Sterling Squatch Half Marathon

Squatchywaska Mountainfest : Ellenville, NY

Squatchywaska Mountainfest, organized by Sassquad Trail Running, is a mountain trail event on April 24, 2027 in Ellenville, New York. The event starts and finishes at Berme Road Park and runs on trails of the Shawangunk Ridge and nearby preserves, with overlooks of the Catskills and Verkeerder Kill Falls.

Distances

• 25K (course closer to 17 miles)
• 10 Miler

Both routes use a mix of crushed-gravel carriage roads and technical singletrack with rock slabs, roots, steep climbs, and cliffside sections; the 25K includes short scrambling. Elevation gain is approximately 2,500 ft for the 25K and 1,800 ft for the 10 Miler. Course marking uses neon pink ribbons and large directional arrows.

There is a 6 hour cutoff for both events; the 25K requires about a 21 minute per mile pace and the 10 Miler about a 36 minute per mile pace. The 25K has two on-course cutoffs. Two on-course aid stations provide water, Skratch, and snacks; these aid stations are not crew-accessible. Race HQ has a first aid kit, AED, and private changing tents. Dogs are not allowed at Berme Road Park.

All participants must carry a charged phone, water bottle or hydration pack, at least 200 extra calories, a whistle, and a GPX of the course on a device. Trekking poles and additional batteries are recommended. Pacers or guides are permitted for athletes over 60 and for athletes with disabilities with pre-registration; crew access is limited to race HQ.

The event supports a land conservation nonprofit. There are no refunds; deferral and volunteer-for-deferral policies, pregnancy and community care deferral options, and accessibility accommodations are described in the event policies. Participants are required to view a webinar about the fragile cliff and ridge ecosystems and to stay on trail to protect rare flora and fauna. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.