Soapstone Assault

Event

Soapstone Assault is a trail race organized by the Shenipsit Striders at Soapstone Mountain in Somers, Connecticut. The field is capped at 50 runners to address parking and public-safety concerns. Parking is at the Gulf Road Shenipsit State Forest lot, with volunteers directing additional parking at the top of Soapstone as needed. Organizers ask that participants follow parking instructions and avoid parking on Gulf or Sodom roads. Breakfast sandwiches will be available near the aid station after the race.

Course

The course is 5.5 miles long and includes six ascents of Soapstone Mountain, with about 1500 feet of total climbing. The start line is the trail head sign just before the blue-blazed trail entrance. Runners circle the base of the mountain in a counterclockwise direction; each time they reach a trail that heads up, they take it to the peak and return the same way to continue the circuit. The first two climbs end at the fire tower and do not have aid station access. A cupless water stop is accessible from climbs 3, 4, and 5. The final ascent is along the powerline trail known as "Killer Hill," with the finish at the base of the tower. Parts of the course include steep, rocky, slippery, or otherwise treacherous terrain, and some sections are relatively inaccessible for emergency response.

Registration and fees

Registration is required online. Paid club members receive a discount code. There is no race-day registration. The pre-registration fee is $20. Registration opens on January 1, 2026 and closes July 31. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.