IronHorse - USATF Certified & Sanctioned

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

USATF Event Licence ID: #142954

The IronHorse Races include a Full Marathon (Boston Qualifier), Half Marathon, 10K and 5K Run. All are USATF Sanctioned. The Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K are USATF Certified. The Full Marathon takes place on the Wapsi-Great Western Line (WGWL) Trail located in Riceville, Iowa and the Shooting Star Trail in Minnesota. The Half Marathon, 10K and 5K take place on the WGWL Trail in Iowa. The WGWL Trail has a Northern Branch and a Southern Branch. The races take place on the Rails-to-Trails recognized paved and concrete laid Northern Branch. The Iowan WGWL Trail is the first and official interstate trail connecting to Minnesota's Shooting Star Trail.

🌄 Course Details

• Course Type: 5K and 10K runners will experience an out-n-back course on railroad level grades on a paved trail.
• Marathon Experience: Full and Half Marathon runners will experience a point-to-point course through winding woodlands on a railroad level grade paved trail.
• Intermediate Challenge: Full Marathon runners will also experience a four-mile section on crushed rock at the midway point.
• Accessibility: The race is located largely on a dedicated recreational trail.

🚍 Starting Points

• Full Marathon: Shooting Star Trailhead in LeRoy, Minnesota.
• Half Marathon: Minnesota/Iowa stateline.
• 10K and 5K: WGWL Trailhead in Riceville.

💧 Facilities and Amenities

• Aid Stations: Aid stations and port-a-potties are located along the race route.
• Finish Line: The finish of all races is at the WGWL Trailhead Welcome Center in Riceville, Iowa (110 Main Street).
• Scenic Views: Rural and quiet, yet full of American beauty like cattle grazing, Amish farming by horse and hand.
• Lodging: Riceville has a lodging establishment and a campground with 80 campsites, modern showers and bathroom facilities.

🏆 Awards

• Finishers: Awards given to the first three finishers in each gender in each race.
• No Age Categories: Awards are not given out by age category.
• Finishers Award: All Full and Half Marathon registrants who finish will receive a finishers award (this is not a typical medal).

🗺️ Location Information

Riceville, Iowa is one hour:

• south of Rochester, MN
• east of Mason City/Clear Lake, IA
• west of Decorah, IA

And an early morning drive from:

• the Twin Cities, MN (2 hrs south)
• Des Moines, IA (3 hrs north)
• Madison, WI (4 hrs west)

🏕️ Lodging Options

Lodging is ample and variety abounds. Surrounding communities offer additional hotel options.

• Lake Hendricks Campground
• Lake Louise Campground
• Mitchell County Campsites
• Sweet's Hotel
• 10th Hole Inn & Suites

💡 Race Philosophy

Why IronHorse? The IronHorse represents the abandoned railway corridor preserved by the WGWL Trail as well as the industrial power and revolution the railroad brought to America. The railroad actually hauled iron ore in this area as well.

May you feel that frontier spirit as you “lap the miles and lick the valleys up . . . ” -Emily Dickenson’s The Railway Train

IronHorse proceeds directly impact nature preservation and restoration, trail maintenance and enhancements. Thank you.

🚫 Race Regulations

This is a race. For the safety of all involved, no strollers and no dogs please. Registrations are final after April 1st - no refunds, deferrals or race exchanges. No club discounts after April 1st. Pacers are welcome, but must be a registered participant. Thank you.

👕 T-Shirt Information

T-shirts are an additional $17 (S, M, L, XL) and $22 (2XL & 3XL). Long-sleeve shirts are an additional $23 (S, M, L, XL) and $27 (2XL & 3XL) available for purchase online through the IronHorse Store until April 15th. Pick-up of t-shirts must occur on race day between 7 A.M.-12 P.M. T-shirts not picked-up in-person on race day will not be mailed.

⚠️ Health Considerations

Infectious Disease Precautions (subject to change): If you have been diagnosed with COVID or another infectious disease or are experiencing symptoms, YOU SHOULD NOT ATTEND the IronHorse Races. Simple rule: If you are unwell, stay home.

📧 Registration Details

To handle the changing environment and for security, we send out all racer information by email 30 days out from race day (rest stops, refreshments offered, bib pick-up time/check-in, format of awards presentation, shuttles, etc.). Full Marathon and Half Marathon Registrants must declare if they wish to use the shuttle or arrive to the starting point by private vehicle (necessary for logistical planning). No shuttle option for those registering after April 11th.

Registration closes for the Full and Half Marathon on April 25th. The 10K and 5K race does have same day registration.

🌐 Additional Information

See all WGWL Trail events at WGWLTrail.com

IronHorse Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, 5K Saturday, May 3rd - https://ironhorse.wgwltrail.com/

Wapsi Wiggle Training Half Marathon & 5K Saturday, August 5th https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/Riceville/Wapsi5K

Border Bike Ride IA/MN Interstate Ride Saturday, Sept 14th https://borderbike.wgwltrail.com/