BIG BEAR SQUATCH south

OCTOBER 18, 2026

Sassquad Trail Running and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference are proud to present the Big Bear SquaTch South at Harriman State Park in Tuxedo, New York on Sunday October 18, 2026. All runners and hikers will experience non-stop trail beauty through Harriman State Park! Your race registration is directly helping the Trail Conference maintain and protect these trails. (The capitalized "TC" in SquaTCh stands for "Trail Conference"!!) This event WILL sell-out before race day so register early to avoid being added to the waitlist!

QUICK STATS

RACE FORMAT: 13.1M, 10K on a lollipop course

CUTOFFS:

5 hour cutoff for both events
13.1M has 2 on-course cutoffs
13.1M need to maintain a 22 min and 54 sec per mile pace
10Kers need to maintain a 38 min and 42 sec per mile pace

ELEVATION/TERRAIN: Very challenging course that rewards you with amazing views! Very technical singletracks with rocks and roots. Steep climbs and descents with 1 scramble.

13.1M ~2,200 ft elevation gain
10K ~ 1,200 ft elevation gain

CAPACITY:

Sold out the last 4 years!
Typically sells out by the end of September
Capped at 175 participants across all events

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Port Authority Bus Terminal to the Tuxedo stop/Rt 17 & Liberty Rd and NJ Transit Train service to Tuxedo.

This is one of the most challenging events in our series and is a true northeast mountain race! Both routes highlights the technical trails, beautiful views and steep climbs of Harriman State Park (this is not a flat course!). Be sure to check out our Trail Party Handbook for allll of the deets!

We are proud to be co-hosting this trail party with our friends at the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference! Please consider donating by using the add-on feature during registration. The NYNJTC maintains and protects over 2,000 miles of trails in New York and New Jersey. Please consider donating to the Trail Conference so they can continue to maintain the trails that we will be enjoying!

The race will start and finish at Powerhouse Park: 57 Powerhouse Lane, Tuxedo, NY 10987 (please note: there is a $3 parking fee for the Tuxedo Commuter Lot). We pushed back the start time to 10am so our friends from NYC can take the train directly to Tuxedo Station (across the street from the start/finish!)

9:15am-9:45am Check-in for both events
10am 13.1M Start
10:15am 10K Start
13.1M - Mile 4.75 Aid Station Cutoff: 11:45am
13.1M - Mile 9.5 Aid Station Cutoff: 1:45pm
Finish line cutoff for both events: 3pm (5 hours)

*13.1M participants need to maintain a 22 min and 54 sec per mile pace to make each cut-off and finish by 3pm
*10K participants need to maintain a 38 min and 42 sec per mile pace to finish by 3pm

*There are no on-course cut-offs for the 10K

HOW TO DOWNLOAD GPX

HALF MARATHON GPX

10K GPX

COURSE MAP & ELEVATION PROFILE

The Half Marathon has 2,200+ ft of cumulative gain; There is 1,000 ft of gain in the first 4 miles! The 10K has over 1,200 ft of vertical gain. Both courses are very technical route, which means that there are a lot of rocks and roots. There are steep climbs, rocky cliffs and even a short scramble. We want to emphasize that this is a very challenging course and very different from our other events! If we have rain (or snow?), the course will be extra challenging. All of that being said - this is a beautiful course! Your hard efforts will be rewarded with sweeping views as you get to enjoy peak foliage in the Hudson Valley. Since we started hosting this event in October, we have always lucked out with amazing fall colors!

The 13.1M course will be well-marked with neon pink/reflective ribbon and the 10K will be marked with blue ribbons. We have large directional arrows at each of the turns. To learn more about how we mark the course and what the ribbons and signs look like, squatch on over to the Sassquad Trail School to watch the information video about our course markings!

Like many other race organizations, we do not offer refunds for our events. Please take the time to double-check your calendar before registering for a Trail Party. Please understand that we do not offer refunds under any circumstances.

