FANS Ultra Races will be held on June 1-2, 2024 at Normandale Lake Park, Bloomington, MN.
Founded in 1990, FANS Ultra Races is a timed loop ultramarathon benefiting the FANS Scholarship Fund for graduates of Pillsbury United Communities’ College Readiness & Scholarship Program. The program focuses on inner city youth and prepares students for post-secondary education and beyond. All race fees and donations go directly to the scholarship fund. For more information, please see About FANS.
The race welcomes runners and walkers who can choose between 6, 12, and 24-Hour formats and is a great choice for a first time ultramarathoners due to its excellent support and friendly MN-nice atmosphere.
FANS is a fun race, led by volunteers, and supported by amazing participants that never fail to demonstrate exceptional perseverance. Whether you are running, walking, donating, volunteering, pacing, or spectating, thank you for your support!
For the most detailed information about the race, check out our participant guide from last year. We will publish a new guide and notify you via email a couple weeks before the race.
2023 Race Info and Participant Instructions (PDF)
For summary information, read below.
We are returning to Lake Normandale Park in Bloomington, MN. The certified course uses park paths and is less than 2 miles per loop. Two aid stations are available on the course. Detailed course maps will be made available prior to the event.
Run or walk around the lake as many times as you can. :)
All participants start at the same time (8:00am) and begin with a modified first lap that ensures racers hit 50 and 100 mile marks at the lap counting area. After the out and back, the regular long laps begin. During the last hour of your race, you have the option to start short laps. Short laps allow you to record your total distance in the eventual case that you are not able to complete another lap in the time allotted. Your mileage total will be calculated as: First Lap Distance + Sum of Long Laps + Distance to short lap course + Sum of Short Laps.
Mileage charts and logistics information will be provided shortly before the race as they change from year to year.
A lot goes into participating for a 6, 12, or 24 hour event. FANS aims to make the race as fun and comfortable as possible while also keeping safety top of mind.
The Park is open to the public during the event. Please be mindful that the park and all trails/roads are shared with other visitors that may not know about the race.
An area of the course will run through our tent city enabling participants to set up tents, chairs, tables, and decorations. This serves as a great home base for your race day. A special award is given for best campsite. A "tent for the tentless" will also be provided for those that would like to stash a smaller amount of gear.
We will use chip timing by Endurance Promotions for primary timekeeping as well as a dual entry system by our outstanding race-day volunteers in the lap counting tent. Stop by before the race to meet one of your lap counters!
There are two aid stations, a large one near the timing tent with the most variety, and a smaller one on the opposite side of the course with the essentials. Fare includes water, sport drink, soda, fruit, candy, bars, cakes, chips, etc. Later in the race, pizza and soup will also be available in limited quantities.
Pacers are allowed on long laps (no short laps please). No special arrangements need to be made, we only ask that pacers take special precaution to stay clear of the timing areas and be mindful of other racers.
Headphones are allowed, but we ask that you ensure that you are aware of your surroundings for everyones safety.
All 12 and 24 Hour participants must wiegh in before the race starts, and every 4 hours thereafter. If your body weight drops more than 5%, you will have to take a break until your weight comes back up.
Minneapolis International Airport, Mall of America, and many nearby hotels are located within a few miles of the park.
All participants will be furnished a pre-race booklet shortly before the event (watch your e-mail) that describes all the race day details you will need.
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