Hairy Gorilla Half Marathon

Hairy Gorilla Half Marathon & Squirrelly Six Mile : Thacher State Park, 10/25/2026

The Hairy Gorilla Half Marathon & Squirrelly Six Mile is a Halloween-themed trail event held on October 25, 2026, at John Boyd Thacher State Park in Voorheesville, NY. The 2026 edition marks the event's 22nd year. The event combines a trail race with costume elements; volunteers and course sections are costumed and decorated, and a graveyard display lists many pre-registered runners. Runnersworld has called it the Best Costume Trail Race in America.

Distances

• Squirrelly Six approximately 6.3 miles
• Hairy Gorilla Half Marathon 13.1 miles

The race is staged from Hailes Cave Pavilion and runs entirely on park trails. The first 1.75 miles follow a gentle grass field called the Long Path and are mostly flat before reaching the Hang Glide Cliff, where single-track and more technical footing appear. Just past mile five the course returns toward the start/finish area, where Squirrelly Six participants finish and half marathoners continue. The final 7.1 miles include a stretch along a fence line and overlook, a street crossing, a gradual ascent parallel to Beaver Dam Road, and a mostly downhill final two miles.

Water and cups are available at several aid stations; participants are encouraged to bring their own water containers to reduce waste. Aid stations also offer candy with a preference that wrappers be left at the stations or that runners pack out their trash. The park charges a vehicle fee; carpooling is encouraged. Pets and strollers are allowed on site but not permitted to participate on the course. A kids race of about a half mile is open to children 12 and under for a fee and includes a custom finisher medal and post-race snacks. The event provides finisher medals and post-race food; merchandise is not included with registration. Volunteers are invited to help with the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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