Greetings!
The winter storms that pounded the NW will not
stop us from running...the mega fat ass is still
on with changes to the course and the start.
The start is located down at Mima Falls
Trailhead/Campground near the Mima Mounds
Natural Area Preserve and Littlerock, WA.
Actually for those that have run the 50 miler,
this new course is part of the first loop of the
50 miler and is almost entirely on single track
trails, with one section of road for rerouting
around a huge blowout on the trail. There also
might be snow leftover on the ridge and a few
down trees and stream crossings but overall,
most of the course is snow free and will be more
runnable than the usual mega fat ass course up
Capitol Peak. The weather also looks favorable
all week and at least so far don't expect any
more snow, but who knows what to expect after
all what we've been through.
Mima Mounds campground is also easy to get to since
it's accessed entirely on paved roads, so no worries
about needing a 4x4! But please car pool if
possible as parking will be limited. Please park in
designated parking areas in the campground or along
Marksman Rd (facing south) but PLEASE DO NOT block
any driveways.
Camping is also permitted Friday night, and we
will unlock the gate after 12 noon on Friday if
you want to camp. However, please don't try and
use the well in the campground and bring your
own water.
We will have 2 checkpoints out on the
course where you can also fill up your bottles
with water (no food or other sports drinks...BYO
food!). And please bring something for the
post--race potluck (can of soup, chips or
whatever). Thanks also to the South Puget Mobile
Search and Rescue for helping out with radio
communication and parking!! And thanks to all
the Olympia Trail Runners for keeping this
tradition alive!
We're looking forward to this new course and are
so thankful to DNR for permitting this change of
the course and start due to all the snow up on
Capitol Peak. Remember this is a fat ass, so
no frills, no t-shirts, and above all no
whining:) But simply just a fun run in the
mud! We appreciate you all coming out to
support Friends of Capitol Forest, a non-profit
established to maintain trails in Capitol
Forest. See the website for driving directions
and the course change:
http://www.capitolpeakultras.com/cpmfaindex.htm
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
John Pearch