Thunder Chicken Squatch

Thunder Chicken Squatch

Thunder Chicken Squatch is a trail running event at Stokes State Forest in Branchville, New Jersey, held on Sunday August 9, 2026. The event offers multiple course options:

• 17 mile loop with about 1,500 ft of elevation gain
• 10K loop with about 600 ft of elevation gain, course closer to 6.6 miles
• 10K Ruck
• 5K with about 325 ft of elevation gain

All courses use technical singletrack with frequent rocks and roots. The 17 mile course uses existing blue blazes and has an on course cutoff at mile 7.65; the 5K is marked with pink ribbons and arrows. A six hour race cutoff applies to all events. Aid stations and on course support vary by distance: the 17 mile course has a staffed aid station with water and snacks at Steam Mill and a water only station at Shotwell Road; the 10K has a water only station on course; the 5K has no on course aid stations. Start and finish facilities are at the Kittle Picnic Area with a covered pavilion and flush toilets.

Accessibility and safety notes include a Trailside Support program for adaptive athletes, pre registered pacers or guides for eligible participants, required personal gear such as a charged phone, water, 200 calories, whistle, and a GPX map on a device. The event caps entries at 175 total participants and has sold out in prior years. Organizers offer a 50 percent entry reduction for active duty and veteran military participants and partner with a mental health nonprofit that funds free therapy through trail running fundraising. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.