I'm a Pacific Northwest Local, and I would have to say that I was really impressed with how professional this race company is. Orca Racing was so good, they actually … MORE
I’m a Pacific Northwest Local, and I would have to say that I was really impressed with how professional this race company is. Orca Racing was so good, they actually had police directing traffic, beautiful finisher medal and t-shirt, and the prettiest half marathon I had an opportunity to explore. I would definitely sign up for Orca Racing events in the future.
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Beautiful Half Marathon!
I'm a Pacific Northwest Local, and I would have to say that I was really impressed with how professional this race company is. Orca Racing was so good, they actually … MORE
I’m a Pacific Northwest Local, and I would have to say that I was really impressed with how professional this race company is. Orca Racing was so good, they actually had police directing traffic, beautiful finisher medal and t-shirt, and the prettiest half marathon I had an opportunity to explore. I would definitely sign up for Orca Racing events in the future.
LOVE this race!!!
Overall production is amazing, scenery is great, medal is always beautiful! The race is a gradual downhill but the last couple miles is more flat, which is always a tough … MORE
Overall production is amazing, scenery is great, medal is always beautiful! The race is a gradual downhill but the last couple miles is more flat, which is always a tough adjustment on the legs. As tough as the last little bit is, I still really love this race. Highly recommend this race!
Great first-time experience!
This was my first Half-Marathon ever. A friend recommended me this gentle downhill in the forest run! Everything went smooth - parked at the finish, shuttles we're on schedule, a … MORE
This was my first Half-Marathon ever. A friend recommended me this gentle downhill in the forest run! Everything went smooth – parked at the finish, shuttles we’re on schedule, a lot of water stations and friendly stuff! Wide trail, smooth and steady surface, no hills! Just the best run I could imagine! 🙂
Loved it, and was frustrated
Race was gorgeous. People were lovely. As a first time 1/2 marathoner I was nervous and excited. The mile markers were all half a mile off according to my garmin. … MORE
Race was gorgeous. People were lovely.
As a first time 1/2 marathoner I was nervous and excited. The mile markers were all half a mile off according to my garmin. I thought maybe it was my watch, but at least 10 other people had similar results after talking with people. That was frustrating to run a little over half a mile more than 13.1 miles.
Great!
Good race. Make sure to tighten your shoes so you don’t beat up your toes on the way down! But love Orca and their races! Maybe one change would be … MORE
Good race. Make sure to tighten your shoes so you don’t beat up your toes on the way down! But love Orca and their races! Maybe one change would be start a bit higher if possible. The flats in the sun at the ends were a little hot/brutal. But great overall!
Awesome scenic downhill race!
It's a nice trail - packed dirt, 90% downhill at a gentle grade, with decent course support. Beautiful scenery! I can see why this is a fan-favorite, esp with PR … MORE
It’s a nice trail – packed dirt, 90% downhill at a gentle grade, with decent course support. Beautiful scenery! I can see why this is a fan-favorite, esp with PR potential! Free photos and a unique handmade medal!
Great Half Marathon to PR
Very beautiful course that is mostly downhill! A great course to PR on. The Orca Staff were incredible! I’ve never been to a more organized and smooth flowing race. They … MORE
Very beautiful course that is mostly downhill! A great course to PR on. The Orca Staff were incredible! I’ve never been to a more organized and smooth flowing race. They coordinated the start line drop off perfectly.
Awesome!
My first time running the course and I absolutely loved it! There is a slight decline for the first 10 miles and the last 3 miles flatten out so it … MORE
My first time running the course and I absolutely loved it! There is a slight decline for the first 10 miles and the last 3 miles flatten out so it makes for a fast course. Great scenery and a perfect trail for running, not too hard and not too soft but just right. My fastest Half Marathon time yet, great course! Great production, the race organizers did a wonderful job, I really have enjoyed all my Orca Running events this year they are the best! Awesome swag the IHH hand crafted wood “medal” is awesome but even better I also ran Craft Classic Half along with the Iron Horse Half to earn the coveted Golden Spike Medal! My favorite medal so far it’s awesome! Over all I feel like I’m improving as a runner from each event I run and I look forward to the next! Orca Running is the best and I look forward to running many more events they put together.
Fun and scenic race
This was a great race! Plenty of portable restrooms at the shuttle area and at the start. Shuttles were convenient and timely. The short uphill walk from shuttle drop off … MORE
This was a great race! Plenty of portable restrooms at the shuttle area and at the start. Shuttles were convenient and timely. The short uphill walk from shuttle drop off to the start was a good warm up for the legs. The trail is packed gravel, surrounded by trees, very scenic and peaceful. Gradual downhill until you reach the last 3 miles, where it flattens out. Lots of energy at the finish, great beer, pretty handmade wooden medal. The shirt is super soft and I like the design and fit, however, I was disappointed it only said “Iron Horse” and was missing the “half marathon” wording. Overall, a wonderful and well-organized race.
Great race.
Starts off downhill so you feel great! Finally the first mile wasn’t so bad. I appreciated that don’t use cups. No garbage all over tue place on this beautiful trail. … MORE
Starts off downhill so you feel great! Finally the first mile wasn’t so bad. I appreciated that don’t use cups. No garbage all over tue place on this beautiful trail.
