Fellowship of the Idiots 19.7-Mile Run
- Date Sat 21st March 2026
- Time 5:00AM EDT
- Location Albemarle, North Carolina
- Price Free - $22.95
- Races 3 races
Event summary
Get ready for a unique and exhilarating challenge at the Fellowship of the Idiots 19.7-Mile Run on Saturday, March 21, 2026! This beloved event, held in the charming town of Albemarle, Stanly, is celebrating its 23rd year, and it promises to be a memorable experience for both seasoned runners and newcomers alike. Participants will embark on a stunning course starting from the Stanly County Family YMCA, making their way to the top of Morrow Mountain and back, all while enjoying breathtaking sunrise views and a supportive community atmosphere.
The Fellowship of the Idiots Run is a non-timed event, allowing runners to set their own pace within a rolling start window from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, with a finish cutoff at 9:45 AM. First-time finishers will earn the coveted Fellowship of the Idiot Ringer T-Shirt, a cherished reward for conquering the full 19.7 miles! With shorter distance options available for those training for a half marathon or those looking for fewer miles, everyone can participate in the fun. Join the spirited camaraderie, enjoy delicious snacks at the finish line, and become part of the legendary Fellowship of the Idiots community!
The Fellowship of the Idiots Run is a non-timed event, allowing runners to set their own pace within a rolling start window from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, with a finish cutoff at 9:45 AM. First-time finishers will earn the coveted Fellowship of the Idiot Ringer T-Shirt, a cherished reward for conquering the full 19.7 miles! With shorter distance options available for those training for a half marathon or those looking for fewer miles, everyone can participate in the fun. Join the spirited camaraderie, enjoy delicious snacks at the finish line, and become part of the legendary Fellowship of the Idiots community!
Organiser's Description
male sign FELLOWSHIP OF THE IDIOT RUN 23 YEARS OF IDIOCY! female sign
March 21, 2026
Its official were celebrating the 23rd year of the Fellowship of the Idiot Run (FOTI)! This legendary run is proudly put on by the Uwharrie Brewing Running Club along with Jason Britney, and it continues to be one of the most unique and beloved long runs around.
COST & DONATIONS
Returning Idiots:
This is a FREE event but donations are strongly encouraged to help cover the cost of:
* Police & Sheriff support
* Emergency Medical services
* Food & snacks
* Permits, bibs & insurance
* YMCA Pavilion rental
(With 300400 participants, it takes a village of Idiots )
New Idiots:
$19.70 registration (for the legendary 19.7 miles) This helps cover your official FOTI shirt and race expenses.
WHY THE DATE CHANGE?
Traditionally, FOTI is held three weeks before the Myrtle Beach Marathon and two weeks before the Ellerbe Marathon the perfect long training run. This year, weve moved it to March 21st due to ensure we have enough time to deliver a truly first-class Idiot experience.
alarm clock START TIMES & FORMAT (ROLLING START!)
Were keeping the popular rolling start format from last year with a little more flexibility.
Start Window: 5:00 AM 6:00 AM
Finish Cutoff: 9:45 AM (no exceptions)
You may start anytime within the window, but you must finish by 9:45 AM. Use the pace guide below to plan wisely:
PACE GUIDE
11:25 min/mile or faster:
Start anytime between 500 AM
12:57 min/mile:
Start no later than 5:30 AM
14:28 min/mile:
Start at 5:00 AM
If youre faster than 11:25 pace, youre golden pick any start time you like.
THE COURSE
The Fellowship of the Idiot Run is a 19.7-mile, non-timed run that takes you:
From the Stanly County Family YMCA
Up to the top of Morrow Mountain
And back to the YMCA
Expect hills, sunrise views, camaraderie, and plenty of character-building miles.
Route: FOTI Route [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3197829]
Donations and FOTI apparel purchases are greatly appreciated theyre what keep this incredible run alive year after year.
BECOMING AN IDIOT
First-time finishers of the full 19.7 miles earn:
* The coveted Fellowship of the Idiot Ringer T-Shirt
* And official recognition of your IDIOT Title
The shirt is legendary and yes, it will quickly become one of your favorites.
warning Important: You must complete the full 19.7-mile course to earn the shirt.
Shorter Distance Options
Training for a half marathon or just want fewer miles? Weve got you covered:
12-Mile Option:
Turn around at the corner of Valley Drive & Morrow Mountain Road
14+ Mile Option:
Turn around at the front gate of Morrow Mountain State Park
(These options do not qualify for the Idiot shirt but they do qualify for bragging rights.)
FACILITIES
Bathrooms & showers available at the YMCA starting at 7:00 AM
Please bring your own towel
star Why Youll Love This Run
* Amazing volunteers and on-course support
* A stunning sunrise from the top of Morrow Mountain
* Great food and snacks at the finish
* An unforgettable community vibe only the Fellowship of the Idiot Run can deliver
PACKET PICK-UP
Friday, March 20, 2026
Uwharrie Brewing
alarm clock 4:00 PM 7:00 PM
121 N. Third St., Albemarle, NC 28001
Saturday Morning (Race Day)
Stanly County Family YMCA Pavilion
alarm clock 4:30 AM
427 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001
The Pavilion is located in the YMCA Park, next to the playground, across the street from the YMCA.
AID STATIONS & RADIO CREW:
We will have aid stations at approximately the following mile markers: 2.5, 4.5, 6.0, 8.2, 9.81, 11.36, 13.6, 15.5, 17.0 18.0
We will have Gatorade and Gu's at 4.2 (Big Chair) and Top of the Morrow.
