The Willis River 50k or less Fat Ass returns again this year. The race features three options: a 50k, a 35k and a 20k. The 35k runs much of the Willis River Trail. The course features stream crossings, rolling hills, and a guarantee of wet feet! Those running the 50k will run the 35k, return to the start and then run the Bear Creek 10 miler portion. Those running the 20k will run to the first aid station, turn around and return. The cost of the race is free. However runners are asked to bring a food donation to share with other runners. The Race Director will provide water, portajohn, and mark the course. Donations are appreciated to cover the cost of the permit, insurance and portajohn. The race is a Fat Ass event. I am going to provide water, portajohns and mark the course. I ask that you bring prepackaged food only that can be shared/given to other runners. By that I mean items that are in individual containers. In light of COVID anything that can be touched by multiple people will be thrown away You're running this event because you want a challenge and to have fun. The course is wet, hilly and sometimes hard to follow. If you get lost, don't worry. Someone else made the same mistake. But you'll get there. Just backtrack to the last White Blaze Event's current local time: 10:49 AM ET
Jan 03, 2027
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
08:00
Jan 03, 2027
Distance — 35K
Type — Running
08:05
Jan 03, 2027
Distance — 20K
Type — Running
08:10
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Cumberland.
Learn more about the host city, Cumberland.
Cumberland is a census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of Cumberland County, Virginia, United States. Cumberland lies along U.S. Route 60 and State Route 45. It is 48 miles (77 km) west of Richmond and 51 miles (82 km) east of Amherst. The population as of the 2020 census was 365.
Read more launchTours and activities near Cumberland, powered by Viator.
All-time top performances and historical records for Willis River.
| Place | Name | Year | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Patrick Mcglade | '13 | 4:25:03 | |
| 🥈 | Josh Gilbert | '13 | 4:35:24 | |
| 🥉 | Nicholas Wirz | '23 | 4:35:54 | |
| 4 | Ryan Nebel | '13 | 4:37:28 | |
| 5 | Nicholas Wirz | '22 | 4:39:55 | |
| 6 | Andy Jones-Wilkins | '13 | 4:45:53 | |
| 7 | Nicholas Wirz | '21 | 4:46:33 | |
| 8 | Nicholas DiPirro | '20 | 4:50:23 | |
| 9 | Fabrice Beaulieu | '13 | 5:02:02 | |
| 10 | Jarrod Call | '13 | 5:07:33 |
Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the Willis River.
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