Q: I've never done a trail run before. Is this a good place to start?
A: If you can run 10-30k, on a hilly course, and carry your own aid, then sure!
Q: Can I run less than 10k or more than 30k?
A: Its a free country. Isn't it?
Q: How tough is the course?
A: Tough question to answer! How far are you running? HOW TOUGH DO YOU WANT IT TO BE?
Q: Do I really need to print off the course instructions and bring them with me?
A: Maps and course descriptions will be provided at this event because I am assuming my friends from the North are quite unfamiliar with this trail system.
Q: This event is free, but for Club Fat Ass members only. How do I get into the club?
A: There is no hazing ceremony like the Hash House Harriers if you join Club Fat Ass! Runners, walkers, hikers, triathletes, adventure racers, mountain bikers and anyone else interested in having fun in the great outdoors is welcome and can join the Club online for a nominal fee.
Q: Can I wait until the last minute and join at the start?
A: Sure, but if you want some home brewed beer rations at the finish, then please sign up in advance. Online registration for the Club and for this event is a snap and the best deal going, so just sign up now!
Q: It's a free world. What's to stop me from just running the course.
A: Nothing...however, if you insist on not registering, please don't take any of the aid intended for members. You will not get recognition in the results or be eligible for any draw prizes, your status will be noted in the results and you'll have to wear a black patch over one eye at the post run party. Furthermore, you won't be allowed into future CFA events until you come clean with past membership dues.
Q: What if I get lost?
A: You shouldn't get lost if you refer to the course instructions where you are faced with a choice of direction. If you do feel you are lost, ask someone...
Q: Do I get credit for any time I spend off-course?
A: Are you kidding? Getting lost is a rite of passage in CFA events. YOU WILL GET AN EXTRA BEER AT THE FINISH LINE! Most of the time, you can blame yourself for not paying attention. If you do find an obvious mistake in the course directions, point it out to the Event Host at the finisher banquet.
Q: It's a pain in my you-know-what to pause and read instructions. Couldn't you mark the course like just about every other running race I've ever been in?
A: Club Fat Ass events are supposed to be different than every other running race you've ever been in. As a Club Fat Ass Event Host, I have to commit to not putting chalk/flour on the ground, hanging surveyor tape in the trees, painting rocks with arrows, putting up signs or doing anything that might leave a trace of the event on the environment, as this is the way Mother Nature prefers. Besides, having to read written course directions tends to slow down the faster runners.
Q: What is the 'Rule of the Trail'?
A: If you pack it in, you can pack it out. (That means don't you dare litter!) Leave nothing but your footprints on the course. CFA strongly encourages you to pick up any trash you find along the trail and to present it to the Event Host at the finisher banquet. There may be a recognition award for the person who packs out more than they packed in.
Q: What if I have to heed the call of nature.
A: Please be discreet!
Q: What should I bring on race day?
A: Whatever you figure you will need given the weather, the distance you propose to run, your physical fitness on the day and your plans for after the run.
Weather. You can search out Bellingham, WA or zip code 98229 for a current forecast.
Distance. Since you are an experienced trail runner, you should know what you need. Water and food is an issue, so we recommend you carry at least 2 large bottles of fluid and plenty of trail chow.
Fitness. Since you are an experienced trail runner, you should know what you are capable of. If in doubt, take it easy and run a shorter distance.
Q: I am supposed to be self-sufficient because there is no aid provided. Can I get a friend to come out and give me food and drink along the route?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it would be nice if your friend were to help everyone. Click on crew tasks and aid station ideas for some thoughts on what some of the options are. Please have your friends and family members contact me and I will do all I can to insure that they have fun, as well.
Q: Can I bring my friends and family to the finisher party even if they didn't run or volunteer?
A: Absolutely! Please be sure to include them on your registration form so there will be room for them.
Q: Are there any trophies, prizes or other hardware or freebies?
A: If you assume there's no aid, no course marking, no t-shirt, no enthusiastic spectators and no prizes or freebies of any sort, you might be pleasantly surprised. Best you plan to show up at the finisher banquet!
Q: Is there anywhere at the start/finish where I might stash some dry gear, my wallet, etc?
A: Sure, in your car, Genissa's car, or a friend's car.
Q: How accurate is the course marking?
A: The course was measured by various agencies, i.e. Bellingham Parks Dept, DNR, etc. It should be accurate to within a few tenths of a mile.
Q: When will the 'official' results be available?
A: I hope to have the results up on the Chuckanut Calf Cramper website within 24 hours of the finisher banquet. I will also distribute the results to major local and national ultrarunning communities.