Big Bear SquaTCh South

Event overview

Big Bear SquaTCh South is a trail half marathon and 10K held on October 18, 2026, at Harriman State Park in Tuxedo, New York. The event is hosted by Sassquad Trail Running with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a co-host. Registration helps support trail maintenance. Capacity is capped at 175 participants and the event has sold out in recent years.

Distances

• 13.1 miles - single-loop half marathon
• 10K - single-loop 10 kilometer course

Course and aid stations

Both routes use technical singletrack with many rocks and roots, steep climbs and descents, and one short scramble. The half marathon has about 2,200 ft of cumulative gain, including roughly 1,000 ft in the first 4 miles. The 10K has about 1,200 ft of elevation gain. The half has two on-course aid stations: the first near mile 4.7 (water, bananas, granola bars) and the second near mile 9.5 (water, Skratch, pb&j, granola bars, fruit, gluten-free chips and cookies). The 10K does an out-and-back to the Johnsontown Road aid station at about mile 2.5. Course markings use neon pink/reflective ribbons and large directional arrows. A fully stocked first-aid kit is available at each aid station and an AED is kept at Squatch HQ.

Logistics, rules and safety

The event uses Powerhouse Park in Tuxedo, NY for the start and finish; there is a commuter lot parking fee. There is a five-hour race cutoff and the half has two on-course cutoffs; required paces are specified for both distances. Pacers or guides are allowed for participants over age 60 and for athletes with disabilities with pre-registration. No dogs are permitted on the course. Required gear lists include a charged cell phone, hydration, whistle, and a GPX course file; additional recommended items are provided. Portajohns are available at the start/finish; there are no restrooms on the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.