There’s nothing quite like a 50K run and icy dip in the Pacific Ocean to cure your New Year’s Day hangover, right? Members of Vancouver’s outdoor activity crew, Club Fat Ass, seem to think so. In Stanley Park, Vancouver, on Wednesday morning, the west-coast group welcomed 2025 with their 32nd annual 50K ultramarathon and “Freeze-ya-ass-off” ocean swim.
New Year’s Day polar dips attract hundreds of thousands of participants across the country, all braving icy waters in an annual spectacle. However, it’s rare to see an ultramarathon taking place before the swim.
The Fat Ass run, which started at 9 a.m. PT, was free to Club Fat Ass members (or $25 for non-members). Nearly a hundred athletes took part in the event, with race distances ranging from 1K to 100K. Athletes who weren’t up for an ultra run could stick to the 5K, 10K and 25K, while the not-so-hungover keeners could double up on the out-and-back course for a hefty 100K.
The race course is known for trailing past some of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks and includes a mix of flat and gently-rolling trails, bike paths and sidewalks. With no aid stations, course marshals or directions, runners were required to bring their own timing system (watch/smartphone), course map, race aid and, if desired, a race number. The participants concluded the event with a finish party at the local Two Lions Pub.
Vancouver ultra to celebrate 28 years with New Year’s Day 50K
The chilly water in Burrard Inlet, just off Stanley Park, was about 7 C on Wednesday morning, with air temperatures hovering around 6 C. Participants were advised to bring a warm towel and change of clothes for after their Pacific dip. The swim wasn’t mandatory for runners, but highly encouraged to ensure they embraced the full Fat Ass 50K experience.
