THE LAST SQUATCH STANDING
Do you wish loop races could be more like a roller derby? Do you dream about clotheslining your competition on a single-track trail when you want to pass? Thought about tripping another runner so you could finish ahead of them?
If you've ever had any of those thoughts, you'll need to practice your deep-breathing and consider carrying a stress-ball in your hydration pack because our insurance policy doesn't cover tackling, foul-play or booby-traps!
Join us on Saturday October 30, 2021 to test your speed, endurance and mental toughness as you race to be crowned THE LAST SQUATCH STANDING!
The 1-mile loop starts and finishes at the Turtleback Rock Picnic Area at the South Mountain Reservation off of Walker Road in West Orange, NJ. Complete each mile in the allotted time or get eliminated!
RACE DETAILS
Check-in between 8AM-8:30AM
All runners will start every mile at the same time. If you finish the mile before the countdown timer ends, you will have to wait at the start/finish until the clock runs out and the next timer starts for the next mile. Pacers are not allowed.
For the first mile, the clock will countdown from 18 minutes.
1 minute will come off of the clock every mile for miles 2-7.
30 seconds will come off the clock every mile for miles 8-11.
Starting at mile 12, 15 seconds will come off of the clock every mile until we can crown "THE LAST SQUATCH STANDING”! Each division will have top Male and Female finishers!
Now that you know the details, click register and start physically and mentally preparing! Then on October 30th, get out there and give it all you got and win just one for the Zipper. I don't know where you'll be when the timer runs out, but you won't smell too good, that's for sure.
Although we do not anticipate this, in the event that the county pulls the permit, we will give all pre-registered runners/hikers a 100% credit to any 2021 or 2022 Sassquad event. Please note, this means that we are not offering refunds on the non-refundable registration fee.
Unvaccinated runners/hikers are encouraged to use a mask during check-in, at the start of the race and at the aid station
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course will be marked! Run towards the baseball field and onto Hillspur trail. You'll be on this doublewide trail for 0.44 miles. Turn RIGHT onto Ravine Trail. You'll quickly make another RIGHT and hop on the ORANGE Turtleback trail. You'll take this singletrack trail back towards the start/finish. Take your first RIGHT to get back to the start/finish area. We will have a "puke chute" adjacent to the finish-line. Runners who puke on our finish-line or on our race clock will be disqualified for disorderly conduct. There are portapottys at the start/finish. There is about 60 feet of elevation gain per loop. You can view the loop here: https://www.strava.com/routes/11823952
FAMILIES, MILITARY, FRONTLINE & CLUB MEMBERS
We want the WHOLE family to come out to our events! We have a special discount code for families registering 3 or more Squatches in the same household. Please email trailpartydirector@sassquadtrailrunning.com before you register so we can give you the code! Sassquad Trail Running is proud to offer 20% off all events to all active duty military and Veterans. Must provide proof of service. Please email trailpartydirector@sassquadtrailrunning.com before you register for an event so we can provide you with a discount code. NYNJ Trail Conference and South Mountain Conservancy members can receive 10% off of registration; please email us for the discount code!
SOXCESS
Bring 1 NEW pair of socks to the race. No, this isn't Barkley; we will be hosting a sock-drive at the race! We are partnering with "Soxcess". Soxcess was created nine years ago by Jeremy Garriga. As a volunteer at a homeless shelter, he saw that many shelter guests were lacking basics such as new, clean socks. Soxcess was formed to provide those basics to shelters in Hudson County, NJ. Now a Seton Hall University senior, Jeremy continues to advocate for the homeless and needy people throughout the region. In seven years, Soxcess has distributed over 16,000 pair of new socks and many other basics. Along with corporate sponsors such as Bombas Socks, Target Stores, and Lush Cosmetics, Jeremy has been successful in providing donated goods to an even wider range of people and as far as Honduras. Invite your family and friends to participate in the sock-drive!
FAQ's
Q: Can I have a pacer?
A: Pacers are not allowed.
Q: Ok, first of all— in the race details, you said to “win just one for the Zipper.” Um, don’t you mean “Gipper”?!
A: Leg 'er down a smack 'em yak 'em!
Q:What is the 1 mile loop like?
A: I can't tell you that. It's classified.... Ok, fine-- the course is 50% doublewide trails and 50% singletrack trails. Only 61 feet of elevation. Check out the map and elevation profile here: https://www.strava.com/routes/11823952
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Nope. Toto has to stay home for this race. Our liability insurance does not cover dogs; thank you for understanding!
Q: Talk to me about the finishers' swag. What do I get to take home with me after the race?
A: Besides memories that will last a lifetime, every runner will receive a squatchtastic finishers item. We will have squatchy awards for the top male and female runners. We will conclude the event with a formal ceremony to place actual gold crowns on the top male and female finishers heads!
Q: A crown? Surely you can't be serious.
A: I am serious... And don't call me Shirley.
Q: Can I sign my kids up for The Last Squatch Standing?
A: Yes! Be sure to register your child separately and agree to the waiver for minors. And make sure to keep track of little Johnny and Suzie before during and after the race. We only have 1 search-party and they're already out there looking for Sasquatch.
Q: What's the weather like in West Orange, NJ in October?
A: Freezing cold? Sweltering hot? #globalwarming ?? Average temps are in the mid to high 50's. The Farmer's Almanac says, "October will be slightly rainier than normal, with near-normal temperatures." Be ready for anything.
Q: I get lost in every race. Surely there must be something you can do?
A: Dont' worry, the course will be well-marked! And stop calling me Shirley.
Q: What will you have at the aid station?
A: We'll have a wide range of pre-packaged snacks that should appeal to most runners, plus coolers of water
Q: Is there an address I can plug into my GPS?
A: 374 Walker Road, West Orange, New Jersey
Q: I can't make it to the race, can I get a refund?
A: Sorry, but we cannot refund your non-refundable registration fee.
Q: Are there restrooms at the start/finish area?
A: There are portapottys in the parking lot next to the start/finish area.
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.
BE A HERO
Join the Sassy Volunteer Squad! We need help with check-in, timing, sweeping the course and cleaning up. Are you registered for a race that requires volunteer hours? We can sign-off on the hours that you log at the Last Squatch Standing! Volunteer to provide delicious food for our aid station and we can sign-off on your prep time! We love our volunteer team and we are always looking to add more Sassy members to the Volunteer Squad!
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: 2:01 PM ET