If you notify us via email (not through social media, text, or phone call) more than 21 days from the date of the Trail Party, we will extend a deferral to any of our events that fall within one calendar year of the Trail Party that you were registered for, minus 15% of the registration fee that you originally paid.
If you sustain an injury less than 21 days from the race date, we will extend a 100% deferral if you come to that race to volunteer. For distances less than 50K, you'll need to volunteer for at least 4 hours and for 50M+ distances, you'll need to volunteer for at least 8 hours to get a 100% deferral.
If the race that you want to drop from is sold-out with an active wait-list and are able to fill your spot: if you notify us via email (not through social media, text or phone call) at least 3 days before the race, we will extend a deferral to any of our events that fall within one calendar year of the Trail Party that you were registered for, minus 15% of the registration fee that you originally paid.
The race credit is the amount that you paid for the race, minus 15% (total credit does not including UltraSignUp fees) so you will need to cover any difference in fees; refunds will not be issued if the deferred event costs less than your race credit. You can only defer one time, so please double-check that you can make the race you're deferring to.

PREGNANCY, ADOPTION, & POSTPARTUM POLICY

Whether planned or unplanned, the beginning or end of a pregnancy requires healing and recovery time. We are committed to supporting you in this regard. If you are experiencing a pregnancy or postpartum healing and recovery, or have adopted a child, we are pleased to offer a deferral of up to three years from the current event. Simply send us an email and we will arrange the deferral for you. This deferral policy includes partners and spouses and is also extended to folks who are going through the IVF process.

COMMUNITY CARE DEFERRAL POLICY

We recognize that the current climate around immigration enforcement, including ICE activity, is creating real fear and barriers to training, travel, and participation. Any registered participant who feels unsafe may request a deferral of their race entry for up to three years from the original race date, no questions asked. For anyone who still wants to participate but is feeling hesitant, our Squatch Together Program offers the option to be paired with another runner or hiker for support before, during, and after race day. Your safety, dignity, and sense of belonging come first.

BANDITS

Any individuals caught banditing a race will be banned from Sassquad events. Banditing means that you are on our race course without registering. Please do not bandit our Trail Parties or any other event!

REQUIRED GEAR FOR HALF MARATHONERS:

Charged cell phone
Water bottle or hydration pack
At least 200 calories
Whistle (we will give you one at check-in)
GPX of course map on phone or device

REQUIRED GEAR FOR 10K:

Charged cell phone
Water bottle or hydration pack
Whistle (we will give you one at check-in)
GPX of course map on phone or device

RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR BOTH EVENTS:

Trekking poles
Wipes and ziploc bags (there are no restrooms anywhere on the course)
Extra layers
Buff/hat/gloves
External battery pack for phone

AID STATIONS:

The half marathon has two aid stations: the first aid station (Victory Aid Station) is at mile 4.7ish and will have water, bananas, and granola bars. The second aid station (Johnsontown Road Aid Station) is at mile 9.5 and will have water, Skratch, pb&j, granola bars, fruit and GF chips and Oreos (GF Oreos are available). The 10K will do a short out and back to get to Johnsontown Road Aid Station at mile 2.5. We always have a fully stocked first aid kit at each aid station and an AED at Squatch HQ. Our first aid kit includes menstrual products and wipes.

PACERS:

As with all of our events, Squatchers over the age of 60 and AWD (athletes with disabilities) can have a pacer/guide at any time. Please pre-register your pacer with us before the start of the Trail Party. Pacers are not allowed for folks under the age of 60 and who are not an AWD.

CREW:

This is not a crewing-friendly event as there is no access to see your runner/hiker on the course (there is not enough parking at either aid stations). BUT- the start/finish at Squatch HQ is a nice spot for friends and family to hang out. There is a large field for kids to hang out and most years there is a farmers market down the road. We have a range of fun games that your family can enjoy: corn hole, connect four, a giant rainbow parachute and the Squatch Hunt. Don't be shy, join in on the fun!

