The Squatchy Surprise

The Squatchy Surprise returns to South Mountain Reservation in Millburn, New Jersey on July 25th, 2026, offering a unique endurance challenge for runners of all levels. Participants gather at the reservation's expansive trails near West Orange, engaging with a trail party format inspired by the TommyKnocker Ultra. The event features four different colored golf balls that determine which loop participants will run or hike next, adding an element of surprise and strategy to each race day.
On race morning in Millburn, temperatures typically range from 20.6°C to 30.9°C with an average feel like temperature around 25.7°C due to moderate humidity levels at 71.2%. The trails are hard and dry, providing a consistent surface for runners despite the occasional risk of light rainfall totaling about 4mm during July in New Jersey. Runners should expect variable winds averaging 8.4 km/h throughout the day.
The Squatchy Surprise has been an annual event since its inception, supporting Bigger Than The Trail (BTTT), a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for mental health through trail running and fundraising efforts. Over the years, the race has attracted hundreds of participants who come together to support this cause while challenging themselves on the trails around South Mountain Reservation.
The course at South Mountain Reservation consists of four distinct loop options, each marked with unique colors that correspond to different golf balls pulled from a bucket before starting or continuing onto subsequent loops. The trail surface is hard and dry, requiring runners to navigate through varied terrain including some elevation changes but remaining consistent throughout the day's activities. Participants should note that there are no specific aid stations along these trails; instead, volunteers track progress via stickers on a chart at designated checkpoints.
Weather conditions during July in Millburn include an average temperature of 25.7°C with typical humidity around 71%, making for warm and sometimes muggy running conditions. The UV index is expected to be very high (8), so participants should take precautions against sun exposure while navigating the trails, which are approximately 4mm wet from potential rainfall.
The Squatchy Surprise offers a variety of options including:
- A full day challenge over 12 hours with an entry fee of $110.00
- Half-day participation for six continuous running or hiking hours at $85.00
- Three-hour endurance test costing $70.00