In my opinion, it’s one of Springfield’s premier events. The Fat Ass 5 K has been happening in the capital city for the last 15 years. It fills down town with
thousands of runners, hundreds of spectators, and highlights many of the great business we have here. There is no complaining, just people gathering together to have a good time. It doesn’t get any better than that.
If you don’t know too much about the Fat Ass 5 K – a brief history. It all started with Paul Schafer and his wife Katie at our own Celtic Mist Pub down town. There were brainstorming ideas written on a napkin. One of my favorite ideas on that napkin was for a potential T-shirt saying, “I got my pork pulled at the Fat Ass 5k.” 15 years later, its going 
stronger than ever with well over 2,500 runners this year alone and 1.8 million dollars raised and donated to local charities!
I was very excited this year, as I got to help kick off the run at the starting line. What a great time. I was able to take a shot with Alderwoman LaKeisha Purchase and our new Mayor of Springfield, Misty Buscher.
One of my favorite parts of the entire kick off to the run was taking a photo at the front line with thousands of runners behind us holding up five fingers for the Fat Ass 5 K. Such a fun and surreal moment. I have to say the vibes were perfect. After our photo opp, Kim took the mic and opened things up officially. There were three women from the cast of The Color Purple whos rendition of 
the National Anthem ALMOST brought a tear to my eye. Then came the musket fire to start the run!
Every corner had music, food, or alcohol. Everything from Highschool Bands to solo artists for full on rock bands, the capital city was BUMPING. It was one of the best times I have had here, and I can’t wait until the next one. Till then, Fat Asses!
-Rocki
p.s. I also climbed a mountain! Kind of….
