Thunder Chicken Squatch

Thunder Chicken Squatch jamboree

Thunder Chicken Squatch is a trail running event at Stokes State Forest in Branchville, New Jersey. The event offers multiple distances on technical singletrack with rocks and roots. Elevation gain by distance is approximately 1,500 ft for the 17 mile loop, 600 ft for the 10K (course closer to 6.6 miles), and 325 ft for the 5K. The 17 mile route is not recommended for children under 14.

Available formats:

• 17 mile loop
• 10K
• 10K Ruck
• 5K

Participation is capped at 175 entrants across all events. There is a required park entrance fee of 10 USD for New Jersey residents and 20 USD for out of state residents. The start and finish are at the Kittle Picnic Area, which has a covered pavilion, restrooms, and picnic tables.

All events observe a six hour race cutoff. Pace guidance to meet the cutoff is about 21 minutes per mile for the 17 mile distance, about 58 minutes per mile for the 10K, and about 119 minutes per mile for the 5K. Aid stations provide water and snacks at the start area; the 17 mile course has an aid station at mile 7.65 and a water-only point at mile 13.5. The 10K has a water-only aid at mile 3. The 5K uses only start area support.

Required items for all participants include a charged cell phone, a water bottle or hydration pack, at least 200 extra calories, a whistle, and a GPX file of the course on a device. Trekking poles and sturdy trail shoes with good lugs are recommended for the technical terrain. Wildlife in the area includes snakes and black bears; participants should observe animals from a distance and avoid running from bears. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.