.1% 27.4% 45.2% 19.3%
3.Where do you wear your club colours?	Don’t wear the shirt Only at CFA events Only in races Only in training Races and training Socially Anytime, anywhere	4 2 0 12 31 1 12	6.4% 3.2% 0% 19.4% 50% 1.6% 19.4%
4.Fabric. Assuming you like the t-shirt, which fabric do you prefer?	Technical fabric (as with current t-shirt) cotton	63 3	95.5% 4.5%
5. Shirt quality. The manufacturer of this years t-shirt was Gaia. Were you happy with it?	Yes No	46 9	83.6% 16.4%
specific comments regarding # 5:
wicking	- it didn't wick enough - the fabric became clammy during snowshoeing, and stuck to my skin. Not a pleasant shirt to wear as an underlayer during winter sports - Personel preferance is a cotton green shirt as I'm not a runner and don't require the extra high tech type of body fabric that most of your club might prefer for long runs. - Fabulous shirt,comfie and quick drying. Plus the colour was so distinctive it was easy to spot and cheer for another Fat Asser!
Chafing	- an excellent material and not as tough on the nipples! - For long runs, up to marathon, it rubbed more than some others of softer material (sore nipples). - two words: nipple irritation. The fabric is too rough on the inside and if I wear my GAIA shirt for runs longer than 30 minutes I feel it. No other technical shirt I use has this problem (Sugoi). Also I find the neck hole a bit larger than others which means the strap of my hydration pack is in contact with the collar, and worse, rubbing on the skin of my neck. - I had problems with chaffing the first few times I wore it but after half a dozen washes it was fine.
Sizing	- I really liked the quality and look but I found that the sizing on last year's T-shirt was on the small side and the cut of the shirt just didn't feel right. I found it to be uncomfortable to wear (even after losing weight) and therefore never have worn it out anywhere. If I had seen them before ordering I would have definitely ordered a man's shirt as they appeared to have a better cut. - Sizing - perfect ! Quality - rated 4 out of 5 , not as much give as other brands. I wanted to add that I was injured since January and now just coming back . I wore my shirt mostly to the gym , plus a few light jogs..... - nice light weight material; only downsize is it snagged easily. The women's shirt sizes were on the small side (this is mentioned on the website), but it be easier to just deal with on sizing for all. - quality was good but I thought the large size was larger than large so it makes a good nightgown if you know what I mean. - quality of material good, red good, very small sizing was problem
Screening	- The shirt itself was very nice. But the screening was poor quality - most of it is peeling off. Can we go with embroidery next time? - Good quality shirt. Just one issue with white text on back comings off partially. Perhaps just a single bad batch.
Material	- good quality, pills and snags a bit, but for the price... - I don't like the Gaia name on the front of the neck.I think it makes the shirt look a bit backwards.It should be on the back or somewhere else. - Fabric has runs after only wearing it a few times. - But I found the terri-clothe front panel to be a bit heavy (never used it for what it was designed for. - Very easily snagged and pulled, i.e. by velcro in the washing machine. Otherwise it's holding in there - I liked the material it was nice and light for hot days and racing. But also kept me warm on the cold days. I did notice that it got sags before I ever wore it in the woods? - Only thing is that the material is not a stretchy as I'd like as when it gets overly stretched in a particular area, it doesn't come back.
General	- Material seems excellent. No problems whatsoever. - Love it! Worked well for me. - not sure if they are local, maybe good to go with a group that supports trail running etc, like bone-dri, sugoi? - I much prefer the bone-dri line of clothing - It's my favourite shirt in terms of its feel-- the only reason I don't wear it more often is that I find the slogan a little "in your face"
6. Shirt cut. Do you think we should have different cuts of shirts for men and women?	Yes No No opinion	23 16 27	34.9% 24.2% 40.9 %
7. Screening. Has any of the lettering or logo come off your Club t-shirt?	Yes No	10 56	15.2% 84.8%
8. Were you happy with the overall design of the shirt?	Yes No	50 9	84.7% 15.3%
9. Colour classification. Should we have one colour for men and women?	Yes No No opinion	32 18 15	49.2% 27.7% 23.1%
10. Colour. What colour would you like the 2005 t-shirt to be?	Blue Yellow Orange White Black Other (earth tones, not olives and earth tones, dark green (2), not light blue, white, not white – will get stained, not yellow – attracts wasps, light to keep cool, red)	43 8 10 10 11 9	47.2% 8.8% 11.0% 11.0% 12.1% 9.9%
11. Do you have any other suggestions regarding the club colours	- add reflective stripes (2) - Patagonia brand - Long sleeve (1) - Different colour each year is nice - Not light blue with white - Light colours go better with different skin tones - Keep it distinctive (don’t go for black) - Overseas members should have the chapter country added to the shirt on the back - always the same shirt and colour, only for new members, not for renewing members - multi coloured -let 2005 be the year of the goths
12. Are you currently a member of Club Fat Ass?	Yes No No, but I am planning to join for 2005	63 2 1	95.5% 3% 1.5%

2003 T-Shirt (the "green" year)

Sorry, 2003 has come and gone and so has your chance to get the 2003 club colors!

