Author: Adam Bratton Read Time: 2 mins The term “Fat Ass” has raised a few eyebrows as we’ve teased a new Human Powered Movement experience over the past few months. Most people we’ve talked with have never heard the term in relation to a running event before. Worse yet, some have been straight up offended by what they assumed we just called them! It's not what you think ... but here’s what you need to know about “Fat Ass” style running events, and how you can try one yourself. We’re all familiar with “traditional” running races … 5Ks, 10Milers, Marathons, etc. Although nothing completely new, HPM fancies itself on bringing alternative events to the table like Psychoactive: A Last Runner Standing Event and Perennial: A Time Based Endurance Run. These provide an alternative option (IE: Running Parties) for the HPM community. That’s essentially what Fat Ass events are … another way to get people celebrating human motion. WHAT IS A FAT ASS STYLE RUNNING EVENT? Most often seen in the trail running world, Fat Ass events focus sharply on camaraderie over competition. Many have what you’d expect from a “traditional” race … an overly passionate Race Director, a marked course, sharing strides with your running mates, and a great excuse to spend a few hours out in nature. What you typically don’t see are registration fees, age group awards, robust timing systems, or uber competitive spirit. Simply put, Fat Ass events are unsanctioned social gatherings for people who run for the love of the sport. These events also aim to remove potential financial, social, physical or emotional “barriers” to the sport by keeping things super bare bones and stress free. WHAT IS THE FORMAT? Due to the social and grassroots approach, the format of Fat Ass events can vary wildly. Some have defined distances or time frames others have a “drop in” style format. Often Fat Ass events are held on a looped course that can be run as many (or as few) times as the participant’s heart desires. All have a low cost or zero registration fees (many have a suggested donation for a beneficiary) which also means that participants should expect to be self-sufficient throughout (vs getting nutrition and hydration at a full-blown Aid Station). WHY DO A FAT ASS EVENT? Clearly, that is entirely up to you! If you prefer to snag another race shirt, Finisher Medal, Age Group Award or see how you stack up against your archrival in the standings, then Fat Ass events are not going to be able to deliver that experience for you. If you are looking for a more casual, stripped down and social reason to get out of bed and run your own distance, at your own pace, for your own reasons while supporting the grassroot community, then a Fat Ass style event might just be the ticket for you. WHAT IS HUMAN POWERED MOVEMENT’S FAT ASS STYLE EVENT? This Journal is clearly geared towards Fat Ass style running events, but the concept can be geared towards other sports as well … running, cycling, paddling and more … that is exactly what we are doing! We’re super stoked to announce 2 new HPM opportunities to #GetUpGetOutGetMoving in December of 2024. Both are Fat Ass/Bare Bones style events. Both and are also Carbon Negative events which reinforces our steadfast commitment to supporting our environment in everything that we do. Both are designed to deliver on our mission of “Inspiring More Activity In People’s Lives” Check the links below for details and join us in our latest “Fat Ass” and community building adventure. Journal - What Is A Fat Ass Style Running Event?Comments are closed.
|
Human Powered JournalWritings and musings of an active lifestyle
Author
Adam Bratton is the Founder and Head Enabler at Human Powered Movement. Guest Contributors are more compelling in written word and life in general. Categories
All
|