Iron Mountain Trail Run

The Iron Mountain Trail Run (IMTR) is a USATF sanctioned ultramarathon starting and finishing in Damascus, VA. Three distance options are available- 16, 30, & 50 miles. The footing varies from open easy running along the VA creeper trail (and forest service roads) to technical single track. The majority of the run follows the Iron Mountain ridgeline through the Jefferson National Forest along what used to be the Appalachian Trail. The total climb for the 50 mile course is around 8000 feet. The time limit for official completion for the 50 mile distance is 12 hours (8 hours for the 16 mile distance & 10 hours for the 30 mile distance).

The race starts at the Damascus Town Park gazebo. The course sets out east along the VA Creeper Trail to Straight Branch (mile 5), where it turns to climb Iron Mountain via the Beech Grove Trail. The course turns NE onto the Iron Mountain Trail. The course crosses FS 90 (mile 10; turn around for the 16 mile option) and Rt 600 (mile 16; turn around for the 30 mile option). The course veers off onto FSR 84, then Old 84, then back to 84 (mile 22) toward Dickey Gap. Runners cut across to Barton Gap (mile 25) and then head back West on FS 643. The course turns back up the mountain on the Rowland Creek Falls Trail (mile 29). Back on FS 84 at Hurricane Gap (mile 32), the course proceeds east, merging with the Iron Mountain Trail. Runners follow the Iron Mountain trail all the way back to Damascus, ending at the Town Park gazebo. It crosses 600 at mile 37 and FS 90 at mile 43.

Runners, before you register, please be aware that this is a challenging race that takes place on technical single track trails. Some trail sections can be very challenging and potentially dangerous. Some runners may feel that the course, especially the steep technical downhill near the end, is too dangerous. Please understand that the course is what it is. You will need to adjust your pace to stay safe. You alone are responsible for your safety on the trail. If you enjoy a challenge, sign up. If you feel that steep, rocky, muddy, and potentially dangerous trails do not make for a good race course, good luck at a different race with terrain that suits your preferences.