The 1^st of January this year saw many firsts for the 13th running of the Vancouver New Years Day Fat Ass 50:

And some seconds:

• 2^nd most windy day on record (I recall 1999 was worse)
• 2^nd time male course record holder Randy Hunter slept in and missed the start
• 2nd time a participant ran 50K with an enhanced butt (Elke Bauer - see photos!)

I confess I only ran a leisurely 25K this year, but being at the back of the pack allowed me to notice things I might not otherwise have. The bald eagles that watched runners slogging through the mud pits next to the Burrard Bridge, for example. Or the Bozo who drove his gray Mercedes into the trees in Stanley Park. Or the police incident next to the Burrard Bridge (I think a body washed ashore?)

On behalf of everyone in the run, I’d like to say a special “thank you” to all who baked cookies, muffins, provided hot chicken noodle and garlic soup or otherwise brought food to share at the aid stations, to those who sacrificed a few moments to pick up trash along the course and to those who braved the elements to crew or encourage their friends.

Happy New Year!

Ean “Half-Ass” Jackson
Host of the Vancouver New Years Day Fat Ass 50

PS  Photos and a list of participants and their times are at:
http://www.clubfatass.com/events/VancouverNewYear/results/2006