Tuxedo, NY is home to a variety of critters. So this is your "nature disclaimer". Yes, there are Black Bears. Here is what ya need to do if you see a bear during the race (this is from the Dept of Environmental Protection): If you see a bear, make it aware of your presence and use common sense. Never approach the animal; observe it only from a distance. Clapping, talking, singing or making other noise lets the bear know you are nearby. Remain standing, avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak in a calm, assertive voice if you encounter a bear at close range. Do not run.... More information on Bear Encounters.

At Sassquad, we believe the trails are for everyone. We are committed to supporting adaptive athletes through our Trailside Support program.

Support Guides: Guides/Pacers for adaptive athletes are always welcome and race for free. Please register your pacer/guide ahead of time. If you need help finding one, please submit the Accommodation Request Form.
Accommodations: Please submit an Accommodation Request Form at least 3 weeks before race day so our Trailside Support Team can plan accordingly.
Terrain Type: This is a classic East Coast mountain race. Expect highly technical singletrack, steep climbs, rock fields, and several scrambling sections. It is rugged, rocky, and beautiful.
Equipment Recommendation:
- All-Terrain Wheelchairs: Due to the extremely technical terrain, including boulder fields and narrow rock "staircases, and scrambles, this course is not recommended for wheeled mobility devices.
- Ambulatory Adaptive: This course is suitable for ambulatory athletes who have experience on technical, rocky terrain. Trekking poles are highly recommended (and often considered essential here) for stability on the steep descents and uneven rock surfaces.
Sensory & Support: There are several sections with steep drops, scrambles, and tricky footing. Athletes with visual impairments or balance challenges should have a 1:1 guide for this event.
Facilities: Portable toilets at Squatch HQ, including one dedicated ADA unit.

community partners

We are so stoked to partner with The Station: An Espresso Cafe! Stop by The Station, located directly across from Powerhouse Park (the race start/finish) at the Tuxedo Train Station, during race weekend in October to try their exclusive, limited-edition creation made just for our event: THE SQUATCH LATTE! Whether you need a pre-race caffeine kick or a post-race recovery meal, be sure to swing by this historic spot!

FAQ'S

Q: What's the weather like in Tuxedo, NY in October?

A: Cool, usually in the high 50's, low 60's. Odds are that the Trail Party will be during peak foliage!

Q: I could get lost in a brown paper bag. Will the course be marked?

A: We will have bright colored ribbons along the course and plenty at all of the turns. Please note: we do not allow Apparating at this trail party. Wizards and witches who apparate will receive a DQ.

Q: Can I bring my dog?

A: Sorry, but Padfoot has to stay at home for this race. Our liability insurance does not cover dogs at our events; thank you for understanding!

Q: Are there restrooms at the start/finish area?

A: There are portajohns at the start/finish area.

Q: Will I see any critters out there?

A: Besides the centaurs and hippogriffs, Harriman State Park is home to many critters, including black bears, deer, beavers and coyotes. We are utilizing heavily trafficked trails, so it is unlikely you will encounter any larger critters! But do make sure you watch out for the Whomping Willow.

Q: Me and my friend aren't registered for the race, but we're still planning on coming to run. We won't eat from the aid station or take a medal or swag. This is okay, right?

A: NO THIS IS NOT OKAY. This is called being a "race bandit" and it is stealing. Not paying for a race and running the race is stealing from the race organization (even if you're not taking food or swag). Don't do this at a Sassquad trail party or ANY other race. It's not okay. If you bandit a race, you will be banned from registering for any of our Sassquad events.

Q: This will be my first trail race. What do I need to know?

A: Merlin's beard! We are SO EXCITED for you! You will feel welcomed at our race and you can expect a well-marked course. Take your time out there and enjoy the experience! You do not have to run the entire time! Do some hiking and have fun.