FAT SASS SWITCHBACK CHALLENGE
A long time ago (2018)... in a galaxy not so far away... a Trail Party was born. Thought to be lost to the galaxy, the Fat Sass Switchback Challenge 5K/3H/6H is returning to the forest moon of the South Mountain Reservation on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Join the Resistance as we rally in Millburn, NJ to raise funds and awareness for Bigger Than The Trail, a nonprofit fighting the dark side of mental health stigma by providing free therapy services to those in need. The 1 mile loop with 300 ft elevation gain starts and finishes at the Locust Grove Picnic Area off of Glen Ave in Millburn, NJ at the South Mountain Reservation.
TRAIL PARTY DETAILS
***This is a FAT (S)ASS EVENT which means that we are only providing water and bibs (no swag/medals/awards). This is a BYO-everything event, so be sure to pack your snacks and electrolytes!***
All 5K runners will complete the 1 mile loop 3 times. 3 HR and 6 HR runners will complete as many loops as they can in 3 or 6 hours. Remember, if you don't finish your last loop before the 3 or 6 hour timer runs out, that loop does not count!
5K Check-in 7:15-7:45am
5K starts at 8am
6 Hour and 3 Hour Check-in 8:15am-8:45am
6H and 3 Hour starts at 9am
3 Hour ends at 12pm
6 Hour ends at 3pm
Parking: ALL runners/hikers should park across the street at the Millburn Public Library Lot and the NJ Transit Train Station Lot. The trailhead parking lot is always a zoo and is difficult to get in/out of. Save yourself the headache and park across the street and then walk over.
We will have large loop boards at the start/finish for you to keep track of your laps. It is YOUR responsibility to keep track of your total loops! 5K runners/hikers, will record their finish time on these loop boards too. You'll need to look at the race clock and then write down your time on the board.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The 1 mile loop has 300 ft elevation gain: 1/2 mile up the steep Lenape Trail, the 1/2 mile down the switchbacks. 95% of the course is technical, rocky trails. 0.20 mi is pavement. You can download the gpx file on our website.
BIGGER THAN THE TRAIL
We are proud to partner with Bigger Than The Trail. BTTT is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that is using trail running as a platform to advocate for mental health. BTTT's mission is to enrich the lives of individuals struggling with mental health. Through their fundraising efforts, BTTT provides free therapy to those in need! Please consider making a donation to BTTT: Bigger Than the Trail to provide cost-free therapy for folks in need.
FAQs
Q: Can I have a pacer?
A:Pacers are granted only to those wise Jedi over 60 cycles old and our courageous AWDs (Athletes With Disabilities). The Force alone guides all others.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Droids and other furry companions are not permitted to join the mission on the trails. However, spectators may bring their four-legged allies, but they must remain leashed like a well-trained Bantha at all times. Your cooperation is appreciated by the Rebel Council.
Q: Can I sign my kids up for the Fat Sass?
A: Absolutely! The Fat Sass is a family-friendly gathering of all ages across the galaxy. Make sure to register each young Padawan separately and secure parental consent through the required waiver.
Q: What's the weather like in Millburn, NJ in October?
A: Weather in this system is as unpredictable as a podrace on Tatooine. Temperatures may rise into the 60s, or a surprise snowstorm could descend like an Imperial blockade. Keep your comms tuned for updates; we’ll transmit a trail conditions report a few days before the event.
Q: I could get lost in a brown paper bag. Will the course be marked?
A: Fear not, young Jedi! Bright-colored ribbons will mark your path through the forest, and at every twist and turn, you will find guiding markers. The Force will be with you.
Q: Speaking of directions, what’s the best address for me to use to get to the Locust Grove Picnic Area?
A: Set your nav-computer for “Millburn Public Library.” The trails are directly across the hyperspace lane from there.
Q: I want to sign up for the event, but I know I won't stay out there to run the entire time. Can I still sign up?
A: Yes, you may! If at any point your energy wanes or your starfighter needs to dock, simply stop your mission; there are no penalties or DNFs.
Q: Me and my friend aren't registered for the race, but we're still planning on coming to run. We won't eat from the aid station or take a medal or swag. This is okay, right?
A: Negative. This behavior is known in the galaxy as "race banditing" and is akin to theft from the Rebel Alliance. Participating without registering steals resources and is strictly forbidden. If you hear of bandits, report them to keep the force of fairness strong. Bandits will be exiled from all future Sassquad missions.
REFUNDS/DEFERRALS
We do not offer refunds or deferrals for our two Fat Sass events (Frosty Fat Sass in January and Switchback Challenge in October) as they are fundraising events. Please understand that before you register!
SNEAKER FACTORY
Thank you to our friends at Sneaker Factory NJ! Sneaker Factory supports Sassquad Trail Running on and off the trails to help make the events as squatchtastic as possible! The Sneaker Factory is NJ's source for all things running: New Jersey's oldest and most well-known running store, originally opened in Millburn in 1978. Stop by one of our three convenient neighborhood locations and let us help you find the "perfect ride for every stride." Millburn, Denville, and Basking Ridge.
SASSQUAD TRAIL RUNNING
We are a community of SASQUATCH-lovin' trail runners and hikers. Our goal is to provide FUN and challenging events for runners of all ages and paces. We like to think that we have a good sense of humor, a full arsenal of sarcastic wit, useless trivia facts and a deep appreciation for cinematic masterpieces (as evidenced multiple times already). Follow us on Instagram , and like us on Facebook to get all of our Squatchy updates. You can also join our Facebook group, "Sassquad Trail Runners" to connect with other runners and hikers!
Event's current local time: 10:08 PM ET
