The Iron Will Backroads, set for May 16, 2026, in Enterprise, Kansas, offers a unique challenge across 50K, 100K, and 100-mile distances. This event, part of the reputable Iron Will Racing series, invites runners to test their endurance on a distinctive course. Participants can expect typical race day conditions with highs around 79F and lows near 55F, alongside an 18% chance of precipitation, creating a variable but often pleasant running environment.

The race unfolds on a 12.5-mile loop that artfully blends gravel roads with a historic rail trail, minimizing asphalt sections. What truly sets this course apart is the stretch alongside an active historic train, offering a memorable and "very unique" scenic element to your journey. With a rolling elevation profile that accumulates approximately 2500 feet over 50 miles, the terrain is challenging but manageable, primarily consisting of groomed trails and dirt roads. Runners will find essential support with a manned aid station roughly six miles into each loop, complemented by a full aid station at the start/finish, stocked with standard provisions and hot food to fuel your efforts. Pacers are a welcome addition for 100-mile participants, permitted from loop six onwards to help push through the later stages of the race.

All finishers across every distance are celebrated with a well-deserved buckle, a testament to their "Iron Will" and perseverance. Past editions have seen runners share camaraderie and even unexpected wildlife encounters, like a mountain lion sighting reported in a previous year. Starting from 3rd & Bluff in Enterprise, this race promises a rewarding experience through Kansas's scenic backroads.