Soapstone Assault
Somers, United States • 26 Jul 2026
Event overview
The Soapstone Assault is a trail race held in Somers, Connecticut, organized by the Shenipsit Striders. The event marks the club's 50th year. Entry is limited to 50 runners. Online registration is required, paid club members may use a discount code, and there will be no race-day registration. A pre-race safety briefing is part of the event. Breakfast sandwiches will be available after the race near the aid station.
Location and parking
The race uses the Shenipsit State Forest parking lot at 360 Gulf Rd, Somers, CT. Parking is available at the base of Soapstone Mountain, with volunteers directing runners to additional parking at the top as needed. Organizers ask participants to follow parking instructions and not to park on Gulf or Sodom roads.
Course
The course is 5.5 miles with about 1,500 feet of total climbing. Runners make six ascents of Soapstone Mountain, returning to the base between climbs. The first two climbs end at a fire tower and do not have aid station access. A cupless water stop is accessible from climbs 3, 4, and 5. The final climb finishes at the base of the tower after a section called Killer Hill (powerline trail). The route includes steep, rocky, slippery, and otherwise treacherous sections; parts of the course are relatively inaccessible and emergency response could be delayed. The event is not recommended for novice runners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.