Traprock 50

The Traprock 50 2026 is a high-stamina endurance event scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Penwood State Park in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Organized by the CT Trailmixers, a non-profit trail running club, the race serves as the season opener for the Blue-Blazed Trail Running Series. The course is a technical 10.5 to 11-mile loop featuring a mix of rolling forest roads and rocky single-track segments along the Metacomet Trail. Known for its challenging "power line hill," the event is a cupless race that requires participants to be self-sufficient with their own hydration vessels.

Bloomfield is a suburban town in Hartford County with a population of approximately 21,500 residents. The town is recognized for its diverse community and significant preserved open spaces. The racial composition of Bloomfield is approximately 58.2% Black or African American, 32.4% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.1% Asian. The median annual household income for the town is roughly $78,500. Geographically, the race takes place on the Talcott Mountain ridge, which is characterized by trap rock (basalt) formations that create steep, jagged terrain. The climate in mid-April in central Connecticut is often damp and cool; average temperatures range from a low of 4°C (39°F) to a high of 16°C (61°F). Spring conditions frequently leave the technical Metacomet sections slippery with mud and wet leaves, increasing the difficulty of the single-track portions.

Registration for the 2026 edition closes on April 15, with an automatic waitlist system in place for distances that reach capacity. All race proceeds are reinvested into local charitable causes, including the Connecticut Forest & Parks Association and the Simsbury Land Trust. Chip timing is provided for all competitors, and technical shirts are available for separate purchase through the event store. The 50K distance is recommended only for those with prior marathon-level experience due to the cumulative elevation and technicality of the loops. For detailed route information and topographic profiles, runners can access the official course map via AllTrails or the CT Trailmixers website.