Capitol Peak Ultras: 2013 Capitol Peak Mega Fat Ass ready to go!

Greetings!

We are very excited that the Mega Fat Ass is all ready to go this Saturday January 19, 2013. We were successful in marking the course this past Saturday. The 17 mile course is completely snow free so far. However, the 34 mile course has about a foot and a half of snow that is all above 1800 feet. The snow this past weekend was frozen which if the weather holds like it has been should be ok to run over. For those planning to run the 34 mile, come prepared with yak tracks and running gaiters and other cold weather gear. The weather forecast calls for sunny and clear and in the low 40s next Saturday. But you never know what might change, so be prepared for the worst! It is a relief that we don't have a forecast like we did last year!!

Here are a few things to prepare for this weekends race.

If you haven't already done so...take the time to go online and purchase a discover pass. This may be for the person's car (with individual license plate) you may be carpooling with..HINT HINT!! The Discover Pass is NOT covered in the entry for the Mega Fat Ass or the Capitol Peak 50 mile/55k in April, so if you are planning to run either of these races or any other races that are on Washington state land (including WA state parks), you might as well purchase an Annual Pass.

http://discoverpass.wa.gov/

See the Discover Pass website FAQ site that will help answer any questions you may have. http://discoverpass.wa.gov/faq/

Also, we have decided to preserve the same course as last April's 55k for this years Mega Fat Ass 34 mile and 17 mile. However, there are new trail names that DNR have been out updating in the forest to reflect the new map, which is still in the works of being published. Some of the trail names on this map have been changed throughout Capitol State Forest, to reflect the new (not yet

published) DNR Capitol Forest Map. When in doubt, follow the red/yellow flagging or orange spray paint arrows to follow the Fat Ass course. https://www.capitolpeakultras.com/uploads/CPFatAssmap2013.pdf

Please thank the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue (SPSMSAR) for their continued support for Capitol Peak Ultras events! SSMSAR will be stationed at all the 3 checkpoints with water, but with no food...remember this is a fat ass so bring your own food. If you have a drop bag, we will have your drop bags taken to the Falls Creek station but not the other stations...so plan accordingly! Please clearly mark your name on your bag, otherwise you may not see it again.

For those running the 34 mile only, you can start at early (preferably 7am "on the nose" prior to the regular start) but please let us know you are starting early and remember there is no guarantee you will see your drop bag when you get to Falls Creek the first time.

Post-race potluck: please bring a can of chicken noodle soup or butternut squash soup (if vegetarian). We will cook it all together and be hot and ready at the finish. If you forget soup, we will also have Ramon noodles, hot coco and coffee also.

We have also received permission from DNR to use the new camp host shelter at Margaret McKenny campground for our finish post-race party. This camp shelter was built and funded from a joint effort of volunteers and DNR, which Capitol Peak Ultras supported the cause.

Camping will also be available for anyone wanting to stay Friday night January 18. Please make sure you have a Discover Pass. If the gate is closed, it will only be latched and not locked. Please relatch the gate after you enter the campground Friday night. Please park in designed parking or campground but not immediately next to the finish line shelter. There will not be camping available Saturday night, since this event is specially permitted for Friday night and Saturday only.

Also, we will also be giving out bib numbers before the start. Even if you already registered, please come early (prior to 7:30am) and you will receive a bib number upon a receiving your signed DNR waiver. If you haven't signed up yet, online registration will be available until Thursday 1/17/13 at 11:59pm at the following link: http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=18068

Or if anyone misses the online registration, there will be day of race registration available.

Additional donations to Friends of Capitol Forest will also be much appreciate...FOCF are the ones who help built the new shelter at Margaret McKenny campground and have worked hard on many hundreds of hours each year on trail projects in Capitol Forest! They will also be out at Falls Creek to cheer you all on!

See you all soon this Saturday!

Thanks for all your continued support!