fat sass switchback challenge
fat sass
switchback challenge
OCTOBER 5, 2025
A long time ago (2018)... in a galaxy not so far away... a Trail Party was born. Thought to be lost to the galaxy, the Fat Sass Switchback Challenge is returning to the forest moon of the South Mountain Reservation on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Join the Resistance as we rally in Millburn, NJ to raise funds and awareness for Bigger Than The Trail, a nonprofit fighting the dark side of mental health stigma by providing free therapy services to those in need.
QUICK STATS
RACE FORMAT
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1M loop course
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5K, 3 hours, or 6 hours
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Fat (S)ass = no swag, no aid, no whining!
CUTOFF
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Complete 3 loops for the 5K
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Complete as many loops as you want for 3 hours or 6 hours. You can stop whenever you want; no DNFs!
ELEVATION & terrain
Rugged, technical singletracks with rocks and roots. ​
300 feet of elevation gain per 1M loop
CAPACITY
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This trail party will sell-out before race day!
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Capped at 175 participants across all three events​​​​​​​​​​​​
TRAIL PARTY DETAILS
fat sass switchbacks
Join us on Sunday October 5, 2025 for a 5K (3 loops) 3 hours or 6 hours. The 1 mile loop with 300 ft elevation gain starts and finishes at the Locust Grove Picnic Area off of Glen Ave in Millburn, NJ at the South Mountain Reservation. This isn’t just any Trail Party... It’s a battle for good. We’re donating 100% of the profits to Bigger Than The Trail, a nonprofit bringing hope to the galaxy by offering free mental health therapy to those in need.
CHARITY PARTNER
We are supporting our non-profit partner, Bigger Than The Trail with this Trail Party! BTTT is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that is using trail running as a platform to advocate for mental health. BTTT's mission is to enrich the lives of individuals struggling with mental health. Through their fundraising efforts, BTTT provides free therapy to those in need! Please consider donating BTTT when you register for this squatchy trail party. Join the rebellion and help us take on the empire of stigma and bring balance to the trails, one switchback at a time.
parking
ALL runners/hikers should park across the street at the Millburn Public Library Lot and the NJ Transit Train Station Lot. The trailhead parking lot is always a zoo and is difficult to get in/out of. Save yourself the headache and park across the street and then walk over.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
All events:
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Check-in between 8:15am-8:45am
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9am start
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12pm - 3 hour event ends
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3pm - 6 hour event ends
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Remember, if you don't finish your last loop before the 3 or 6 hour timer runs out, that loop does not count!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The 1 mile loop has 300 ft elevation gain: 1/2 mile up the steep Lenape Trail, the 1/2 mile down the switchbacks. 95% of the course is technical, rocky trails. 0.20 mi is pavement. May the Squatch be with you, always.
AID STATION
Just like our Frosty Fat Sass event in January, this Trail party is a "Fat Sass" which means there is no aid and no swag! We will only be providing water for the day, so you'll need to bring your own snacks and electrolytes with you!
COURSE MARKINGS
The course will be well-marked with neon pink/reflective ribbon. We have large red 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!
VOLUNTEER DREAM TEAM
Our Volunteer Dream Team is what makes all of the Trail Magic happen! Join us as a Volunteer at this trail party as we support our squatchtastic running community. We have many Volunteer opportunities available such as Check-In and Course Sweepers!
crew & 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.
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All runners/hikers can have a Crew join them at the Trail Party for the duration of the event. Crew access is only available at Squatch HQ. Crew cannot aid their runner/hiker at any other spot on the course. Crews are encouraged to bring ice if they anticipate their runner/hiker needing ice during the event. Crew are welcome to set up their own pop-up tents at Squatch HQ in the designated areas. All tents and canopies MUST be staked/weighted down (they will fly away if they aren't staked down).
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​The start/finish at Squatch HQ is an awesome spot for friends and family to hang out! Plenty of picnic tables to use and a large field for kids to run around. 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!
GETTING TO THE RACE
The race starts and finishes at the Locust Grove Picnic Area in Millburn, NJ at the South Mountain Reservation. ALL runners/hikers should park across the street at the Millburn Public Library Lot and the NJ Transit Train Station Lot. The trailhead parking lot is always a zoo and is difficult to get in/out of. Save yourself the headache and park across the street and then walk over.
Q: What's the weather like in Millburn, NJ in October?
A: Weather in this system is as unpredictable as a podrace on Tatooine. Temperatures may rise into the 60s, or a surprise snowstorm could descend like an Imperial blockade. Keep your comms tuned for updates; we’ll transmit a trail conditions report a few days before the event.
Q: Can I have a pacer?
A: Pacers are granted only to those wise Jedi over 60 cycles old and our courageous AWDs (Athletes With Disabilities). Please fill out the pacer registration form ahead of time and be sure to pick-up a pacer bib during check-in! The Force alone guides all others.
Q: I can't come to the Trail Party anymore, can I get a refund?
A: ​We do not offer refunds or deferrals for our two Fat Sass events (Frosty Fat Sass in January and Switchback Challenge in October) as they are fundraising events. Please understand that before you register!
Q: I could get lost in a brown paper bag. Will the course be marked?
A: Fear not, young Jedi! Bright-colored ribbons will mark your path through the forest, and at every twist and turn, you will find guiding markers. The Force will be with you.
​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: Negative. This behavior is known in the galaxy as "race banditing" and is akin to theft from the Rebel Alliance. Participating without registering steals resources and is strictly forbidden. If you hear of bandits, report them to keep the force of fairness strong. Bandits will be exiled from all future Sassquad missions.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Droids and other furry companions are not permitted to join the mission on the trails. However, spectators may bring their four-legged allies, but they must remain leashed like a well-trained Bantha at all times. Your cooperation is appreciated by the Rebel Council.
Q: Can I sign my kids up for the Trail Party?
A: Absolutely! The Fat Sass is a family-friendly gathering of all ages across the galaxy. Make sure to register each young Padawan separately and secure parental consent through the required waiver. We want the WHOLE family to come out to our events! We have a special discount code for families registering 3 or more Squatches in the same household. Please email us (trailpartydirector@sassquadtrailrunning.com) before you register so we can give you the code!
Q: What food will you have at the aid station?
A: This is a fat (s)ass event which means we only provide water. You'll need to bring your own snacks and electrolytes!
Q: Are there restrooms at the start/finish area?
A: There are portajohns at the start/finish area.