Catherine's Fat Ass

Catherine's Fat Ass

Catherine's Fat Ass is a roughly 50 km trail run on the southern Massanutten range, starting at the Route 211 east trailhead. The course measures 29.75 miles with about 5,700 feet of total ascent and descent. The route passes rocky climbs, smooth wooded trails, mossy creek beds, maintained dirt and gravel roads, and several overlooks with views of the Shenandoah Valley.

The course has six aid stations: Bird Knob (stations 1 and 6), Catherine's Furnace (stations 2 and 5), Morgan Run (station 3), and Pitt Spring (station 4). Aid stations 1, 2, 5, and 6 are fully stocked; stations 3 and 4 provide water only. Runners are assigned items to contribute to the common aid at Bird Knob and at the Catherine's Furnace aid station; the club and volunteers add additional supplies.

Runners must remain on the marked course; if a runner leaves the course they are required to withdraw at an aid station and notify the aid station captain. A GPX file, course map, and turn sheet exist for the course. The start/finish area is the Route 211 Commuter Parking Lot, where a post-run gathering is held after finishes.

The event has been held since 2001. The organizing club states that no medical personnel or medical supplies are provided on course or at aid stations; runners are responsible for their own health, safety, and emergency care. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.