How to Host an Island Fat Ass Event

Step 1. Come Up with an Idea

This is the fun part. Pick a theme, concept, and interesting place to run. Have an idea for dates and time of day. Find a graphic for the event page. Need some help? Check out our list of past events for inspiration. Remember, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Simple and low-key is how we roll.

Step 2. Plan and Map the Route

It might take a couple of excursions to get the route right but it’s a great excuse to get to know the local trails better. This is also a good time to run your emerging plans by the Island Fat Ass steering committee to make sure there are no conflicts. 

You can map out your route first to get a gpx track or record a track as you run it. Either way, create a gpx file and run it again to check that the directions make sense. If you're super old school, a paper map and written route description can work as well.

Please use a free route mapping program that allows everyone to download the gpx file. We recommend: https://www.plotaroute.com/

Step 3. Pick a Date and Time 

Decide on a date and time. Best to avoid date conflicts with other IFA events or larger local races, but that can't always be avoided! Some hosts like to plan an apres-event social gathering. This is completely optional and can be kept very casual at a nearby pub or coffee shop.

Step 4. Send Info to the Steering Committee

Fill out the Submit a New Event form to send all your event details to the steering committee. They will contact you to complete the set-up for your event on the IFA website and Strava group.

Step 5. Get Ready for the Event 

Print out a results sheet.

Step 6. Event Day

Get there early. As people show up, make sure they sign in with a phone number and remind them to record their results when they finish. Before it starts – take a starter photo. As people finish, make sure they sign out and check that everyone survived.

Step 7. Post Results and Photos

Email islandfatass@gmail.com to get a link to record everyone's results in the archives for all time. Post a recap, starter photo, any other photos to the Strava group newsfeed.