Soapstone Assault
Somers, United States • 26 Jul 2026
Soapstone Assault
The event is a trail race at Soapstone Mountain in Shenipsit State Forest, Somers, CT. The course is approximately 5.5 miles and includes six separate ascents of the mountain while runners circumnavigate the base in a counterclockwise direction. The start line is the trail head sign just before the blue-blazed trail entrance.
Each time a trail heading upward is encountered, runners ascend to the peak and return down the same trail to continue around the base. This up-and-down sequence is repeated for the first five different trails. The sixth climb is the powerline trail known as "Killer Hill" and the finish is at the base of the tower. The route includes about 1500 feet of total climbing.
The course contains steep, rocky, slippery, or otherwise treacherous sections. Because some parts are relatively inaccessible, a serious injury is possible and emergency response may be delayed. Runners must be prepared to accept responsibility for these risks. A pre-race safety briefing is held and start groups are determined by age and gender.
Logistics note: parking is managed at the Gulf Road parking lot and additional parking may be used with volunteer direction. The field is capped at 50 runners due to parking and public safety concerns. Online registration is required, there will be no race-day registration, and paid Shenipsit Striders members receive a discount code. A cupless water stop is accessible from climbs 3, 4, and 5 and breakfast sandwiches are available near the aid station after the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.