Connecticut Ultra Traverse #CUT112

Overview

The Connecticut Ultra Traverse (CUT) is a point to point trail running event with two options: 112 Miles, or 50 Miles. The #CUT112 is a 112 mile trail running event following the Blue Blazes of the New England Trail (NET) from the MA-CT border to the Long Island Sound in Guilford, CT starting at 8:00AM on Friday June 4, 2027. 

The #CUT50 AKA “The BUT” is a 50 mile trail running event following the Blue Blazes of the New England Trail (NET) from MUT's End at the Berlin Turnpike to the Long Island Sound in Guilford, CT starting at Sunrise 5:18AM on Saturday June 5th 2027 Following the Mattabesset and Menucatuck trails which is the last part (rear end) of the CUT 112 course. 
The Challenge of the #CUT112 is to run down through the entire State of Connecticut from the MA Border to Long Island Sound in Guilford without stopping to sleep. Although we will help coordinate aid and your crews on the course, ultimately all runners are expected to provide or arrange for their own safety and support, and to respect the landowners along the trail. The #CUT112 does not have Permits. Although it has never happened, runners may be required to leave the course if asked by land owners or law enforcement, RD will be asking each runner about their support plan in advance of race date. If your are too flaky, don't make a donation to CFPA, don't communicate or are annoying AF, the RD reserves the right to fill your spot with someone else who is not gonna duck everything up. We love you and want you to do well, but need to live our own lives too. These blue blaze trails are all maintained by Connecticut Forest and Parks Association and this run is being done to help raise funds to help support the trails we love and this great organization. CUT112/CUT50 Entrants may make a $112 /$100 donation to CFPA. Donations will not be refunded for any reason by CFPA, even if you are not accepted based on lack of experience, so think hard before entering. But reach out if you want clarification prior to entering. Eventually this event may, or may not grow to become a more traditional race. Runners may choose to run socially distanced together or race, and try to set a new FKT. There are no formal prizes, but we always have awesome entry swag and finishers buckles for the 112 mile folks and other high quality mementos provided by Ragged Cuts.

Support

We will provide spreadsheets and guidance, but you need to have a dedicated crew to act as a rolling aid station for you and your gear. They will meet you at the road crossings with your gear, and tell you good jokes as they watch you devour junk food. They may even help post bail if you get arrested for loitering or disturbing the peace. We will work out the details on our face book page after we know exactly who will be running. Finishing times are typically between 30 and 45 hours, so do not plan on driving home.

The Course

This route strings together some of the best trail running in Connecticut including Suffield Mountain, Peak Mountain, Hatchet Hill, Wilcox Park, Penwood State Park (Traprock 50k), Heublein Tower, MDC Reservoirs, Rattlesnake Mountain, Pinnacle Rock, Crescent Lake, Ragged Mountain (Run Ragged), Castle Craig, Lamentation Mountain, Chauncey Peak, Mount Higby, Powder Ridge, Tri-Mountain State Park, Bluff Head (Bimblers Bluff 50k) , Cockaponset State Forest, East River Preserve, and the Guilford Point waterfront. The Course is not marked except by the blue blazes of Connecticut Forest and Parks. Runners need to navigate themselves and know the route. All roads are open to traffic, so runners need to be cautious. The route will be changed slightly every year as the trail changes, but stay on the Blue Blazes. Also do not forget to make the right hand turn onto the Menuncatuck Trail in Guilford, or you will end up in Middletown not Guilford. https://www.strava.com/activities/1032755139

Caution

Please know that this is not an easy course, in the years since our first running in 2017 many of the experienced field DNF'd. The traprock ridges of Connecticut will test the feet and ankles with miles of challenging technical singletrack. Runners must be experienced at traveling on trails at night, and will need to be well versed in following the blue blazes of the New England Trail. This course has at least 16,722” Ft of Vertical gain and is pure Beast coast. And even has 2 elevators! Road sections are open to traffic, so runners and crews need to be cautious and need to bring reflective gear. This run is intended to be done in one continuous effort without stopping to sleep. RD reserves the right to deny entry to anyone for any reason. This applies to both routes. Be very thorough in answering your past experience questions.