Sunday, October 4, 2026 Jungle Habitat, NJ Trail Run + Mountain Bike
Two Disciplines. One Wild Trail Festival.
Jungle Escape brings trail running and mountain bike racing together for one unforgettable day at the legendary Jungle Habitat. Trail runners take to the trails early, followed by the mountain bike races later in the day, giving everyone space to race with minimal overlap while sharing the same venue and post-race party. Choose your challenge and take on a wild mix of singletrack, rocky trails and rugged terrain in one of New Jersey's most unique places to race.
USATF Sanctioned Trail Run · H2H MTB Race Series · NJ State Championships
Why Race Jungle Escape?
An Experience Worth The Drive
Historic and unforgettable venue
Race through the grounds of the former Warner Bros. safari park, now transformed into one of North Jersey's most distinctive trail systems.
Rocky, technical North Jersey trails
Hand-built singletrack, rocky climbs and rugged fire road that reward every kind of racer.
Two races, one day
Trail runners are earlier, mountain bikers are later. Two separate races that share one venue, one finish line and one party on the trails.
Finisher awards and post-race gathering
Wooden finisher plaques for runners, equal cash payouts for MTB pros, and food and drinks after the finish.
What Racers Say
From The Trails
“This was my first trail race, and I was so impressed by the organizers. On race day, check-in was seamless and the trails were well marked. The whole experience was so enjoyable. I can't wait for the next race.”
“Beautiful, well marked course. Fantastic volunteers and community.”
Two Races, One Day
Two separate races share the venue, the party and the trails. Trail runners are earlier, mountain bikers are later. Choose your race to jump to distances, schedule, awards and course maps.
These are the 2026 routes. The main loop is 6.6 miles with 586 ft of gain and the short loop is 4.5 miles with 371 ft. All registered runners get full RideWithGPS access during the event, so download the free app and follow the link in your confirmation email.
The 2026 main loop is 6.6 miles with 586 ft of gain and the short loop is 4.5 miles with 371 ft. The course is marked with purple arrows and survey tape, with orange signs where the short/main course split approaches.
Jungle Habitat is one of the most unique parks in New Jersey with a very cool history. It was a Warner Brothers safari park in the 1970s that closed down in 1976, and the land was left untouched for three decades. In 2007 New Jersey approved a volunteer-built trail network led by JORBA, and our race director and crew were some of the volunteers who hand built these trails. Racing here feels like coming full circle. Out on course you'll pass artifacts from the original park including the Otter Slide and the Tiger Pens.
On Course GPS Navigation
We've invested in technology that notifies you of turns and helps you find your way if you somehow go off course. All registered athletes get full access to RideWithGPS during the event, so click the link below or in your confirmation email to load every course map and download the free app. We mark the course painstakingly with arrows and tape, but things get blown down, so the app is your backup.
There is an aid station on course, but we strongly recommend carrying a hydration pack or bottle plus your own nutrition. Aid stations are cupless in keeping with our mission to eliminate waste. The Half Marathon loops through the start/finish, so you can stage extra hydration and nutrition there. We provide GU gels or chews, water and GU or Skratch hydration drink.
Camping
Make a weekend of it. Nearby camping is available at Camp Wyanokie or Wawayanda State Park, both about 15 minutes from the race site. Book early, fall weekends fill up.
Charged cell phone with the RideWithGPS app pre-loaded (or your app of choice using the GPX file), hydration pack or water bottle, a minimum of 200 calories (gels, chews, energy bar), and a whistle (most packs include one).
Volunteers
Community events like this simply don't happen without volunteers. All volunteers get race swag and join us for the post race celebration. We could use help with packet pickup, sweeping the course and breaking down race gear. Sign up through UltraSignUp or BikeReg, or email info@rsgadventures.com.
No refunds, but we offer transfers and deferrals. Defer your entry for $15 with at least 10 days notice by emailing info@rsgadventures.com. Your deferral credit is good toward any Ready Set Go Adventures cycling event over the next 12 months.
Fall weather at Jungle Habitat varies a lot, so layers are the key. We'll have short sleeve and long sleeve technical tees for sale at the event that work great as a base layer (pre-order to guarantee your size). Running tights are a good idea and trail shoes are recommended. Pack a dry change of clothes and shoes so you're comfortable at the post race party.
Rain & Course Conditions
The event is planned rain or shine.
Racing For A Cause
We Give Back To West Milford First Aid
Giving back is part of the Ready Set Go Adventures mission. A portion of every Jungle Escape entry is donated to West Milford First Aid, the volunteer squad that keeps our community and our race day safe. Racing here means supporting them.
Post race party with food and drinks for trail runners
Mountain bike post race offerings are still being finalized for 2026
Awards for both disciplines on the day
Parking & Venue
Tons of parking at the top of the hill at Jungle Habitat
By special arrangement with NJ State Parks the main gate is open, drive up to the top for event parking
$5 NJ State Parks parking fee on race day, pre-pay in registration or bring exact change
Carpool where you can, the lot fills up fast
109 Airport Rd, West Milford, NJ 07480
Race Day Gallery
Questions
Where do I sign up?
Trail runners register on UltraSignUp and mountain bikers register on BikeReg. They are two separate registrations even though both races run on the same day.
Can I do both races?
Yes, just plan accordingly. Sign up for both a run and an MTB race and you get a free shirt. We'd recommend the 10K or 4 Mile run and then jumping into one of the non-Endurance MTB categories.
How long are the loops?
The main loop is 6.6 miles with 586 ft of climbing and the short loop is 4.5 miles with 371 ft. The Half Marathon runs two main loops, the 10K runs one, and the 4 Mile runs the short loop.
Is there camping nearby?
Yes. Camp Wyanokie and Wawayanda State Park are both about 15 minutes from the race site.
How is the course marked?
Extremely well. Purple arrows and survey tape keep you on course, with orange signs where the short/long course split approaches.
Is there a parking fee?
Yes, there is a $5 NJ State Parks parking fee on race day. Pre-pay in registration or bring exact change in cash.
Rain or shine?
The event is planned rain or shine. If conditions make the trails unsafe we'll communicate any course changes by email before race day.