Wendy and Brian model the inaugural 2003 Club Fat Ass "Club Colors"

 

The 2003 T-Shirt

Manufactured by Gaia. High quality technical t-shirt made with flo-tech fabric to keep you cool and dry. We went with separate men's and women's styles and colors to keep everyone happy. Different shades of green for boys and girls won out because our fashion experts recommend it.

On the front:

The Club Fat Ass porker logo and "promoters of oddball athletic events and a healthy, outdoor lifestyle" in white with 'club fat ass' in orange across the porker. Subtitle and informative, enough to turn heads and prompt the question, "What's Club Fat Ass" from the cashier in the grocery store checkout line.

On the back:

"I may be a fat ass, but I'm in front of you!" in orange. "www.Clubfatass.com It's an endurance sports thing. You wouldn't understand)" in white. Provocative, but tasteful. It answers the question, "What is Club Fat Ass", but barely. The cashier checks out your butt.

On the right arm:

A small acknowledgement to Rackets and Runners for all of the help Kevin Thomson provided.

Our 2003 Poster Children

Wendy Montgomery

One of the top ultramarathon runners and snowshoe runners in Canada. A mom. A businesswoman. A Club Fat Ass Event Host and Club Fat Ass member since 2003.

Brian Bjornson

A 2:25 marathoner who has recently gone over to the dark side of ultramarathon running. A Club Fat Ass Event Host and Club Fat Ass member since 2003.

2000 T-Shirt (the prototype)

Technically, there was no Club Fat Ass when this t-shirt hit the trails. We've included it in the archives, though, in the interest of being historically complete. There were only 100 made, so if you have one, don't use it to clean your bike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret MacDonald and Mary the Ultra-Hound model the prototype
(David Johnstone is Mary's Headless Master)

The T-Shirt

Simple cotton, but the price was right. An instant classic. Many thanks to Rackets and Runners and Kevin Thomson for their time and generosity.

2013 Calendar of Canadian Ultras

Please scroll to the bottom for instructions on how to print off a formatted version of this calendar, to submit a new ultra race, or to report errors or ommissions.

Canadian Ultrarunning Calendar Updates

This web page is intended to be a comprehensive list of all Canadian endurance sport "ultras". I have attempted to contact a representative of each event listed in this calendar to confirm accuracy. Where I did not get a response, I have included the month of the last known event and contact coordinates.

All calendar users: Please help us to keep this calendar up to date by telling me of any errors or omissions. If you are unsure of any information, please contact the race director.

Race directors: Please be sure to tell me of changes you make to your event. Please help me to promote your event and all Canadian ultras by linking to this calendar on your website.

Canadian Ultramarathon Race Series

There are a growing number of ultrarunning series in Canada. Each series has its own unique characteristics. Find out more by linking through to the appropriate information here.

Alberta Ultra Series | BC Ultra Series | Ontario Ultra Series | Club Fat Ass

Sibylle Tinsel
Chief Executive Fat Ass
Club Fat Ass

Ambassador Program

Under the Ambassador program, new members may choose to be contacted by a current club member after joining Club Fat Ass. The ambassador will help answer any questions, help identify suitable upcoming runs and where possible, coordinate to run with the new member at their first club event. To get in touch with an Ambassador, or if you are an existing member, who considers becoming an Ambassador, please contact Marc Schmitz.

Intention of program - welcome and buddy new members with outgoing, positive and supportive existing members to make new members feel welcome, provide trail familiarization and encourage repeat participation by new members.

Our Ambassadors - Currently we have Sibylle, Carlie, Ran, Ean, Craig and Marc serving as member ambassadors.

How it works - The ambassadors will contact new members, actively invite new members to upcoming events, run with the new member at initial event, possibly host a new flash orientation run of favourite routes.

Procedure

• upon being contacted by a new member, the ambassador coordinator would identify an appropriate ambassador (based on ability, pace, experience, geographic location, preferred run types) and email ambassador with details
• ambassador confirms ability to support new member with ambassador coordinator
• ambassador makes contact with new member and invites out to a suitable upcoming event. (ambassador profiles should have a photo for new members to identify them)
• new member and ambassador are buddied up for initial event. Includes making sure the new member has clear directions to start, meeting prior to start for introductions and introductions to other CFA members at the event, running with new member at initial event, post-run get together encouraged, follow-up with new member after the event (email/phone)

Are you considering to become an ambassador? Here is what it takes:

Ambassasor profile

• willing to make contact with new members (outgoing)
• willing to shepherd new member in initial event (pace, duration, etc)
• aware of CFA philosophy
   

Benefits to ambassadors

• Ambassadors would earn points (2) for the whole cycle of contact with a new member
• Ambassadors can take pride in inspiring the next generation of club members and outdoor enthusiasts