Soapstone Assault

Soapstone Assault

The Soapstone Assault is a trail race at Soapstone Mountain in Somers, CT, organized by the Shenipsit Striders. The course is 5.5 miles long and includes about 1500 feet of total climbing distributed across six ascents of the mountain. The event coincides with the Shenipsit Striders' 50th year as a club.

The route starts at the trail head sign just before the blue blazed trail entrance. Runners circumnavigate the base of the mountain in a counterclockwise direction and take each upward trail to the peak before returning down the same trail. This up and down pattern is repeated for the first five trails encountered. The sixth ascent is the powerline trail known as Killer Hill. The first two climbs end at the fire tower and have no aid station access. A cupless water stop is accessible from climbs three, four, and five. The finish is at the base of the tower after the final climb.

The course contains steep, rocky, slippery, or otherwise treacherous sections and may be difficult to access for emergency responders. Organizers note that a serious injury is possible and that injured runners might face long waits for emergency medical care. Online registration is required, the field is capped at 50 runners due to parking concerns, paid club members receive a discount code, and there will be no race day registration. Parking is at the Shenipsit State Forest lot at 360 Gulf Rd. Volunteers will direct additional parking and organizers ask that parking instructions be followed and that no parking occur on Gulf or Sodom roads. Breakfast sandwiches will be available post race near the aid station. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.