Overall Rating
Overall Rating (50 Reviews)
4.8
(50 Ratings) 🏆 (50 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.1
SCENERY
4.8
PRODUCTION
4.7
SWAG
4.4
The Iron Horse Half Marathon is a scenic, downhill USATF certified half half marathon starting at Olallie State Park and finishing in North Bend. It is a beautiful course that winds along the river and through the woods. PLUS IT’S 90% DOWNHILL! This is a point to point half marathon … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Aug 25):
  2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
 
H (°F)  83  89  76  77  74
L (°F)  63  64  54  54  62
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Recent reviews

    breant FIRST-TIMER '23

    Even though I didn't train for this race very well, I still had a great time running this mostly downhill trail. It had some stunning views and I was so … MORE

    Even though I didn’t train for this race very well, I still had a great time running this mostly downhill trail. It had some stunning views and I was so impressed with how well-coordinated the whole race was. There was one section nearing the end that was more difficult, as it was in the sun and the trail was rockier, but overall this was a fun race that I’m excited to run next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    pbl234 FIRST-TIMER '23

    Great starter race to test out a Half (was my first Half in a longer while). The trail mostly goes along a former railway corridor, with most of it in … MORE

    Great starter race to test out a Half (was my first Half in a longer while).

    The trail mostly goes along a former railway corridor, with most of it in forested sections until it goes into an “urban” section within North Bend itself.

    Its a one way race and mostly downhill, though the elevation drop is so gentle as not being really that relevant. The participants are brought to the starting line, near a state park and there are a lot of participants apparently (>1000).

    Worth doing again.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    kohollaren FIRST-TIMER '23

    The race was great—very well organized, well spaced and stocked aid stations, and a great finish line. The finish line had food, hydration, massages, and REI, who made custom sunglasses … MORE

    The race was great—very well organized, well spaced and stocked aid stations, and a great finish line. The finish line had food, hydration, massages, and REI, who made custom sunglasses for runners for FREE. The downhill accent is rough on the legs the next day so be prepared!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    meganpsick FIRST-TIMER '23

    Amazing scenery and first 9 miles all downhill. The last 4 get flat, hot, and dusty. Great shuttle system to the start and festival after! Loved the professional pictures and … MORE

    Amazing scenery and first 9 miles all downhill. The last 4 get flat, hot, and dusty. Great shuttle system to the start and festival after! Loved the professional pictures and beer garden post race.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    tberezay FIRST-TIMER '23

    Supportive volunteers, dope swag, and even cooler vendors! The views and shade made this a really smooth course. It gave all the PNW vibes. Crossing the finish line was by … MORE

    Supportive volunteers, dope swag, and even cooler vendors! The views and shade made this a really smooth course. It gave all the PNW vibes.

    Crossing the finish line was by far the best part of the event. Not because I managed to get to the end, but because of the overall vibe. Some finish lines feel lack luster. This finish line made you feel on top of the world.

    10/10 would recommend

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    jpark0415 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    I ran this race for the first time, and every bit was perfect. 1. It is a flat/downhill course from start to finish, and in fact, the first half is … MORE

    I ran this race for the first time, and every bit was perfect.

    1. It is a flat/downhill course from start to finish, and in fact, the first half is noticeably downhill (but not too extreme). I definitely shaved some time in the beginning. If you want to set a PR, I highly recommend this race.
    2. Very organized event: From the race email to the day-of, this event was very organized. Plenty of parking, frequent shuttles, aid stations, etc. It was very smooth.
    3. Swags: I love that they mostly gave out food and nothing I’d have to throw away or donate. It was plenty yet minimal.

    I’m definitely running this race again next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    hyakusho FIRST-TIMER '23

    End of August running this course is an absolute dream. The last few miles are flat and indescript, but everything prior is easy sloped and simply stunning. MORE

    End of August running this course is an absolute dream. The last few miles are flat and indescript, but everything prior is easy sloped and simply stunning.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    andrewpsve FIRST-TIMER '23

    The race is about 2/3rds downhill, not a steep grade, it’s pleasant most of the time. It’s a bit of a rocky trail, but no large rocks. The first sections … MORE

    The race is about 2/3rds downhill, not a steep grade, it’s pleasant most of the time. It’s a bit of a rocky trail, but no large rocks. The first sections of the race through the woods are very pretty and it’s serene and relaxing. The starting waves are a bit disorderly so you might have to dodge and weave out of the gate if you’re a faster runner.

    Overall this is a fun race and I recommend it, probably good for beginners too, like me.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
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    Profile photo of Raj Reddy
    rajreddy14 FIRST-TIMER '23

    Good for first timers. Well organized race out in the country away from the-hustle and bustle. Flat course starting off as a steady and gentle down hill gravel path. Beautiful … MORE

    Good for first timers. Well organized race out in the country away from the-hustle and bustle. Flat course starting off as a steady and gentle down hill gravel path. Beautiful location winding through Cascade mountains, greenery, river, streams & bridges.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    pt105 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    The Orca Running event takes place on a picturesque downhill trail course that showcases the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The course is a mix of steep descents and … MORE

    The Orca Running event takes place on a picturesque downhill trail course that showcases the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The course is a mix of steep descents and flats that provide a variety of terrains for runners to navigate. The event is held in the summer, when the weather is typically mild and sunny, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience. With its stunning scenery and well-planned course, the Orca Running event is a must-attend for any runner.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3
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    RunShaylaRun FIRST-TIMER '22

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    ldunayski REPEAT RUNNER '22

    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!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    pmaltsev FIRST-TIMER '22

    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! 🙂

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    Stevie84 FIRST-TIMER '22

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    bbleek FIRST-TIMER '22

    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!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3
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    yma98 FIRST-TIMER '21

    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!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3
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    samanthabryant2011 REPEAT RUNNER '21

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
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    KEG76 FIRST-TIMER '21

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    rtanis07 REPEAT RUNNER '21

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    jenfarley FIRST-TIMER '21

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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