Updated FAT ASS 2011 ... Registration and Details

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FOREWORD

Alright, this cannot be postponed any longer. FAT ASS 2011 will be held early next month. The news seems to have travelled far and wide. For instance, my runner (Bles) and I (as pacer) during yesterday's Quezon City International Marathon overheard a group of runners talking about FAT ASS while they were running unmindful that one of its organizers was around :) They thought it is a 2-day event and all that stuff. We chuckled.

Seriously, FAT ASS is the only event that is fitting for those running 2011's big races - BDM102/160 and 2011 King of the Mountain 145 miles (232kms). It is the only running event which is free of registration fee, no pre-race jitters, no hassles, relaxed atmosphere and yet you would find yourself in the company of some of the competitive and/or veteran ultrarunners. Camaraderie is certainly the defining quality which binds ultrarunners. Sadly, this is not prevalent in short races even in marathon. If you are one of those who are planning and in fact have registered for BDM102 or BDM 160, then it will do you well to join FAT ASS. We reiterate that this is not a race but a running event that is first of its kind in the Philippines.

When we conceived FAT ASS, our main goals were to commemorate Don's accident and to lose those unwanted pounds after the holiday merriment. Now it has evolved into a new specie of running event. If Don and I were not the organizers, we would definitely be joining again the full 24-hour run. In 2011 edition, we have decided to alternately join the 12-hour event just so we can serve you well our fellow runners :) If you want to know more about the 2010 edition, just browse the FAT ASS 2010 label on the right side of this blog.

Registration for the 2nd edition of FAT ASS is initially limited to 150 runners only due to permit issue. So this is on a FIRST-POST, FIRST-ENTRY basis. Please inform your friends and those who are interested soon. We will give priority to 24 and 12 hour runners. Organizers reserve the right to limit, disallow, nullify and modify registration entries as they see fit. Their decision on all matters affecting the conduct of FAT ASS is final and unappealable.

The COMMENT section below is for registration, please strictly follow this format to make it easy for us. Only complete registration will be processed:
event
full name
nickname
sex
age
email
mobile number
t-shirt size (leave blank if not interested)
suggestion, if any
NOTE: In the event of technical glitch, the secondary mode of registration is by email to atty.jonnifer@gmail.com. The registration via this blog though is the primary and official entry.

FAT ASS 2011
Categories:                  24, 12 and 6-hour events
When:                           8-9 January 2011

Start:                            24 hours - 6AM of 8 January 2011
                                      12 hours - 6AM or 6PM - same -
                                      6 hours - 6AM, 12 noon of 8 January or 12 midnight of 9 January 2010          

Where:                           Clark Parade Ground, Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines
Course:                          Loop of 2.2kms
Weather:                        Cool in the evening and morning but hot around noontime
Registration fee:            not applicable, zero, nada, zilch
Deadline for registration:  03 January 2011 or as soon as the 150 slots are taken
Awards:                            2011 FAT ASS Kings and Queens for the 24, 12 and 6 hours
Course records to break:
                           24 hours                           12 hours                             6 hours

Male:         Albert Sama  (114k)   Bonifacio Dalisay   (72.6k)   Jerry Guiao    (48.4k)
Female: Elizabeth Siojo (94.6k) Priscila Hernandez (59.4k)Blesilda Gimeno (33k)

Organizer's NOTE:   Non-ranking and unoffical record distance for 24 hours is 123.2k by one of the organizers. With the experience of runners in joining ultra races this year, these course records can be easily broken. We predict that runners joining the big races in 2011 will run FAT ASS 2nd edition competitively. For instance, 140-170k in 24 hours is easily within reach, 90-110k in 12 hours and 55-65k in 6 hours.

DETAILS
MAP:   Please check these maps for important details:

DIRECTION & LOOP: Start of the run for 24-hour runners will be counterclockwise and every 6 hours, runners will have to reverse their loop. Runners joining the 12 and 6 hour runs, will be in counterclockwise and clockwise directions, respectively. In this way, all runners will be going the same direction and can pace or keep each other's company. Most importantly, this direction will have the sun behind the runners. The loop (see image below) is covered by trees on both sides. In the event the Parade Ground loop becomes too congested for runners, we will request CDC (as the adminstrator of Clark) to use the road parallel to the loop. This will be closed to traffic and vehicles.

COURTESY TO NON-FAT ASS RUNNERS USING THE SAME LOOP: Clark Parade Ground is a public place and thus, there will be non-FAT ASS runners using the same loop during the early morning and late afternoon of Saturday and even more on the 2nd day (Sunday) of FAT ASS. These are  locators/residents, non-competitive runners (who perhaps have never joined a race) and joggers who just want to exercise. Some of them with their family and children playing and/or out on a picnic at the same venue. Please be courteous when passing them. A simple "Excuse me" or "Passing" will suffice. We do not want any complaint from them and risk subsequent editions of FAT ASS being banned. The sight, however, of these joggers, children, sports enthusiasts, et. al. will lend a family-feel to our event and make you run stronger, faster. At least, that was my experience. Who knows these non-FAT ASS runners might be motivated to take up running as part of their lifestyle when they see us having fun.

KEEP THE NOISE DOWN:  You, your friends and crew can hold BBQ party, have a few drinks and have fun but keep the volume low. This is self-explanatory. While you are at it, cheer on the runners as they pass by.

