hosted by sassquad trail running, & THE RUNNING KIND
Sassquad Trail Running & The Running Kind and are bringing you a brand new mountain running challenge: Mountain Madness Series. This challenge combines four events, two from each brand. Those who join the fun and run all four events throughout 2026 will have a true taste of Northeast trail running & will earn a commemorative item.
challenge details
You choose your distance at each event; all distances count! As long as you complete one race at each of the four mountain events, you’ll conquer the Mountain Madness Series. Sign up for the challenge on UltraSignup AND make sure you're registered separately for each of the four mountain races through their respective pages. Finishers will score a commemorative item at the final event of the series in October.
THE RACES
To complete the Mountain Madness Series, you must finish one event in each of these four races in the 2026 calendar year:
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Big Bear SquaTCh North - April 4, 2026, Sassquad Trail Running
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Half Marathon, 10K, 10K Ruck​
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Big Bear SquaTCh North is a very challenging mountain race featuring steep climbs, sharp descents, cliffside running, and multiple scrambling sections, all rewarded with sweeping views. The 13.1 mile course packs approximately 2,600 feet of elevation gain, while the 10K delivers a tough 1,400 feet of gain on highly technical terrain.
C'mon Armageddon - May 17, 2026, The Running Kind
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50K, 10 Mile & 5 Mile
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C’mon Armageddon is designed to push runners through rugged, technical terrain in northern New Jersey, including boulder fields, river crossings, and steep mountain ascents. The course offers unforgettable views, including glimpses of the New York City skyline, with options ranging from a 50K with over 7,000 feet of elevation gain to a 10 Miler with more than 2,000 feet and a 5 Miler with roughly 1,000 feet of gain.
Climb it for Climate - August 16, 2026, The Running Kind
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25K & 8K​
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Climb It For Climate takes place on the formidable slopes of Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills, rising to just under 3,500 feet and offering constant views of the surrounding High Peaks. Runners can choose between a 25K covering 15 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation gain and descent, or an 8K spanning 5 miles with approximately 1,400 feet of gain and descent.
Big Bear SquaTCh South - October 18, 2026, Sassquad Trail Running
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13.1M, 10K​
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​Big Bear SquaTCh South is a rugged mountain course featuring rocky, root-filled singletrack, steep climbs, fast descents, and one technical scramble. The half marathon includes roughly 2,200 feet of elevation gain, while the 10K delivers about 1,200 feet of gain on consistently challenging terrain.
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 10K or a 50M, as long as you finish a race at all four events, you’re in!
Q: Is there a deadline to sign up for the challenge?
A: We recommend signing up before the first mountain race in April, 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 Mountain Madness Series. You’ll also need to register separately for each of the four 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 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 race, you did it!