The Mattabesett Trail Summer Challenge
- Date Sun 1st June 2025 - Sun 28th September 2025
- Location Guilford, Connecticut
- Price Free
- Races 3 races
- Distances Ultra
Event summary
Participants can choose from three thrilling race distances: a Marathon (28.8 miles), a 50K (32.1 miles), and an ambitious 100K (61.7 miles). Each distance offers a chance to appreciate the breathtaking views of the Metacomet Ridge and the lush forests along the way. Whether you prefer to tackle the trail solo or with support from fellow runners, this self-timed challenge emphasizes the joy of the journey rather than competition. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to immerse yourself in Connecticut's natural beauty while achieving your personal best on this iconic trail!
Organiser's Description
Although it doesn't get the love other trails in the state do (Metacomet, Nipmuck, Shenipsit, AT) its distance and proximity make it perfect for varied distance events. To give it some love (and since I plan to give a section a go this summer) I wanted to open it up to others to join in the fun. This is a in person, onsite virtual FKT type event.
Using Rte 77 as a breakpoint, this challenge is broken up into three distances:
Distances per the CT Walk Book:
Marathon - 28.8 (Eastern Half from Rte 77 to River Rd.) - Starts at Rte 77 Bluff Head Parking area and heads northeast (cross Rte 77 to follow trail) and run to the River Rd. terminus. In true trail Marathon tradition it is a bit longer than a marathon
50K - 32.1 Mile (Western Half from Rte 77 to Rte 15) - Starts at Rte 77 Bluff Head Parking area and heads northwest. Run to the Spruce Brook Rd parking Area. Then run to Rte 15 and back to the parking area to complete the run.
100K - 61.7 (Includes out & back from Spruce Brook Rd Parking to Rte 15) - Start at either Spruce Brook Rd Parking area or River Rd terminus and run through to the other terminus. Depending on which way you are going (Eastbound or Westbound) you will do the Spruce Brook Rd to Rte 15 Out & back either at the start or end.
This is a free, solo, old school, choose your own adventure. No cost, no swag, no medals (no excuses). Just the pleasure of time on the trail and seeing a result next to your name. Course is simple, follow the blue blazes.
There will be 4 categories to choose from:
Distance chosen (marathon, 50K or 100K)
Northbound (starts at Rte 77) to run toward either Spruce Brook Rd Parking or River Rd Terminus
Southbound (starts at either Spruce Brook Rd Parking or River Rd Terminus and run to Rte 77 Bluff Head Parking Area)
Supported - Assisted by either crew or fellow runners
Unsupported - Solo (water food caches are allowed).
If you do the full length, indicate which direction (East or West) and feel free to give the FKT a try (https://fastestknowntime.com/route/mattabesett-trail-ct).
This is a self timed, honor based system with the only requirements being that you complete your section between June 1, 2025 - September 28, 2025.
Email me ([email protected]) two pictures (one at start, one at finish), info on your direction and whether support or unsupported along with your GPX file and I'll put together a list of results.
Races
-
Mattabassett Trail Summer Challenge - Marathon
Free
CLOSED -
Mattabassett Trail Summer Challenge - 50K
Free
CLOSED -
Mattabassett Trail Summer Challenge - 100K
Free
CLOSED
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Bluff Head Parking Trailhead, Rte. 77, Guilford, 06437, CT, United States
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The Mattabesett Trail Summer Challenge