Race Review; Sassquad Trail Party

If you like running, trail & a fun time, Sassquad Trail Parties celebrate every runner, walker and mile. Trail Party Director, Kim levinsky, launched Sassquad Trail Running in 2018 with the help of a few good friends, a couple of cones, a borrowed timing clock and the support of the local trail running community.

During the pandemic, when races were on pause, Kim began sharing her mental health struggles more publicly. Through her podcast, vlogs, and real-life conversations at the trailhead, she continued to advocate for mental wellness and create spaces where people can feel seen, heard, and supported.​ Kim credits the trails and the trail community for helping her grow through it all. She hopes her Long Path FKT inspires other women to take on big, bold goals and write their own stories on the trail.​

In 2023, Kim set the Fastest Known Time on the 358-mile New York Long Path, becoming the first woman to complete the full trail in a single push (9.5 days!). The effort raised funds for the NY-NJ Trail Conference and Bigger Than The Trail, blending her passions for trail conservation and mental health advocacy. Filmmaker Shai Ben-Dor documented the journey, sharing both the physical challenge and Kim’s story of reluctantly starting therapy and learning to speak openly about mental health. You can check out the film, The Long Path: A Journey of Becoming, HERE.

The Squathcy Leftover party took place on Saturday 29th November (the Saturday after Thanksgiving), with a sold-out participant list of over 400 participants. With distances ranging from 5k-50k, including a kids 1 mile run. This race had it all.

Trail Party HQ

Each loop was around 5k, with the 10k completing the loop twice, 25k five time around and the 50k completing a whopping 10 laps.

I opted for the 50k distance. This was not my first Sassquad Trail Party, or my first 50k, however it was my first time doing 50k with them. I remember when I signed up, I had just finished the Spartan Trail Half marathon in Lake Placid, and in that runners high of finishing a tough trail half, I clicked on the confirm button, thinking at the time (this was August), that November sounded so far away.

However, November came around, I had other events leading up to this, including the TCS NYC Virtual marathon, a couple of half marathons, and the Patriot Challenge in Philadelphia (half marathon & 8k on the same day, and just one week before the 50k). I was prepared and ready for 10 loops of South Mountain Reservation.

Upon arrival, we parked and drank hot tea while we waited for bib pick up to open. Sassquad pre-race communication was excellent, and we received several emails on the lead up to race day telling us about parking, logistics of the race etc. The party itself was well organised ( as are all of the events), with clearly marked table and signs telling participants where to go, where to line up etc.

The 50k and 25k started together at 8am, with the 10k and kids race starting later. I was alittle concerned that it would be tight to pass people, however the majority of the trails were wide enough for people to pass without an issue. There was no chance of getting lost as the trails were clearly marked with pink tape and signs.

Luckily the weather was perfect on race day, alittle chilly to start with, but dry and bright blue skies. The Sassquad team lit a fire at Race HQ and along with the amazing Aid station, which was stocked with almost everything runner could wish for at an aid station. Each loop we would pass through this area, with supporters and family members cheering and supporting in style.

T-Rex supporting the runners

The course itself had a 8hr 30 min cut off with around a total elevation of 3,000ft, and a variable terrain from nice smooth packed ground under foot, to rocky and slightly more technical parts.

I would highly recommend this event for first - time runners, especially those looking to dip their toes into the Ultra distance world. A great, fun, well supported event, and I'm looking forward to the next one. Thanks Team Sassquad!