New Date for the 2021 Fellowship of the Idiot Run

Due to the surge of COVID-19 throughout the country as we approach the cold winter ahead, Vac & Dash has decided to the date of the 2021 19.7-Mile Fellowship of the Idiot Run to March 6th. We looked at many factors in making our decision to see what date we felt would be safest for runners, volunteers and staff and decided a date closer to spring would be safer to host the event. Also, we will have a 45-minute window in which you can start the run. You can start anytime between 5:00 am and 5:45 am.

The Idiot Run

The Fellowship of the Idiot Run is a free 19.7-Mile Run that takes runners from the YMCA to the top of Morrow Mountain and back to the YMCA. It is a non-timed event.

There is no charge for the run. Donations and FOTI Apparel purchases are greatly appreciated to help offset the cost of putting on a run for 200 to 300 runners.

Start time: You can start anytime between 5:00 am and 5:45 am. Runners must complete the course by 9:30 am.

Those that complete their first Fellowship of the Idiot Run earn a Fellowship of the Idiot t-shirt and suitable for framing certificate. In addition, you will get your name on the Fellowship of the Idiot wall at Vac & Dash.

If you are training for a half-marathon, or want to get in a shorter run, there are 12-mile and 14-mile options on the down and back course. Turn around at the corner of Valley Drive and Morrow Mountain Road for the 12-Mile Run. Turn around at the front gate of Morrow Mountain State Park and you will have a run a little over 14-miles. (For clarification, you must run the entire 19.7 Mile Idiot Run course to earn the t-shirt and certificate.)

History of the Idiot Run:

Back in the winter of 2003, Peter Asciutto, Derek Blalock, Joe Korzelius, Ryan Owens, Craig Gunkle, Lee Allen and Larry Hyde were training for various marathons. The friends decided to meet one morning at the Stanly County Family YMCA, in the dead of the winter, to run to the top of Morrow Mountain and back. They started their legendary journey at 5:00 am with the temperature at 20 degrees.

By the time they got to the six-mile mark, their water bottles were frozen, as was the water they dropped along the course the previous evening. Word of their travels made it to the local newspaper and the Stanly News and Press ran an article about their adventure.

Renee Asciutto, wife at the time of Charter Member Peter Asciutto, was getting a massage a few days after the story ran in the paper. During her massage, Greta, the massage therapist asked her, "Did you read in the paper where those Idiots ran to the top of Morrow Mountain and back in the freezing temperature." Renee quickly replied, "My husband is one of those Idiots."

Thus the Fellowship of the Idiots was born.

Packet Pick-Up:

Thursday & Friday March 4 & 5 at Vac & Dash, 11 – 5:30 154 S. First St. Albemarle, NC 28001.
Saturday Morning at 4:30 am at the Stanly County Family YMCA at the First Street Entrance.
Bathrooms and showers will be available at the YMCA for runners. If possible, please bring your own towels.
Here's some other highlights of the run:
1) Great Volunteers and support along the route.
2) A beautiful sunrise and view at the top of Morrow Mountain.
3) Meagan from Massage 101 will be on hand for free massages at the finish line.
5) Great snacks and food at the finish.
6) Free Fellowship of the Idiot Run Ringer t-shirt for first time Idiots. The t-shirt that will be one of your favorites.
7) A suitable for framing certificate that certifies your lunacy.

Aid Stations & Radio Crew:

For a free event, there is plenty of support along the way. We will have aid stations at approximately the following mile markers: 2.2, 4.0, 6.0, 7.5, 9.75, 12.0, 13.5, 15.5, 17.0 18.0
In addition to water, Gu's, Honey Stingers, etc. will be available. We will have Gatorade at the mountain top and at the aid stations on the way back.

At every aid station, we will have a plastic container for you to drop off gloves, clothes, etc. We will have the containers at the finish line. We will have as much of the stuff you drop off along the way at the finish line that we can get.

Also, the Stanly County Amateur Radio Club will be stationed along the course. If you need any help, stop and ask them.

Peter Asciutto
Vac & Dash
Charter Idiot
For questions, you can call Vac & Dash 704-983-3274 or email to peter@vacanddash.com