Frequently Asked Questions
When is the run?
The 2022 Rocky 50k Fat Ass Run will be held on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at 7 AM.
Is this an official race? Will the roads be closed?
No, this is not an official, sanctioned race, but a fat ass run (see question below for definition). This means the roads will not be closed and runners will need to follow all traffic laws, including staying on sidewalks, stopping at red lights, etc.
What is a fat ass run?
By definition, "FAT ASS is the name given to a series of low key runs that are frequented by experienced runners & walkers and characterized by the phrase "No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps". Yes, the runs are totally free to enter and are put on by passionate runners who are also running. Because the runs are not races in any sense, there is no guarantee of anything other than a course to run. There are no course marshals, and no course markers, and you should not expect any aid either. They are an exercise in self-help."
How long is this run? Do I have to do all of it? Can I join or cut out part way through the run?
The run is mapped out at 50k long or 31 miles, which starts in south Philadelphia and finishes on the Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs. If you are not capable of finishing 50k and choose to only run part of it, the course weaves throughout the city of Philadelphia, giving runners the option to drop out at any point. There will not be pick-ups, rides, or anything of that nature for a runner who cannot continue the run. Runners should familiarize themselves with public transportation options and/or have money for a taxi if they need to drop. Each runner is to understand their own abilities and participate knowing their limits.
If I decide to cut the run short, how will I get to the finish/my hotel/home?
Runners should familiarize themselves with the public transportation options and their costs ($2.50 cash/ride on SEPTA). Rides will not be provided for runners cutting the run short.
Wait, if this isn't a race, will you be providing water/aid/GUs/food/etc.?
No. The beauty of a run like this in Philadelphia is that you can carry what you need and if you need anything more, you have the 5th largest city at your fingertips. For most of the run, runners will have access to stores, shops, water fountains, and other places to beverages and food. The spreadsheet will note the few stretches where access to purchasing food and beverages is limited.
Will there be bibs, shirts, or medals?
Nope. Again, as this is a fat ass run and NOT an official, sanctioned race, none of these items will be provided.
What time does the run start?
Pre-run meeting will happen at 6:55 AM to remind runners of any information they need and to answer any questions. The run start is 7 AM sharp.
Will there be course markings?
There will not be. Runners are encouraged to bring their own print-outs of the map and turn-by-turn directions.
Where does the run start?
The run starts at the corner of Wolf St. and S. Lambert St., Philadelphia, PA, 19145.
Do I need to show up in grey sweats, a red sweatband, and Chucks?
Of course, no one is required to dress in any particular manner, but if you feel obliged to don grey sweats, go for it! Remember, this is 50k long, but you'll find plenty of grey sweats at the start!
Where did the idea come from for this Rocky 50k Run?
Props to Dan McQuade's article in the Philadelphia Magazine. Man is a genius.
Is there anyone else that should be thanked?
There are too many people that deserve thanks, but special shout-outs go out to Ryan Starr for the logo, Jaime Kaplan for design help, Audrey Schaefer for being a personal copy editor and support system, and Adrienne Mauro for sending the article along and encouraging this run to occur in the first place.
This event is not sponsored by or endorsed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc.
The 2022 Rocky 50k Fat Ass Run will be held on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at 7 AM.
Is this an official race? Will the roads be closed?
No, this is not an official, sanctioned race, but a fat ass run (see question below for definition). This means the roads will not be closed and runners will need to follow all traffic laws, including staying on sidewalks, stopping at red lights, etc.
What is a fat ass run?
By definition, "FAT ASS is the name given to a series of low key runs that are frequented by experienced runners & walkers and characterized by the phrase "No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps". Yes, the runs are totally free to enter and are put on by passionate runners who are also running. Because the runs are not races in any sense, there is no guarantee of anything other than a course to run. There are no course marshals, and no course markers, and you should not expect any aid either. They are an exercise in self-help."
How long is this run? Do I have to do all of it? Can I join or cut out part way through the run?
The run is mapped out at 50k long or 31 miles, which starts in south Philadelphia and finishes on the Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs. If you are not capable of finishing 50k and choose to only run part of it, the course weaves throughout the city of Philadelphia, giving runners the option to drop out at any point. There will not be pick-ups, rides, or anything of that nature for a runner who cannot continue the run. Runners should familiarize themselves with public transportation options and/or have money for a taxi if they need to drop. Each runner is to understand their own abilities and participate knowing their limits.
If I decide to cut the run short, how will I get to the finish/my hotel/home?
Runners should familiarize themselves with the public transportation options and their costs ($2.50 cash/ride on SEPTA). Rides will not be provided for runners cutting the run short.
Wait, if this isn't a race, will you be providing water/aid/GUs/food/etc.?
No. The beauty of a run like this in Philadelphia is that you can carry what you need and if you need anything more, you have the 5th largest city at your fingertips. For most of the run, runners will have access to stores, shops, water fountains, and other places to beverages and food. The spreadsheet will note the few stretches where access to purchasing food and beverages is limited.
Will there be bibs, shirts, or medals?
Nope. Again, as this is a fat ass run and NOT an official, sanctioned race, none of these items will be provided.
What time does the run start?
Pre-run meeting will happen at 6:55 AM to remind runners of any information they need and to answer any questions. The run start is 7 AM sharp.
Will there be course markings?
There will not be. Runners are encouraged to bring their own print-outs of the map and turn-by-turn directions.
Where does the run start?
The run starts at the corner of Wolf St. and S. Lambert St., Philadelphia, PA, 19145.
Do I need to show up in grey sweats, a red sweatband, and Chucks?
Of course, no one is required to dress in any particular manner, but if you feel obliged to don grey sweats, go for it! Remember, this is 50k long, but you'll find plenty of grey sweats at the start!
Where did the idea come from for this Rocky 50k Run?
Props to Dan McQuade's article in the Philadelphia Magazine. Man is a genius.
Is there anyone else that should be thanked?
There are too many people that deserve thanks, but special shout-outs go out to Ryan Starr for the logo, Jaime Kaplan for design help, Audrey Schaefer for being a personal copy editor and support system, and Adrienne Mauro for sending the article along and encouraging this run to occur in the first place.
This event is not sponsored by or endorsed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc.