IronHorse - USATF Certified & Sanctioned

Event Details

USATF Event Licence ID: #161730

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 Information

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

Starting Points

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

Additional Information

Aid stations and port-a-potties are located along the race route. The finish of all races is at the WGWL Trailhead Welcome Center in Riceville, Iowa (110 Main Street).

Scenic Views

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.

Awards

• Awards Distribution: Awards given to the first three finishers in each gender in each race.
• Exclusion: Awards are not given out by age category.
• Finishers Awards: All Full and Half Marathon registrants who finish will receive a finishers award (this is not a typical medal).

Location and Accessibility

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

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

Camping Information

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

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. No race deferrals. Pacers are welcome, but must be a registered participant. Thank you.

T-Shirt Information

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.

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.

Thank You

Thank you for understanding the need to be agile to best accommodate whatever situation awaits us.

Race Links

See all WGWL Trail events at WGWLTrail.com

• Fat Tire to McIntire, February 14th - Fat Tire to McIntire
• IronHorse Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, 5K Saturday, May 2nd - IronHorse Details
• Wapsi Wiggle Training Half Marathon & 5K Saturday, August 1st - Wapsi Wiggle Training
• Border Bike Ride IA/MN Interstate Ride Saturday, Sept 20th - Border Bike Ride