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: Full and Half Marathon runners will experience a point-to-point course through winding woodlands on a railroad level grade paved trail.
• Unique Features: Full Marathon runners will also experience a four-mile section on crushed rock at the midway point.
• 5K/10K Experience: 5K and 10K runners will experience an out-n-back course on railroad level grades on a paved trail.

🔐 Safety Measures

Safety is paramount. The race is located largely on a dedicated recreational trail. Shuttles provide Full and Half Marathon racers transportation to the starting points.

📍 Starting Points

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

🗺️ Location Details

Location is a getaway, but not too far. Riceville, Iowa is one hour:

• South: of Rochester, MN
• East: of Mason City/Clear Lake, IA
• West: of Decorah, IA

🏨 Lodging Options

Lodging is ample and variety abounds. Riceville has a lodging establishment and a campground with 80 campsites, modern showers and bathroom facilities. Surrounding communities offer additional hotel options.

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

Racers without lodging are welcome to use the Lake Hendricks showers following their race. They should contact the Howard County Conservation Board out of Cresco, Iowa to confirm camping and water access.

🏆 Awards

• Finishers: Awards given to the first three finishers in each gender in each race.
• Age Category: 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).

🌳 Scenery

Scenery is extraordinary. Rural and quiet, yet full of American beauty like cattle grazing, Amish farming by horse and hand, modern energy advancements in the form of a 30+ wind turbine farm, a 240-acre Oak savanna, a wetland boardwalk, the small village of McIntire, and the wide expanse of farmland being planted in May.

💡 Important Information

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-shirts are an additional $15 (S, M, L, XL) and $20 (2XL & 3XL). Long-sleeve shirts are an additional $22 (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.

Note: All communications will be delivered by email to registered participants for security reasons. They will come from: IronHorse Races - USATF Certified & Sanctioned <:noreply@:runsignup.com>:.

🦠 Infectious Disease Precautions

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.

*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.).

🔗 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/