apples in the oranges

2026

We’re teaming up with our friends at NJ Trail Series and the South Mountain Conservancy to bring you a brand-new year-long adventure: the Apples in the Oranges Challenge! This fun and free challenge invites trail runners and hikers to complete four "Apple" races in 2026. The Apples in the Oranges Challenge is a celebration of community, collaboration, and the beautiful trails of the South Mountain Reservation.

challenge details

apples in the oranges

You choose your distance at each event; all distances count! As long as you complete one race at each of the four Apple events, you’ll conquer the Apples in the Oranges Challenge.

the four apples

To complete the Apples in the Oranges Challenge, you must finish four races in the 2026 calendar year:

Febapple (NJ Trail Series – February)
- 50M, 50K, 20M, 10M
Squatchapple (Sassquad Trail Running – March)
- 50M, 50K, 20M, 11M
Mayapple (Sassquad/S. Mtn. Conservancy – May)
5M, 10M, 20M, 50K, 50M
Fallapple (NJ Trail Series – September)
- 50M, 50K, 26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K

REGISTRATION

Sign up for the challenge for FREE on UltraSignup AND make sure you're registered separately for each of the four Apple races through their respective pages.

swag

Finishers will score a handcrafted apple award and an Apples in the Oranges hat!

FAQ'S

Q: Do I have to run a specific distance at each race?

A: Nope! You can choose any distance offered at each event. Whether it’s a 5K or a 50M, as long as you finish a race at all four Apple events, you’re in!

Q: Is there a deadline to sign up for the challenge?

A: We recommend signing up before your first Apple race in 2026, but you can join at any time during the year—as long as you complete all four races by the end of 2026!

Q: How do I sign up for the challenge?

Head over to UltraSignup and register for the free Apples in the Oranges Challenge. You’ll also need to register separately for each of the four Apple races through their individual race pages.

Q: Is this a competitive challenge? Do finish times matter?

A: Nope! This challenge is not competitive—it’s all about community, consistency, and having fun on the trails. Your finish times do not matter at all. As long as you earn an official finish at each of the four Apple races during the 2026 calendar year, you’ll complete the challenge and earn your apple award and hat. No podiums, no pressure—just good vibes and good miles!

Q: Do I have to run each of the races or can I hike?

A: A mile is a mile! Run/hike/crawl your way to each finish line within the designated cut-offs for each finish to count!

Q: How will you track who completed the challenge?

A: We’ll check the official race results for all four events. If you're signed up for the challenge and have finishes at each Apple race, you did it!