Steep mountain ridgeline with exposed rock

FATS Trail Race

10K / Half Marathon / 50K·Clarks Hill, South Carolina·November 2, 2025
3 distances

Photo by Martin Jernberg on Unsplash

About This Event

The FATS Trail Race stands as one of the Southeast's most enduring and beloved trail running events, having challenged runners for nearly two decades in the Forks Area Trail System within Sumter National Forest. This race epitomizes the technical, root-laden singletrack that makes the Carolina Piedmont region legendary among trail runners. The 2025 edition marks a Special Edition year, as the signature Deep Step trail remains closed, forcing organizers to reimagine the course while maintaining the race's distinctive character. The adjusted routes still deliver the rolling terrain, technical challenges, and relentless root networks that have made FATS a proving ground for runners seeking to test themselves against authentic Southeastern singletrack. With three distance options starting in quick succession on a November morning, FATS offers everything from a challenging introduction to trail racing with the 10K to a full ultra experience with the 50K. The race maintains its grassroots feel with solid aid station support and a community atmosphere that reflects the dedicated trail running culture of the region.

Choose Your Distance

Alpine peaks above clouds at golden hour

10K

The FATS Trail Race stands as one of the Southeast's most enduring and beloved trail running events, having challenged runners for nearly two decades in the Forks Area Trail System within Sumter National Forest. This race epitomizes the technical, root-laden singletrack that makes the Carolina Piedmont region legendary among trail runners. The 2025 edition marks a Special Edition year, as the signature Deep Step trail remains closed, forcing organizers to reimagine the course while maintaining the race's distinctive character. The adjusted routes still deliver the rolling terrain, technical challenges, and relentless root networks that have made FATS a proving ground for runners seeking to test themselves against authentic Southeastern singletrack. With three distance options starting in quick succession on a November morning, FATS offers everything from a challenging introduction to trail racing with the 10K to a full ultra experience with the 50K. The race maintains its grassroots feel with solid aid station support and a community atmosphere that reflects the dedicated trail running culture of the region.

Dramatic mountain peaks with alpine ridge trail

Half Marathon

The FATS Trail Race stands as one of the Southeast's most enduring and beloved trail running events, having challenged runners for nearly two decades in the Forks Area Trail System within Sumter National Forest. This race epitomizes the technical, root-laden singletrack that makes the Carolina Piedmont region legendary among trail runners. The 2025 edition marks a Special Edition year, as the signature Deep Step trail remains closed, forcing organizers to reimagine the course while maintaining the race's distinctive character. The adjusted routes still deliver the rolling terrain, technical challenges, and relentless root networks that have made FATS a proving ground for runners seeking to test themselves against authentic Southeastern singletrack. With three distance options starting in quick succession on a November morning, FATS offers everything from a challenging introduction to trail racing with the 10K to a full ultra experience with the 50K. The race maintains its grassroots feel with solid aid station support and a community atmosphere that reflects the dedicated trail running culture of the region.

Steep mountain ridgeline with exposed rock

50K

The FATS Trail Race stands as one of the Southeast's most enduring and beloved trail running events, having challenged runners for nearly two decades in the Forks Area Trail System within Sumter National Forest. This race epitomizes the technical, root-laden singletrack that makes the Carolina Piedmont region legendary among trail runners. The 2025 edition marks a Special Edition year, as the signature Deep Step trail remains closed, forcing organizers to reimagine the course while maintaining the race's distinctive character. The adjusted routes still deliver the rolling terrain, technical challenges, and relentless root networks that have made FATS a proving ground for runners seeking to test themselves against authentic Southeastern singletrack. With three distance options starting in quick succession on a November morning, FATS offers everything from a challenging introduction to trail racing with the 10K to a full ultra experience with the 50K. The race maintains its grassroots feel with solid aid station support and a community atmosphere that reflects the dedicated trail running culture of the region.