The IronHorse is a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races that take place on the Wapsi-Great Western Line (WGWL) Trail located in Riceville, Iowa. The WGWL Trail has a Northern Branch and a Southern Branch. The races take place on the Rails-to-Trails recognized WGWL’s paved and concrete laid …
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The IronHorse is a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races that take place on the Wapsi-Great Western Line (WGWL) Trail located in Riceville, Iowa. The WGWL Trail has a Northern Branch and a Southern Branch. The races take place on the Rails-to-Trails recognized WGWL’s paved and concrete laid Northern Branch. Elevation of the race allows for a flat and fast route. The Northern Branch is the official interstate trail connecting to Minnesota’s Shooting Star Trail. The WGWL Trail is the first connecting recreational trail between the Hawkeye and North Star states.
Safety is paramount. The race is located on a dedicated recreational trail. Shuttles provide racers transportation to the starting points (Full, Half and 10K). Aid stations and port-a-potties are located along the race route. The finish is at the WGWL Trailhead Welcome Center in Riceville (110 Main Street).
Scenery is extraordinary. Rural and quiet, yet full of American beauty like cattle grazing, Amish farming by horse and hand, modern energy advancements in the form of a 30+ wind turbine farm, a 240 acre Oak savanna, a wetland boardwalk, the small village of McIntire, and the wide expanse of farmland being planted in May.
Awards given to the first three finishers in each gender in each race. All Full and Half Marathon registrants who finish will receive a finishers medal.
The IronHorse represents the abandoned railway corridor preserved by the WGWL Trail as well as the industrial power and revolution the railroad brought to America. The railroad actually hauled iron ore in this area as well.
May you feel that frontier spirit as you “lap the miles and lick the valleys up… ” -Emily Dickenson’s The Railway Train
IronHorse proceeds directly impact nature preservation and restoration, trail maintenance and enhancements.
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Bare bones race, nice people
This is a small town race primarily on an abandoned rail trail. There was a small band of friendly volunteers running the race and aid stations. The course is flat … MORE
This is a small town race primarily on an abandoned rail trail. There was a small band of friendly volunteers running the race and aid stations. The course is flat but has a long slow uphill on a gravel road that is challenging mainly due to the surface (at least in the rain.) The swag is also bare bones. The “medal” is a bottle of root beer with a small wooden medallion. Shirts are available for purchase. This lack of swag is balanced by a relatively low entry fee.
Fun small town event!
The organization of this event was wonderful. There were no surprises. The pre-race communication was spot-on and very helpful. Replies to emailed questions came quickly. The packed gravel road, though … MORE
The organization of this event was wonderful. There were no surprises. The pre-race communication was spot-on and very helpful. Replies to emailed questions came quickly. The packed gravel road, though not a surprise, was more difficult that I expected, especially with 20mph winds in the face. The winding trail through the parks helped the mind wander away from running. Volunteers were happy and cheerful. All-in-all, this was a good event. I might recommend packed gravel road training if you haven’t had experience with that.