Squatchywaska Mountainfest

Event Overview

The Squatchywaska Mountainfest is a trail running event with two distances: a 25K (noted as closer to 17 miles) and a 10-mile race. Both courses follow a lollipop format through Minnewaska State Preserve on the Shawangunk Ridge in New York. The event starts and finishes at Berme Road Park in Ellenville, NY.

Course Details

The routes traverse mountain singletrack and crushed gravel carriage roads. The terrain is described as technical, with many rocks and roots, steep climbs, descents, cliffs, and some scrambling on the 25K route. Both courses include over three miles of mellow crushed gravel trails. The 25K features over 2,500 feet of elevation gain, while the 10-mile race has over 1,800 feet.

A key landmark is the 187-foot Verkeerder Kill Falls. The course will be marked with neon pink/reflective ribbon and large red directional arrows.

Logistics

There is a 6-hour cutoff for both events. The 25K has two on-course cutoffs: at mile 11 (Maratanza Aid Station) by 1:00 PM and at mile 13.75 (Smiley Aid Station) by 1:50 PM. The 10-mile race has a cutoff at mile 6.85 (Smiley Aid Station) by 1:15 PM. The finish line cutoff for both is 3:00 PM.

Two on-course aid stations (Smiley and Maratanza) provide water, Skratch hydration mix, and snacks like bananas, granola bars, chips, and Oreos. These aid stations are not accessible to crew; crew support is only allowed at the start/finish area (Squatch HQ). Pacers are allowed only for participants over age 60 or athletes with disabilities, and they must be pre-registered.

Registration & Support

The event is capped at 150 participants across both distances. Registration includes a bib, a swag item, a handcrafted finisher's medal, aid station support, awards for top performers, and professional race photos. The event supports the charity Run Wild, Inc., and charity bibs with a fundraising commitment are available. A strict no-refund policy is in place, with deferral options under specific conditions.

Participant Requirements

All participants are required to carry a charged cell phone, a water bottle or hydration pack, at least 200 extra calories, a whistle (provided at check-in), and a GPX file of the course on a device. The event is not recommended for children under 16. Dogs are not permitted at the park per the event permit. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.