10/01/2024
IMPORTANT RACE UPDATE:
Dear FATS 50k, Half Marathon, and 10k runners,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the cancellation of this weekend’s race event. Yesterday evening, I received a trail assessment report for the FATS trails, and the trail damage caused by Hurricane Helene is more extensive than anticipated.
Currently, the FATS parking lot alone has 18 trees blocking the entrance, parking spaces, and the trailhead area. From the trailhead to just half a mile in, there are 68 additional trees obstructing the main trail connector. The total number of trees obstructing all the trails at FATS is estimated to be in the hundreds. While I understand how much many of you were looking forward to this event, the safety of our runners is always my top priority.
I also want to acknowledge the local devastation many of our community members are facing. There are still thousands of homes without power, and some without water, around the Augusta, GA, and Clarks Hill, SC areas. Many homes have sustained significant tree damage, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families and individuals affected.
At this time, my focus is on helping our families and neighbors recover. While running is a shared passion for all of us, the well-being of our community comes first.
To give you more insight into the trail conditions, I'll attach videos in the comments below from the trailhead, connector, and trail intersections of Great Wall & Skinny.
I truly appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.
