Soapstone Assault

Soapstone Assault - Somers, CT

Soapstone Assault is a trail race held at Soapstone Mountain in Shenipsit State Forest, Somers, CT. The course is about 5.5 miles long and includes six ascents of the mountain. Runners circumnavigate the base in a counterclockwise direction and, each time they encounter a trail heading up, they run to the peak and return the same way before resuming the loop. The first five climbs use different trails; the sixth climb is known as Killer Hill on the powerline trail.

The course includes steep, rocky, slippery, and otherwise treacherous sections. The organizer warns that a serious injury is possible and that parts of the course are relatively inaccessible, so an injured runner might wait an hour or more for emergency medical care. Organizers describe the course as challenging and not recommended for novice runners.

Due to public safety concerns about parking, the race is capped at 50 runners. Parking is at the base of Soapstone Mountain with additional parking at the top as needed; volunteers will direct parking. Entrants are asked not to park on Gulf Road or Sodom Road and to follow parking instructions. There will be a cupless water stop accessible from climbs three, four, and five. The first two climbs end at the fire tower and do not have aid station access. Breakfast sandwiches will be available after the race near the aid station.

Online registration is required and closes Wed, Jul 22. There will be no race day registration. Paid members of the Shenipsit Striders receive a discount code for registration. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.