Connecticut Ultra Traverse #CUT112

The Connecticut Ultra Traverse (CUT) offers runners two challenging trail running options: a 112-mile journey and a 50-mile adventure, both tracing the Blue Blazes of the New England Trail through scenic Connecticut. The #CUT112 begins at the Massachusetts-Connecticut border on Friday, June 4th, 2027, marking your start in Suffield Mountain before heading south towards Long Island Sound in Guilford. This grueling route tests runners’ endurance and navigation skills as they traverse rugged terrain without stopping to sleep.
The #CUT50, also known affectionately as “The BUT,” starts at sunrise on Saturday, June 5th, following the Mattabesset and Menuncatuck trails from Berlin Turnpike towards Guilford. This segment covers some of the most beautiful stretches along the New England Trail, including Peak Mountain, Hatchet Hill, Wilcox Park, Penwood State Park, Heublein Tower, MDC Reservoirs, Rattlesnake Mountain, Pinnacle Rock, Crescent Lake, and Ragged Mountain.
Both routes feature a diverse landscape with steep ascents, technical singletrack trails, and sections of open road that require heightened awareness due to traffic. The course is marked only by blue blazes maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association (CFPA), emphasizing self-navigation skills as runners follow these well-worn paths through dense forests and along picturesque lakes.
Runners are encouraged to form a dedicated support crew who will meet them at road crossings with vital supplies, provide moral boosts, and ensure safety. The race organizers also stress that while aid is available in the form of spreadsheets and guidance on their Facebook page, runners must be self-reliant, prepared for long hours without sleep, and capable of managing any legal issues that might arise.
The 112-mile course typically takes between 30 to 45 hours to complete, making it a test not just of physical endurance but also mental fortitude. Runners can expect breathtaking views from high peaks like Chauncey Peak, Mount Higby, and Bluff Head while navigating the challenging terrain that includes over 16,722 feet of elevation gain.
To participate in either event, runners are required to make a donation: $112 for #CUT112 or $100 for #CUT50. These funds directly support CFPA’s efforts to maintain and preserve the trails that form this incredible route. Entry swag and finisher awards such as unique buckles await those who cross the line, celebrating their achievement in style.
The CUT is not just a race but an event that honors Connecticut's natural beauty and the hardworking volunteers behind its upkeep. It challenges runners to push beyond conventional limits while raising awareness for trail conservation efforts across New England.