Iron Run Trail Half Marathon & Charcoal Challenge 5K
Gardners, PA
- Half Marathon, 5K
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Produced annually by Friends of Pine Grove Furnace, the Iron Run Trail Half Marathon is a fundraiser to support Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Appalachian Trail Museum, running through the State Park and surrounding Michaux State Forest.
Local Historical Weather (Jun 08):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 74 | 75 | 82 | 86 | 79 |
| L (°F) | 60 | 48 | 67 | 74 | 53 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Great Trail Run
Let me start by saying this is a real trail run. Not a mountain climb, but not a crushed gravel, flat rail trail. This is roots, rocks, downed trees, snakes … MORE
Let me start by saying this is a real trail run. Not a mountain climb, but not a crushed gravel, flat rail trail. This is roots, rocks, downed trees, snakes and bears trail run. It’s held in Pine Grove Furnace State Park and partially runs on the Appalachian Trail. (If you know anything about the AT, PGFSP is famous for being where hikers stop to eat a half gallon of ice cream in celebration of the near half way point on the trail.)
This race is small, about 200 people for both the 5k and half marathon. The 5k starts about 15 minutes after the half and runs on the end of the half course. Therefore, you are highly unlikely to merge with the 5k race.
Packet pick up is same day.
Race instructions are easy to understand. The trail is VERY well marked. They have arrows warning you of an upcoming turn, double arrows when you turn and “X” on turns that you should not take.
This is an up and down race. Expect long climbs, although not much above sea level, so altitude is not an issue. Your feet will get wet and muddy. Most everyone finishes with mud and stories of at least one fall.
There are 6 aid stations, stocked with water, sports drink, candy, gels, pretzels, peanut butter, bananas. This was pretty impressive given the small size of the race.
There are age group awards (pint glass, sticker). There is a t-shirt if you sign up ahead of time, but no finisher swag.
They have a very nice finish area, well stocked with chips, pretzels, several different kinds of candy, bagels, hard boiled eggs, juice, apples, oranges and other items. I think they really put a lot of time and thought into taking care of the runners.
I would recommend this race as a good, but challenging entry into trail racing.