By HPRS Staff
August 27, 2020
Since 2005, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix has hosted a number of yearly Fat Ass events. First in New Hampshire (2005-2011), then in Colorado (2011-Present), The Human Potential Running Series (HPRS) is entering it’s 16th Season of Fat Ass fun.
HPRS was born out of its Fat Ass Series that rose in popularity to average 100 runners per Fat Ass in the winter of 2013-2014. Since then the series has gone through a few different iterations of Fat Asses to try and dial in a series that is respectful of group size regulations within local land jurisdictions. As we enter our 16th season, we are confident that this will be our biggest and best Fat Ass Series yet.
The “Fat Ass” is a tradition within the sport of ultra running that dates back to the late 1970s. Traditionally they have been known to operate under the moniker of “No Awards. No Aid. No Wimps.” Historically, you’d find exactly that here. To learn more about the history of Fat Ass Runs, please CLICK HERE. All things must change, and as the world around us continues to evolve, so too must the traditions of Fat Assing. There’s still no aid, no wimps, no wining; but it’s time to separate from the traditions of No Fees, and No Awards.
HPRS is proud to introduce our 16th Annual Fat Ass Series, a virtual series that maintains our classic traditions in Colorado, and affords countless others to join us virtually from wherever they are. The new series features three options of Fat Assing:
- The Colorado Classic Series where Coloradoans will run a 20-run series of pre-designed routes participants may complete as many miles as they can or want of.
- The Vertical Challenge where participants can participate from wherever they are by amassing as much vertical as possible in just 20 runs over the course of five months.
- The Distance Challenge where participants can participate from wherever they are by amassing as many miles as possible in just 20 runs over the course of five months.
The 16th Annual Series will cost $60 to enter and comes with a host of swag not limited to a designer bib celebrating your accomplishment, an award from Elevation Culture, and a Fat Ass sticker. The cost of entry also covers the administrative fees required to compensate HPRS for the heavy task of virtually tracking all participants. Runners will utilize the RunSignUp platform to earn milestone badges, and will be competing for prizes (Comp races!) to overall winners and age group winners.
Traditionally, yearly members of HPRS would gain entry into our Fat Ass Series free of charge, a perk included in the price of membership. This year, since we do require a registration fee for the series, we will offer a 50% off ($30) discount to 2021 HPRS Crew and Adversity Level Members, and a 10% discount to Pace Level Members. Crew and Adversity Members will still have the opportunity to increase their HPRS race registration member discount through participation in the series. Simply put, we’re rewarding runners who train through the winter with us by increasing your member discount based on your collective effort. This will hold true regardless of the Fat Ass Option you’re participating in.
Live in Pennsylvania and taking on the Vertical Challenge? You can earn up to a 25% off HPRS Race Registration discount by becoming a Crew or Adversity Member first, registering for the Vertical Challenge, then reaching elevation gain milestones along the way.
We’re gearing up for an amazing winter with countless runners who wish to join us for the largest Fat Ass Series in the world. While things may look a little different, and the traditionalists may scoff at this iteration of the Fat Ass, we remain true to our roots: We are focused on community and bettering the ultrarunning world around us.. all year round.
To learn more about The HPRS Fat Ass Series CLICK HERE
Let’s Move Mountains This Winter!
