Willis River 35K & 50K Trail Runs

Embrace the raw, communal spirit of trail running at the Willis River 50k or less Fat Ass on January 4, 2026, starting from Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland, VA. This free, donation-based event offers a true fat-ass experience with three distinct distances: a demanding 50K, a scenic 35K on the Willis River Trail, and a 20K out-and-back, all featuring rolling hills, guaranteed stream crossings, and the camaraderie of shared effort. Runners are asked to contribute prepackaged food for a collective aid station, fostering a uniquely supportive atmosphere where the challenge of wet feet and beautiful, sometimes tricky-to-follow trails is part of the adventure.

With staggered starts beginning at 8:00 AM on January 4, 2026, this grassroots event is a celebration of self-reliance, fun, and Virginia's winter woodlands, supported only by water, course markings, and the generosity of the participants. It’s the perfect post-holiday reset for those seeking an unmediated, authentic connection to the trails and fellow runners, proving that the most memorable races are built on community, not commercial spectacle.