Squatchywaska Mountainfest

Squatchywaska Mountainfest

The 'Gunks are unlike any other place on earth! For this 25K and 10 miler you'll climb and descend gorgeous mountain singletracks through pitch pines, huckleberry bushes, and mountain laurels while traversing the ivory conglomerate cliffs and glacially-polished ledges of the Shawangunk Ridge. Your hard work will be rewarded with breathtaking sweeping views of the Catskills, a sky lake, and the iconic 187 ft Verkeerder Kill Falls!

This Trail Party is inspired by the Ellenville Mountain Festival that was led by Todd Jennings and Ken Posner from 2015-2017 and by Sassquad Trail Party Director Kim Levinsky's Fastest Known Time of the 358M New York Long Path. This Trail Party benefits the RunWild, Inc.

RUN WILD, INC.

We are proud to support our friends at Run Wild, Inc.! Run Wild, Inc. is a New York State not-for-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to raise funds for land conservation and stewardship in the Hudson Valley and beyond. Last year, we supported their fundraising campaign to protect Verkeerder Kill Falls. Let's continue to support Run Wild, Inc.!

THE COURSE

The Squatchywaska Mountainfest covers some of the most incredible trails in the Gunks. The 10 miler and the 25K and both events have a 6 hour cutoff (the 25K runs closer to 17 miles! Our on-course cut-offs reflect that true distance). Both events are true mountain routes that are packed with climbing, cliffs, and a great mix of technical singletracks and dreamy crushed gravel carriage roads. This is not a flat course, and is right up there with the challenge-level of our two Big Bear SquaTCh Trail Parties at Harriman State Park. We recommend a sturdy/grippy trail shoe with good grip/lugs. Trekking poles could be helpful for some folks to better navigate the technical terrain. 25K has over 2,500 ft of elevation gain and the 10M has over 1,800 ft of climbing.

MANDATORY GEAR

Our race course is NOT flat and the trails are very technical, steep and rugged. Both distances will be challenge for even the veteran mountain runners/hikers. We do not recommend this event to kids under the age of 16. ALL participants are REQUIRED to have the following with them at all times:

• Charged cell phone
• Water bottle or hydration pack - we recommend packing at least 1.5L of water.
• At least 300 extra calories
• Whistle (most running packs have a whistle built into them)
• GPX of course map on phone or device

The following items are recommended, but not required: Poles, External battery pack for phone, Head lamp and extra batteries, Buff/hat/gloves, Wipes, Ziploc baggie to pack out trash.

SQUATCH DISCOUNTS

Sassquad Trail Running is proud to offer 20% off all events to all active duty military and Veterans, hospital workers and teachers. We extend a 10% discount to our Wise Elder Squatch Squad (folks who are over the age of 60). New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Members and South Mountain Conservancy members can receive 10% off of registration.

BE A HERO

Join the Volunteer Dream Team! We need help with check-in, sweeping the course and cleaning up. We can sign-off on volunteer hours for registered participants.

SKRATCH

Skratch Labs are official Sassquad sponsors and will be serving Skratch Hydration at the aid station.

HARDSHIP ENTRIES

If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can choose the "Hardship Entry" option for a full or partial scholarship. Donations can be made to the Squatch Community Fund.

FAQ'S

Q: What’s the best address for me to get to the Trail Party?
A: Plug in 20 Berme Road, Ellenville NY

Q: What's the weather like in Ellenville, NY in April?
A: April in the Gunks can be chilly with temps in the upper 40's or quite warm in the 70's. Be ready for anything!

Q: I could get lost in a brown paper bag. Will the course be marked?
A: Focus on following the neon pink ribbons and large directional arrows.

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Negative. Max the Pug has to stay home for this event.

Q: What food will you be serving at the aid stations?
A: Snacks include items like bananas, granola bars, chips, oreos fruit snacks etc. We will also have SKRATCH!

Q: Can I have a pacer?
A: Squatchers over the age of 60 and AWD (athletes with disabilities) can have a pacer/guide at any time. Please fill out the pacer registration form ahead of time.

Q: Are there restrooms at the start/finish area?
A: There are portajohns at the start/finish area.

Q: Can I sign my kids up for the Trail Party?
A: If your kids are over the age of 16, YES! We do not recommend this mountain race for kids under the age of 16.

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.

SQUATCH KIDS CLUB

Kids under the age of 19 can score 15% off their registration with the code SQUATCHKIDSCLUB. Free entries are available for youth athletes. Families registering 3 or more Squatches in the same household can receive a special discount. Wooden star medallions are given to kids who are registered and to kids who come to spectate.

REFUNDS/DEFERRALS

No refunds are offered. Deferrals are available up to one calendar year from the event date, minus 15% of the registration fee, if notified more than 21 days in advance. For injuries less than 21 days out, a 100% deferral is offered if you volunteer for at least 4 hours. If the race is sold out with an active wait-list and your spot can be filled, a deferral minus 15% is available if notified at least 3 days before the race.

PREGNANCY, ADOPTION, & POSTPARTUM POLICY

A deferral of up to three years is offered for pregnancy, postpartum healing, adoption, IVF processes, and their partners/spouses.