Cats Tail Trail Marathon

The 12th annual Cat's Tail Trail Marathon takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM in the Slide Mountain Wilderness Area, Catskill Mountains, Shandaken, New York. This challenging point‑to‑point marathon features nearly 7,000 feet of vertical gain on technical, rocky terrain and rolling ridgelines. Proceeds support Run Wild, Inc. for land conservation. Veteran/First Responder discount: 25% off. Updated refund policy: 80% refund via UltraSignup Refund Guarantee (cancellations 24+ hours before event). Pregnancy/postpartum refunds reviewed individually.

Location — Slide Mountain Wilderness Area, Catskill Mountains, Shandaken, NY:

• The Slide Mountain Wilderness Area is the largest wilderness area in the Catskill Mountains, known for rugged terrain, dense forests, and panoramic views
• Start line at the end of Fox Hollow Rd, Shandaken, NY (near Big Indian, Phoenicia, and the famous Slide Mountain trailhead)
• The course finishes at a separate location (not specified) — check event website for finish area and shuttle logistics
• Terrain: technical, rocky, rooty, with steep climbs and descents — a true Catskill mountain marathon

Run Wild, Inc. — Proceeds Support Land Conservation:

• Run Wild, Inc. is a nonprofit organization focused on land conservation, trail preservation, and responsible recreation in the Catskill Mountains
• Your registration directly supports their mission to protect the natural beauty of the region

Veteran / First Responder Discount — 25% Off:

• Veterans and first responders (law enforcement, firefighters, EMS) receive 25% off registration
• Use discount code available on event website (or contact race director)
• A small thank‑you for your service

Refund Policy — UltraSignup Refund Guarantee (80% Refund):

• Participants can receive an 80% refund (including taxes and fees) for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the event
• No more "no refunds ever" — this policy adds flexibility
• Pregnancy and postpartum refund requests are reviewed individually — email Jennifer at [email protected]

What's Included:

• Chip timing (net time)
• Finisher medal (custom — Cat's Tail design)
• Event shirt (technical fabric)
• Multiple aid stations on course (water, electrolyte, snacks, basic first aid)
• Top‑tier post‑race refreshments (hot food, beverages, recovery snacks)
• Medical support on course
• Bag drop at start (transported to finish)
• Parking at start area (arrive early — limited spaces)

Course Details — Point‑to‑Point, Rugged, Scenic:

• Nearly 7,000 ft of vertical gain (and loss) — this is a true mountain marathon
• Technical, rocky, rooty singletrack with steep climbs and descents
• Rolling ridgelines with panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains
• Fully marked course with volunteer course marshals at key turns
• No pacers allowed? Not specified — check event website

Logistics — Plan for a Point‑to‑Point Race:

• Start and finish are at different locations — you will need to arrange transportation or take a shuttle (check event website for shuttle details)
• Park at the start or finish? Typically, runners park at the finish and take a shuttle to the start, or vice versa
• No dogs allowed on the course (wilderness area regulations — service animals excepted)
• Strollers not permitted
• Headlamps recommended? Not required for daytime start, but carry one in case of delays (September daylight hours are ~12 hours, but if you're slow, you may finish in the dark)
• Mandatory gear: waterproof jacket, whistle, space blanket, and water bottle/hydration pack (typical for Catskill mountain races) — check event website for full list

Race History — 12th Annual, Beloved Catskill Ultra Classic:

• First held in 2015 (assuming 2015 was year 1, 2026 is year 12)
• Known as one of the toughest and most scenic trail marathons in the Northeast
• Part of the Run Wild, Inc. event series
• Results archive available from 2015‑2025

Course Records (Men):

• Andrew Hutchinson — 4:09:57 (2024)
• Steven Lange — 4:13:08 (2021)
• Daniel Grip — 4:18:24 (2020)

Nearby Attractions (post‑race — make a weekend of it in the Catskills):

• Slide Mountain — highest peak in the Catskills (4,180 ft), accessible via the Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain trailheads
• Phoenicia — small town with restaurants, the Phoenicia Diner (famous), and tubing on Esopus Creek
• Big Indian Wilderness — additional hiking trails and camping opportunities
• Woodstock (20 minutes south) — artsy town with music history, shops, and galleries
• Kingston (40 minutes east) — historic waterfront, restaurants, and the Kingston Stockade district

Contact: Jennifer — [email protected]. Website: catstailmarathon.com.