The Squatchy Surprise
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Event overview
The Squatchy Surprise is a trail party held on July 25, 2026 at South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, New Jersey, with the start/finish at the Tulip Springs Picnic Area. The event offers the following race formats:
- 12H
- 6H
- 3H
The event is capped at 250 participants across all formats. The party-style format uses four different trail loops; before each loop participants draw a colored golf ball to determine which loop they will run or hike. A black golf ball allows the participant to choose a loop. The draw-and-repeat process continues until a late-event decision point when participants either continue drawing or switch to a half-mile mini loop. One charity "mulligan" re-draw is available for a $20 donation, with proceeds going to the event charity partner Bigger Than The Trail.
Course, logistics and support
The course mixes hard-packed carriage trails and technical singletrack with rocks and roots. Routes are marked with colored ribbons, large directional arrows, wrong-way signs and reflective tape for low-light visibility. There is a single aid station at Squatch HQ (start/finish) with a first aid kit and AED; aid station offerings include water, Skratch hydration, coffee, fruit, packaged snacks and some hot food options with gluten-free and vegan choices available on request. Pacers or guides are allowed for participants over age 60 and athletes with disabilities. Crew access is limited to Squatch HQ. Parking is available in the nearby commuter lot on weekends. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
