FAT SASS SWITCHBACK CHALLENGE
Join us on Saturday July 9, 2022 for the Fat Sass Switchback Challenge! Runners and hikers of all ages and paces can sign-up for a 5K (3 loops) 3 hours or 6 hours. 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. As we always do for this event, we will donate the race proceeds to our charity partner, Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors. This amazing non-profit delivers direct financial and food support to local families who need it the most!
RACE DETAILS
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! Each year, we switch the direction of the course... This year everyone will climb up the switchbacks and then go down the steep Lenape Trail! Pacers are not allowed.
5K Start Time: 8am... Check-in, 7:15-7:45am
6 Hour Start Time: 9am... Check-in, 8:15am-8:45am
3 Hour Start Time: 12pm... Check-in 11:15am-11:45am
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.
All runners/hikers need to bring a sharpie marker with them. 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, 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 switchbacks and 1/2 mile down the steep Lenape Trail. Yup, that's right! It's the reverse of the 2021 event! Don’t expect any PRs at this race. 95% of the course is technical, rocky trails. 0.20 mi is pavement.
Start/finish at the Locus Grove Picnic Area. Climb up the switchbacks and hop on the yellow blazed Lenape Trail to George Washington Rock and the flag pole. Staying on the pavement to the right, you'll make your second right to stay on the Lenape Trail and then descend down 300 ft to the finish. Here is the Strava link: https://www.strava.com/routes/11803120
LIVINGSTON NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors is committed to supporting township residents struggling with unexpected hardship by providing short-term financial assistance and a variety of in-kind support. LNHN creates opportunities to respectfully help and empower those in need whereby promoting a strong sense of community and goodwill. LNHN also oversees CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) & New Pantry which assists 30 Livingston families.
FAQs
Q: Can I have a pacer?
A: Pacers are not allowed.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: No, dogs are not allowed at the event. Thank you for understanding!
Q: Can I sign my kids up for the Fat Sass?
A: Yes! This is a family friendly event. Be sure to register your child separately and agree to the waiver for minors.
Q: What's the weather like in Millburn, NJ in July?
A: Blazing hot. Humid. Though based on this past winter, we may have snow flurries. Be ready for anything.
Q: I could get lost in a brown paper bag. Will the course be marked?
A: YES. We will have bright colored ribbons along the course and plenty at each of the turns.
Q: Speaking of directions, what’s the best address for me to use to get to the Locust Grove Picnic Area?
A: 1060 West Addison.
Q: 1060 West Addison? That's Wrigley Field.
A: Just kidding. Plug in "Millburn Public Library". The trails are right across the street.
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! If at any point you decide that you're finished running and you do not want to go out for another loop, all you have to do is stop!
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: NO THIS IS NOT OKAY. This is called being a "race bandit" and it is stealing. Not paying for a race and running the race is stealing from the race organization (even if you're not taking food or swag). Don't do this at a Sassquad trail party or ANY other race. It's not okay. And if you hear about someone else doing this, call them out. If you bandit a race, you will be banned from registering for any of our Sassquad events.
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, Florham Park and Basking Ridge. https://www.sneakerfactorynj.com/
SASSQUAD TRAIL RUNNING
We are a community of SASQUATCH-lovin' trail runners. 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 @sassquadtrailrunning and like us on Facebook to get all of our Squatchy updates: facebook.com/sassquadtrailrunning. You can also join our Facebook group, "Sassquad Trail Runners" to connect with other runners and hikers!
Event's current local time: 11:50 AM ET
