The Running Kind and Sassquad Trail Running are bringing you a brand new mountain running series: Mountain Madness. This series combines four events, two from each brand. Those that join the fun and run all four events throughout 2026 will have a true taste of Northeast trail running & will earn a commemorative item.

Sign-up for free before January 31st! ($10 registration fee kicks in on February 1st) & then make sure you're registered separately for each of the four races through their respective pages [registering for just the Mountain Madness Series does not automatically register you for any races]. To complete the challenge, you must register separately for each qualifying race through that event’s own registration page. Finishers will score a commemorative item at the final event of the series in October.

register here

series races

  • April 4th 2026 | Half Marathon & 10K

    Sassquad and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference are proud to present the 5th rendition of the Harriman Big Bear SquaTCh North at Harriman State Park in Bear Mountain, New York! Join us on Saturday April 4, 2026 for this mountain 10K/13.1M Trail Party! This event WILL sell-out before race day so register early to avoid being added to the waitlist!

    More info here.

  • May 17th 2026 | 50K, 10 Mile & 5 Mile

    C'mon Armageddon is designed to test runners through some of the most difficult, technical terrain on the East Coast. Located in northern NJ, these mountains will provide the home for the toughest race we offer. The course will take runners through boulder fields, river crossings and up mountain peaks to some of the best views in the state, including the New York City skyline!

    More info here.

  • August 16th 2026 | 25K & 8K

    Climb It For Climate is returning to the Catskill Mountains at Belleayre Resort! Sitting just under 3500ft, this formidable mountain offers epic views of the stunning Catskill High Peaks around every turn. Runners participating will have the option of a 25K or an 8K. Both the 25K & 8K are open to hikers! Donations being collected through registration & raffle for The Catskill Center.

    More info here.

  • October 18th 2026 | Half Marathon & 10K

    Sassquad Trail Running and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference are proud to present the Big Bear SquaTch South at Harriman State Park in Tuxedo, New York on Sunday October 18, 2026. All runners and hikers will experience non-stop trail beauty through Harriman State Park! Your race registration is directly helping the Trail Conference maintain and protect these trails. (The capitalized "TC" in SquaTCh stands for "Trail Conference"!!) This event WILL sell-out before race day so register early to avoid being added to the waitlist!

    More info here.

FAQs

Q: Do I have to run a specific distance at each race?
A: Nope! You can choose any distance offered at each event. Whether it’s a 10K or a 50K, as long as you finish a race at all four events, you’re in!

Q: Do I have to run each of the races or can I hike?
A: A mile is a mile! Run/hike/crawl your way to each finish line within the designated cut-offs for each finish to count!

Q: How will you track who completed the challenge?
A: We’ll check the official race results for all four events. If you're signed up for the challenge and have finishes at each race, you did it!

Q: Is there a deadline to sign up for the challenge?
A: We recommend signing up before your first race in the series, but you can join at any time during the year

Q: Is this a competitive challenge? Do finish times matter?
A: Nope! This challenge is not competitive, it’s all about community, consistency, and having fun on the trails. Your finish times do not matter at all. As long as you earn an official finish at each of the four races during the 2026 calendar year, you’ll complete the challenge. No podiums, no pressure, just good vibes and good miles!

Q: Who can I contact if I have a question?
A: Aimee Kohler, The Running Kind: wearetherunningkind@gmail.com and Kim Levinsky, Sassquad Trail Running: trailpartydirector@sassquadtrailrunning.com