Q: I've never done a trail run before. Is this a good place to start?
A: It depends. Are you realistic about the distance you are thinking about running, well-prepared to run it and totally self-sufficient? If so, go for it! If in doubt, pick a shorter distance this time so you don't kill yourself, and come back to set the course record next year.
Q: Can I run less than 6k or more than 50M?
A: Absolutely! Just turn around when you like since the 6k Easy Ass is an out and back. To make it longer, you can add in an additional out and back through the lovely Milcreek Ravine or a loop around Goldbar Park. Or just do the whole thing twice!!If you want to run more than 50M, you will get special recognition as a certified glutton for punishment. We strongly recommend you have a pacer for any distance over 50M and that you carry a cell phone so you can call someone to pick you up when you expire.
Q: How tough is the course?
A: Tough question to answer! How far are you running? How fast? How well are you trained? There are rolling hills through out but no mountains. Be prepared for river valley running though.
Q: Do I really need to print off the course instructions and bring them with me
A: Yes. Without the detailed instructions or an intimate familiarity with the run route, you will get lost.
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! Runners, walkers, hikers, triathletes, adventure racers, mountain bikers and anyone else interested in having fun in the great outdoors is welcome and can register online for a nominal fee.
Q: Can I wait until the last minute and join at the start?
A: Yes, but you make it easier on us when you preregister. Last minute registrations have to be added by hand to the registration list and results, preregistrations can be downloaded. Remember CFA events like to keep it simple and your event host wants to run as well.
Q: It's a free world. What's to stop me from just running the course.
A: Nothing... in fact, we strongly encourage you to run the course often in training! We prefer that you do not 'bandit' the course on event day, however. If you insist, 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 and you'll have to wear a black patch over one eye at the banquet. Furthermore, you won't be allowed into future 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... If you always get lost, bring a cell phone or a quarter for the pay phone, and make sure you have alerted someone that you might call for help or directions!
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 runs. 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 for a free beer!
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 an 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. We strongly encourage 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: There are washrooms in Hawrlack Park and throughout the river valley. Please refer to your course outline for additional info.
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. Some thoughts are on the event agenda.
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.
Time. It gets dark by around 9:00pm, If you think you might be on the course after darkness falls, we encourage you to start an hour early, carry a headlamp and have a pacer for the last 10K or so. Remember, despite this being a trail run, you can always walk south or north to get out of the river valley if darkness "surprises" you.
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 us and we will do all we 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: How accurate is the course marking?
A: The course was measured with Edmonton's trail guide and then additionally with a GPS.
Q: When will the 'official' results be available?
A: We hope to have the results up on The Slack Ass website within 24 hours of the finisher banquet. We will also distribute the results to major local and national ultrarunning communities.
