FAnTASStic Fun in the snow at the 3rd Annual Capitol Peak Mega-Fat Ass
The weather forecast predicted snow as low as 1000 ft in elevation all over western Washington, but that didn’t stop 130 runners and 20 dogs from toeing the line to face blizzard-like conditions at this year’s mega fat ass. The windy logging road to the start in the heart of Capitol State Forest also didn’t deter any of these runners! This year, some runners referred to the event as the mega-cold ass as some runners were zapped by the low temperatures and found the warm fire at the finish very inviting. This year’s event was a fundraiser for the Scott McQueeney family. Donations in excess of $1800 were raised for the education fund of Scott’s daughter, Shannon. Well above our $1500 goal, we are grateful to all who contributed.
Even though a fat ass doesn't typically have t-shirts, we made an exception this year. The run was dedicated to Scott McQueeney for his support both of this event and the ultra-trail running community. The t-shirt was designed by Chris Snow, who was able to redraw Scott’s mega-fat ass logo into a 2 color stencil. The front of the shirt stated: "Run backwards for Scott..." and the back read “...and live the McQueeney passion". Thank you Chris for the wonderful artwork!
The course was a 25 km loop repeated for the 50 km, which consisted of single-track trails, a few creek crossings and a 2000 ft continuous 6 mile climb up Capitol Peak. The 25 km loop had about 2800 feet of elevation gain. The snow began just before the start, and by the time runners got to the Capitol Peak, several inches of snow and howling winds waited for them at the summit. As runners finished, a fire waited at the Wedekind shelter; many runners talked about the times they fell or almost fell in the snow! There were 104 finishers in the 25 km, and 24 brave souls continued on for the 50 km finish,
Even in blizzard-like conditions and several inches of snow there were faster times then last year in both the 25 km and 50 km distances. Some personal records were set as a result, including Scott Jurek who ran 3 minutes faster then last year and Carol O'Hear (Seattle) who ran 26 minutes faster. Another noteworthy accomplishment achieved in this event was that this was Regan Pasco’s first (50 km+) ultra finish whom set out to conquer the 50 km distance, after participating in Scott Jurek’s trail running camp this past summer.
Ben Sauvage (Seattle) broke last years 25 km course record by 8 minutes. There were also some first time trail runners (both Olympia residents) in the 25 km which included Kyle Skaggs (age 18- 3rd overall) and Kendra Steinberger (age 20- 2nd female) who are both on the cross country teams for the Evergreen State College and St. Martins College, respectively. We are greatful to the mega-fat ass veterans who finished their third Mega Fat Ass including: Max Welker (50 km finish), Becky Wallick, Mike Britt and dogs Maia and Meadow (25 km finish).
This year’s event would not have been the same without the help of many people, organizations and sponsors. Hugh Ewing (Olympic Outfitters) and Dr. Buzz McDowell (Olympia Neurology) made critical contributions in various ways. Our race day volunteers provided top-notch service in less than top-notch conditions. And last but not least, we are sincerely blessed by Scott McQueeney who helped make this and many other ultrarunning events a success. We are grateful for the support he gave in the first two years of this event and will always remember to “run backwards and live the McQueeney passion!”
Applause to everyone for coming together for another fun run in the Forest!
Sincerely,
John Pearch
Co-Fat Ass Director