IronHorse - USATF Certified & Sanctioned

Event Details

Date: May 1, 2027

Location: Wapsi-Great Western Line Welcome Center, Riceville, IA

Race URL: IronHorse Race

USATF Event Licence ID: #TBA

Race Options

• Full Marathon: Boston Qualifier, USATF Certified
• Half Marathon: USATF Sanctioned
• 10K: USATF Sanctioned
• 5K: 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.

Course Information

• 5K and 10K: Out-and-back on railroad level grades on a paved trail
• Full and Half Marathon: Point-to-point course through winding woodlands
• Marathon Midway: Includes four-mile section on crushed rock
• Trail Details: Rails-to-Trails recognized paved and concrete trail

Safety and Logistics

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

Aid Stations

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

Scenery

Extraordinary Views: Rural and quiet, featuring American beauty like cattle grazing, Amish farming, wind turbine farms, a 240-acre Oak savanna, wetlands, and more.

Awards

• Top Finishers: Awards to the first three finishers in each gender and each race
• No Age Categories: Awards are not given by age category
• Finishers Award: Full and Half Marathon registrants receive a unique finishers award

Location

Convenient Getaway: Riceville, Iowa is located one hour from:

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

Early morning drives from:

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

Lodging

Accommodation Options: Riceville features a lodging establishment and a campground with modern facilities. Additional hotels are available in surrounding communities.

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

Racers without lodging may use Lake Hendricks showers post-race. Contact the Howard County Conservation Board for confirmation.

Race Importance

Why IronHorse? The IronHorse represents the preserved railway corridor by the WGWL Trail and the historical significance of railroads in America.

Additional Information

Race Rules: No strollers and no dogs allowed. Registrations are final after April 1st - no refunds or exchanges.

T-Shirts: Available for an additional fee, with various sizes and styles.

Email Communication: All race details will be sent via email for security reasons, with no hard copies provided.

Infectious Disease Precautions

Health Reminder: If unwell or diagnosed with an infectious disease, please stay home.

Other Events

See all WGWL Trail events at WGWLTrail.com

Upcoming Events:

• Fat Tire to McIntire, February 14th - Details
• Wapsi Wiggle Training Half Marathon & 5K August 1st - Details

Border Bike Ride (2026 not held, see you in 2027) - Details