Willis River Fat Ass
January 28, 2024
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Starting at FREE
Event Details
Registration Options
50k – FREE
35k – FREE
20k – FREE
Your donations fuel this race. Runners donate money at check-in to help cover permits, portajohns, and marking the trail.
Start Times
50k – 8:00 am
35k – 8:05 am
20k – 8:10 am
Course Description
Runners begin at the Cumberland multi-use trail trailhead in Bear Creek Lake State Park. After a short stretch (.2 miles) on this they turn left onto the Willis River Trail. They follow this for roughly 6 miles until they come to the first aid station. They have the option of turning around at this aid station. This is the 20k turnaround. Runners continue from the aid station to the next aid station on Game Farm Road. This is the turnaround for everyone. They then retrace their route back to the 21k aid station and back to the start. Once at the start, they have completed roughly 35k. If they want to complete a full 50k, they turn right onto the Willis River Trail from the start line and follow it down to Winston Lake. This is the final turnaround and aid station. They then return to the start.
In race distance switches are allowed. If you are a 35k runner and decide to turn around at the first aid station you will become a 20k finisher. If you are a 50k runner and only complete 35k, then you get credit for a 35k finish.
**This is a rough course! The trail does not see much use during the year and is also rerouted frequently by trail maintainers. You must follow the white blazes and white engineer tape closely. If you just put your head down and run you will probably run bonus miles. There are also numerous river crossings. It’s a winter run. Accept that your feet will get wet and embrace the suck!
There is a 1 pm hard cutoff for everyone to have returned to the start line from the 20k and 35k courses. Runners returning before 1 pm have the option of attempting the 50k course. Anyone completing the 20k/35k sections after 1 pm will be classified as a 20k/35k finisher but will not be eligible to complete the 50k. There is a 4:30 pm cutoff time for the 50k. Every 50k runner must check in with the RD prior to beginning the last 15k.
Packet Pick up will be available beginning at 6am at the race start/finish line. This is located at Trailhead Parking in Bear Creek Lake State Park. Parking is available down by the beach area. Please do not park in the grass!
Aid Stations
There are 4 aid stations in the race. Because the race is a fat ass, runners bring food to share at the aid stations. Please only bring food that other people would like to eat. Do not bring expired food or food that is near the expiration date. The RD provides water. Runners provide everything else.
The first aid station is the 20k turnaround. 35k and 50k runners pass this station heading out and returning to the finish.
The second aid station is the 35k and 50k turnaround on Game Farm Road. Runners come to this aid station and turn around.
The start/finish line serves as an aid station for runners heading out to complete the last 15k of the 50 miler.
The 50k turnaround is at Winston Lake. Runners hit this aid station and return to the finish.
Drop Bags
There are no drop bags at this race. Runners attempting the 50k will have access to their gear at the start/finish line at the 35k mark.
Pacers
Pacers are not permitted for this race.
Dogs/Strollers
Strollers are not permitted. Dogs are allowed with prior coordination with the RD.
Lodging
There are cabins in Bear Creek Lake State Park. The nearest hotels are in Charlottesville and Farmville.
Discounts
This race is FREE so no discounts are needed.
Awards/Swag
Every runner will receive a hearty congratulations upon finishing and also maybe a puppy.
