After 25 years of kicking off the ultrarunning new year in New England, the Gil’s Athletic Club is hanging up its sneakers, so to speak. In a post to the club’s website, Race Director Roger Martell announced that the GAC Fat Ass 50K will not return in 2026.

“All good things must come to an end,” Martell wrote. “After 25 years the GAC Fat Ass has run its last loop. Thanks to all the runners who have come and run over the years.”

First held in 1998, the GAC Fat Ass 50K has welcomed ultrarunners from throughout New England into the new year, first at Willowdale State Forest in Ipswich, Mass., and then at Bradley Palmer State Forest in Topsfield, Mass. In recent years, around 200 runners have showed up to run or walk between one and five 10K loops through the forest at the free, low-key event. In lieu of an entry fee, the event has collected food and clothing for local organizations, seeking to make a positive impact on the community.

At its peak, GAC played host to three ultramarathon events each year, but the club has gradually fazed out its races during the past decade. In 2018, the club held its 24th and final Mother’s Day 6-Hour race. Then, in 2022, it played host to its 21st and final Stone Cat Trail Race, though the Trail Animals Running Club stepped in and took over the event starting in 2023. The GAC Fat Ass 50K was the club’s last remaining event, but the January 2025 edition turned out to be its last.