The 2018 Massachusetts ultrarunning season originally was set to begin bright and early on Jan. 3 with the G.A.C. Fat Ass 50K, but the 20^th edition of that event was called off due to single-digit temperatures and a wind chill well below zero.

Due to that change of plans, the Bay State’s 2018 ultramarathon race calendar will officially kick off with the Cape Cod Frozen Fat Ass 50K at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable, Mass. The 12^th annual event is put on by the Cape Cod Ultrarunning Society, and it includes a 25K race for runners who would rather not make a second figure-eight loop of the sandy course.

Typically windy weather is in the forecast for this year’s race, but the forecast indicates that the chance of rain is low and temperatures are expected to be in the 40s, making it unlikely that ultrarunners will have to wait beyond this weekend to tackle their first in-state race of the year.

There is no entry fee for the event, although runners are asked to bring food or drink to share with the group. For additional information or last-minute race updates, check out the race Facebook page.