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2026 Big Bear Squatch North

📍 Bear Mountain, United States

🏃 Trail

📏 10 km, 21 km

The 2026 Big Bear Squatch North will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, located off the Palisades Interstate Parkway within Harriman State Park, Bear Mountain, New York. The event is set in a rugged mountainous terrain, offering participants a challenging trail running experience with technical sections, steep inclines, and breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, Hudson River, and Hudson Valley. The weather forecast for Bear Mountain on April 4, 2026, is expected to be cool with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 55°F, with potential for light rain in the early morning. The course is designed for experienced trail runners and features a lollipop format with distinct distances, including a 13.1-mile (Half Marathon), 10K trail, and 10K ruck. The event is capped at 400 participants, and it typically sells out by the end of March.

What distances are available for this event?

→13.1M (Half Marathon)
→10K Trail
→10K Ruck

What is the race format?

The event features a lollipop course format, with the Half Marathon consisting of two lollipop loops: the first being 7.5 miles and the second completing the 10K course. The 10K Trail is a standalone technical loop.

What is the elevation gain for each distance?

→13.1M: Approximately 2,600 feet
→10K: Approximately 1,400 feet

What is the course structure for the Half Marathon?

The Half Marathon course is structured in two lollipop loops. The first loop is 7.5 miles and includes less rugged terrain, followed by a return to the start/finish. The second loop completes the 10K course, which includes more technical and steep sections.

What is the course structure for the 10K Trail?

The 10K Trail is a standalone technical loop that features the most challenging terrain and offers the best views of the area.

What are the time cutoffs for the event?

→Overall cutoff: 6 hours (course closes at 3:00 PM)
→Half Marathon: Must maintain a pace of 27:30 minutes per mile; the Mile 7.5 checkpoint cutoff is at 12:30 PM
→10K: Must maintain a pace to finish by 3:00 PM (no on-course cutoffs)

What is the event schedule?

→8:15 AM – 8:45 AM: Check-in
→9:00 AM: Race Start
→12:30 PM: Half Marathon Mile 7.5 cutoff
→3:00 PM: Course closes

What mandatory gear is required for the event?

Participants must carry the following at all times:

→A charged cell phone with GPX course map loaded
→A water bottle or hydration pack (minimum 1.5L)
→At least 200 extra calories
→A whistle (provided at check-in)

What is recommended gear for the event?

Recommended gear includes:

→Trekking poles
→External battery pack
→Headlamp and extra batteries
→Buff, hat, or gloves
→Wipes and a Ziploc bag for pack-out trash

Who is this event not recommended for?

This event is not recommended for:

→Children under 16 years of age
→Brand new trail runners
→Anyone with a fear of heights

Are dogs allowed at the event?

No, dogs are not allowed due to liability insurance restrictions.

What facilities are available on the course?

Restrooms are available only at the start/finish area (portajohns), with no restrooms on the course itself.

Are pacers allowed?

Pacers are allowed only for participants 60 years or older or athletes with disabilities. Prior approval and a pacer bib are required.

Is race banditing allowed?

No, running without registration is considered race banditing and results in an immediate ban from future Sassquad events.

Have the course routes changed in recent years?

Yes, the course has been adjusted three out of the last four years due to storm damage. The 2026 course uses the same routes as the 2024 event.

What transportation options are available?

Public transit options include the Metro-North Railroad or NJ Transit to Peekskill Station or Harriman Station, followed by a 20-minute rideshare. Carpool coordination is available by emailing the organizers if train schedules do not align with the start time.