KEEP THE AREA CLEAN: Used gel wraps and other garbage/litters must be disposed of properly. We should know any better. All runners and crew must clean the area where they camped during the race. Our utility boys will help though (see below).

RUNNING AT NIGHT: Some sections of the loop is not well lit. Runners may want to bring their headlamp as the loop is uneven asphalt lane. Please be careful at night by watching your footing.

RUN BIB: All runners are required to provide their own run bib with the number designated for them before the event. Bib size is uniform in size: 8x8 inches of any material (except paper). Red number for 24 hours, blue for 12 hours and green for 6 hours on a white background. No run bib, no run policy will be enforced.

RUNNERS' NAME TAG: All runners will provide their own name tag which must be worn on their shirt (chest) at all times. The reason for this is simply to carry on the tradition of FAT ASS last year and that is camaraderie. Last year, we all know each other's name. We cannot achieve this however if we are all strangers during the 2nd edition. This will be enforced as well.

CHECKPOINT: There will be only 1 checkpoint with staff and volunteers. Runners' loops will be recorded on a white board, log sheets and using stickers, if needed. Log sheets will be the official record. All runners will log in their time/loop everytime they reach the checkpoint. All entries will be countersigned by the organizer or authorized staff. Entries with no countersign of the organizers will not be counted. Please call the attention of the organizer or any of the volunteers on this. So it will be the primary responsibility of each runner to make their loops official and counted.

MUSIC: Just like last year, a sound system blaring energetic/rock/lively/tempo songs will be played for 24-hours especially during the late evening and wee hours in the morning. If you want any song included, please email me or bring your iPod or CD during the race. Discretion will be exercised by the organizers.
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FOOD & FLUID DONATION: Runners are encouraged to donate food and fluid. These will be placed on a table near the checkpoint. These are in addition to  the minimal provisions like banana, water, boiled eggs, salt, etc. Instant coffee will be served during the night portion of the run. All donations will be duly recorded and acknowledged. Please call our attention before doing so. NOTE: The food and fluid on the table are not meant to sustain the runners during the entire duration of his chosen event. These are just "additions". For emphasis, runners will be responsible to bring their own food for himself and his crew, if any, for the entire duration of the run. Please observe this rule properly. Last year's food station:

CREW & PACER: Pacers are allowed but they are prohibited to carry anything for the runner to encourage self-sufficiency. No need to carry anything anyway since it is only a 2.2k loop.

TENT: Runners can put up their own tent if they so wish ideally in the designated area as shown in the map. Several tents however will be put up and runners can use them. Please share the same with other runners as these are limited in numbers.

RESTROOMS: At least two (2) comfort rooms will be open for the entire duration of the event as shown in the map. The Aerobics Gym has shower rooms so runners can use them while the one near inside the tennis court is good enough for calls of nature.

BREAK: Runners can always take a break and even sleep but should bring their own sleeping mat, etc. Organizers do not mind how you spend your breaks. You can watch a movie, play casino (others did this last year!), crosstrain like biking, swimming, etc.  We do not mind at all. It is your call.  Runners who take a break and leave the designated loop will have to return to the same spot before proceeding again. If your break will take longer as usual, please advise the organizer accordingly.

PARKING LOT: The designated parking lot is the only area where all runners and their respective crew should park their own vehicles which is very convenient for runners. This is just a few feet away from the checkpoint.

GEAR: It is cold during the night and early morning in January… at least in Clark. So plan accordingly.

CERTIFICATE: Certificates will be given at the end of the run on 09 January 2011 after the awarding. Please wait for them as we print them while you wait. Only runners with minimum 10 loops in any event will be entitled to receive the certificate and other freebies or to join the raffle, if any.

LAST LOOP BEFORE CUT-OFF TIME (6AM of 09 JANUARY 2011) - The last completed loop before the cut-off time will be considered as the official recorded loop. Uncompleted loop will not be counted.

WAIVER: As standard in all Fat Ass runs of this nature, all participants will sign a waiver before running. Runners are advised to come at least 30 minutes before their chosen event to register and sign the waiver. No waiver, no run policy will be imposed.

DRINKING BOTTLES, CUPS, ETC: To avoid unnecesary litters during the event, runners will have to bring their own bottles, cups (for coffee), etc. and use them for refill. We have seen too many plastic litters (cups, bottles) during and after running events. It is time to help the environment.

RUNNING CLUBS' BANNERS/TARPAULINS: Running clubs or groups whose members are joining the event may hoist their banners near the checkpoint for promotional purposes. Please coordinate with the organizer before doing this. Banners of corporate sponsors will have to be approved by race organizers.

COMMEMORATIVE SHIRT: Last year, we had Fat Ass t-shirts courtesy of Don. This year, it is likely that those interested to have one will have to shoulder the expense on his/her own. Please check the blog posts on this for more information.

MONETARY DONATION FOR UTILITY PERSONNEL: Please feel free to donate cash for our two (2) hired utility boys. Just like last year, we pooled our resources just so we could pay them justly as they were up the whole 24 hours and beyond. It made our jobs easier and the runners happier. Please note that they would be away from their families and in essence, working. Their tasks are to clean the area during and after the event, run some errands, bring back the site into its original condition which includes dismantling what needs to be dismantled, etc. Basically manual jobs. Thus, it is only just and proper that they should be reasonably paid. Donations will be duly acknowledged.

Cheers,

Jon and Don