Beautiful, downhill course
The course is beautiful and we lucked out with perfect PNW weather, cloudy, cool with threatening rain. The medal was beautiful, all hand made. The downhill course was so fun … MORE
The course is beautiful and we lucked out with perfect PNW weather, cloudy, cool with threatening rain. The medal was beautiful, all hand made. The downhill course was so fun to cruise down, though the course flattens out the last ~3 miles. Still flat but feels harder after 10 miles of downhill, so make sure you leave plenty of gas in the tank for the end. The shuttle was smooth, and pre/post race festivities were excellent.
I'll do it again!
Beautiful course. Each medal was truly one of a kind, handmade--a true collectors item! The shirt is one of my favorites from any race I've done, the logo is great … MORE
Beautiful course. Each medal was truly one of a kind, handmade–a true collectors item! The shirt is one of my favorites from any race I’ve done, the logo is great and it’s super soft, I also love that it came in a ladies size– not unisex!
Best. Race. Ever!
From arriving at the parking lot to driving out after my epic PR, this race was a complete treat! Pre-race communication was top-notch, shuttles were a piece of cake, lines … MORE
From arriving at the parking lot to driving out after my epic PR, this race was a complete treat! Pre-race communication was top-notch, shuttles were a piece of cake, lines for restrooms were non-existent (at least for me), and the course was AMAZING! Starting was a little congested, given the narrowness of the trail, but things thinned out quickly. The course was beautiful – simply stunning! The last 3 miles were tough, mentally, as I’d gotten sooo used to the descent that the flatness was shocking – ha ha! But the course volunteers cheered me on to a shocking PR (an almost 8 minute PR!!) The finish line energy was wonderful and every finisher was treated like they finished in first place. I can’t wait to run it again next year!
Great course and well organized
Fun race to do since it is a gradual downhill - the area around here is so hilly that is hard to find runs like this. Sent out bibs ahead … MORE
Fun race to do since it is a gradual downhill – the area around here is so hilly that is hard to find runs like this. Sent out bibs ahead of time, information was exact, shuttles ran on time and effectively, took care regarding Covid-19, and even helped me figure out a reasonable wave. Very well done and organized. It was be nice if the t-shirt actually said Half Marathon on it as I am sure someone will ask if Iron Horse is a bar I hang out at.
Highly recommend!
Gorgeous, mostly shaded course and the staff and volunteers were all wonderful - friendly and knowledgeable. Everything was organized and clear and went off without a hitch. Also love that … MORE
Gorgeous, mostly shaded course and the staff and volunteers were all wonderful – friendly and knowledgeable. Everything was organized and clear and went off without a hitch. Also love that the race shirt was included and not an extra fee and the quality of it was great.
Beautiful Course for Everyone!
This race is incredibly scenic and a great choice for anyone. You want to do your first half marathon? Easy, it's 90% downhill! Been running for awhile and chasing a … MORE
This race is incredibly scenic and a great choice for anyone. You want to do your first half marathon? Easy, it’s 90% downhill! Been running for awhile and chasing a new PR? Great, it’s 90% downhill! Helpful staff and amazing community as well. Oh, and don’t forget the beer garden at the end!
Scenic downhill glide
The course was a point to point race on a former railroad route. As a result the entire race was either a gentle decline or flat. Race day temperatures were … MORE
The course was a point to point race on a former railroad route. As a result the entire race was either a gentle decline or flat. Race day temperatures were in the 50s which made for a nice run. I was coming off of an injury so I didn’t push hard, but this course is conducive to running a fast time.
The scenery was outstanding. I saw a herd of over 100 elk as I approached the shuttles . The course had dense evergreen stands, several bridges, and views of the surrounding mountains. It was cloudy bu that didn’t spoil the views.
The water stations were stocked with water, electrolyte drinks and gel packs. The race was cup-less, but a handheld water bottle proved more than adequate for me given the number of aid stations on the course. The support staff was very friendly and helpful.
The swag was OK. Soft T-shirt and a wooden finisher medal.
There was a coffee truck, beer garden and tension release massage available for purchase in the finishing area.
Overall this was a great experience. I would recommend the race and Orca for anyone looking of a race in this area.
Come get your PR on the Iron Horse
This is a great course for a 1st half marathon or a PR attempt. The gentle downhill for the first 3/4 speeds you along, and there is great scenery along … MORE
This is a great course for a 1st half marathon or a PR attempt. The gentle downhill for the first 3/4 speeds you along, and there is great scenery along most of the trail. The overall vibe is great, it’s a fun relaxed event – just enough support, really cool swag, and everything went so smoothly. I will be doing this one again for sure.
Can’t go wrong with downhill
Sweet gradual downhill most of the way means easy on the legs. Peaceful scenery. Plenty of aid stations and bathrooms available. High energy from volunteers and staff. MORE
Sweet gradual downhill most of the way means easy on the legs. Peaceful scenery. Plenty of aid stations and bathrooms available. High energy from volunteers and staff.
Beautiful Downhill Course
This race is definitely one of my all-time favorites! Point to point course on packed dirt/gravel, gentle downhill means a fast finish! Can't beat this gorgeous forest trail for scenery. … MORE
This race is definitely one of my all-time favorites! Point to point course on packed dirt/gravel, gentle downhill means a fast finish! Can’t beat this gorgeous forest trail for scenery. Good selection of finish line snacks and good-looking race swag! You can never go wrong with and Orca Running event, always well organized and fun!