Also, the Stanly County Amateur Radio Club will be stationed along the course. If you need any help, stop and ask them.
SPONSORS:
Our Primary Sponsor is: FIRST BANK. Without their support, we wouldn't be able to put this race on. Please support this business. Thank You.
Secondary Sponsors:
* VISIT STANLY
* YMCA OF STANLY
* STANLY AMATEUR RADIO
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.
The Idiot Store will be posted soon!Lets go idiots!
For questions, you can call Joey Collins 704-984-0921 or email: [email protected]
March 21, 2026
Its official were celebrating the 23rd year of the Fellowship of the Idiot Run (FOTI)! This legendary run is proudly put on by the Uwharrie Brewing Running Club along with Jason Britney, and it continues to be one of the most unique and beloved long runs around.
COST & DONATIONS
Returning Idiots:
This is a FREE event but donations are strongly encouraged to help cover the cost of:
* Police & Sheriff support
* Emergency Medical services
* Food & snacks
* Permits, bibs & insurance
* YMCA Pavilion rental
(With 300400 participants, it takes a village of Idiots )
New Idiots:
$19.70 registration (for the legendary 19.7 miles) This helps cover your official FOTI shirt and race expenses.
WHY THE DATE CHANGE?
Traditionally, FOTI is held three weeks before the Myrtle Beach Marathon and two weeks before the Ellerbe Marathon the perfect long training run. This year, weve moved it to March 21st due to ensure we have enough time to deliver a truly first-class Idiot experience.
alarm clock START TIMES & FORMAT (ROLLING START!)
Were keeping the popular rolling start format from last year with a little more flexibility.
Start Window: 5:00 AM 6:00 AM
Finish Cutoff: 9:45 AM (no exceptions)
You may start anytime within the window, but you must finish by 9:45 AM. Use the pace guide below to plan wisely:
PACE GUIDE
11:25 min/mile or faster:
Start anytime between 500 AM
12:57 min/mile:
Start no later than 5:30 AM
14:28 min/mile:
Start at 5:00 AM
If youre faster than 11:25 pace, youre golden pick any start time you like.
THE COURSE
The Fellowship of the Idiot Run is a 19.7-mile, non-timed run that takes you:
From the Stanly County Family YMCA
Up to the top of Morrow Mountain
And back to the YMCA
Expect hills, sunrise views, camaraderie, and plenty of character-building miles.
Route: FOTI Route [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3197829]
Donations and FOTI apparel purchases are greatly appreciated theyre what keep this incredible run alive year after year.
BECOMING AN IDIOT
First-time finishers of the full 19.7 miles earn:
* The coveted Fellowship of the Idiot Ringer T-Shirt
* And official recognition of your IDIOT Title
The shirt is legendary and yes, it will quickly become one of your favorites.
warning Important: You must complete the full 19.7-mile course to earn the shirt.
Shorter Distance Options
Training for a half marathon or just want fewer miles? Weve got you covered:
12-Mile Option:
Turn around at the corner of Valley Drive & Morrow Mountain Road
14+ Mile Option:
Turn around at the front gate of Morrow Mountain State Park
(These options do not qualify for the Idiot shirt but they do qualify for bragging rights.)
FACILITIES
Bathrooms & showers available at the YMCA starting at 7:00 AM
Please bring your own towel
star Why Youll Love This Run
* Amazing volunteers and on-course support
* A stunning sunrise from the top of Morrow Mountain
* Great food and snacks at the finish
* An unforgettable community vibe only the Fellowship of the Idiot Run can deliver
PACKET PICK-UP
Friday, March 20, 2026
Uwharrie Brewing
alarm clock 4:00 PM 7:00 PM
121 N. Third St., Albemarle, NC 28001
Saturday Morning (Race Day)
Stanly County Family YMCA Pavilion
alarm clock 4:30 AM
427 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001
The Pavilion is located in the YMCA Park, next to the playground, across the street from the YMCA.
AID STATIONS & RADIO CREW:
We will have aid stations at approximately the following mile markers: 2.5, 4.5, 6.0, 8.2, 9.81, 11.36, 13.6, 15.5, 17.0 18.0
We will have Gatorade and Gu's at 4.2 (Big Chair) and Top of the Morrow.
Also, the Stanly County Amateur Radio Club will be stationed along the course. If you need any help, stop and ask them.
SPONSORS:
Our Primary Sponsor is: FIRST BANK. Without their support, we wouldn't be able to put this race on. Please support this business. Thank You.
Secondary Sponsors:
* VISIT STANLY
* YMCA OF STANLY
* STANLY AMATEUR RADIO
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.
The Idiot Store will be posted soon!Lets go idiots!
For questions, you can call Joey Collins 704-984-0921 or email: [email protected]
Races
-
Fellowship of the Idiots First Timers
Incl. $3.25 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 21st March 2026 (5:00AM EDT)
$22.95
You can start anytime between 5:00 and 6:00 am. You must finish by 9:45 am. -
FOTI Returning Idiot
Sat 21st March 2026 (5:00AM EDT)
Free
-
NOT Running the Entire Distance
Sat 21st March 2026 (5:00AM EDT)
Free
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115 C. B. Crook Dr, Albemarle, NC 28001, Albemarle, 28001, NC, United States
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Fellowship of the Idiots 19.7-Mile Run
