About This Race
The half marathon offers a substantial middle-distance option that captures the essence of the FATS trail network without the ultra commitment. This 13.1-mile route provides experienced recreational runners and competitive half-marathoners alike with a meaningful forest challenge. The distance strikes an ideal balance for those wanting to push their trail running boundaries while maintaining accessibility.
The 2025 Special Edition course adapts to the Deep Step trail closure while preserving the technical character that defines FATS. The 50K route emphasizes Great Wall, Skinny, and Brown Wave trails, finishing strong on Great Wall. These trails showcase classic Southeastern singletrack: rolling terrain punctuated by root gardens, rock sections, and the kind of technical features that demand constant attention from runners.
Both the half marathon and 10K follow updated routes that skip Deep Step while maintaining full distance integrity. The terrain remains true to the FATS experience with flowing singletrack interrupted by challenging technical sections, all woven through the mature hardwood forests of the Sumter National Forest in South Carolina.
Elevation Profile
Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.
The course gains 1,716 ft over 13 miles, with the steepest section between mile 5–mile 5.
Location
Practical Info
Early November in South Carolina typically offers ideal trail running conditions with cool mornings, moderate humidity, and temperatures ranging from the 40s at start to 60s-70s by midday.
Best For
Notable Features
FATS represents nearly two decades of trail running tradition in the Southeast, offering authentic technical singletrack through mature hardwood forests. The race's legendary trails like Great Wall, Skinny, and Brown Wave provide the kind of root-and-rock challenges that have built reputations and tested limits for generations of trail runners. The 2025 Special Edition course, while adapted for trail closures, maintains the uncompromising technical character that makes FATS a true test of trail running skill and mental fortitude.