IronHorse - USATF Certified & Sanctioned

Lace up for the IronHorse, a USATF Certified & Sanctioned race on May 2, 2026, offering marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances in picturesque Riceville, IA. This unique event takes runners along the Wapsi-Great Western Line (WGWL) Trail, the first interstate recreational trail connecting Iowa to Minnesota's Shooting Star Trail, providing a distinct two-state marathon experience. The courses are renowned for their flat, fast, railroad-level grades, making it an excellent opportunity for personal bests or a Boston Qualifier attempt in the full marathon.

Runners can expect a scenic journey through extraordinary rural landscapes, including winding woodlands, cattle grazing, Amish farms, modern wind turbine farms, a 240-acre Oak savanna, and a tranquil wetland boardwalk. While the 5K and 10K offer paved, out-and-back routes, the Full and Half Marathons are point-to-point, with the marathon including a four-mile section of crushed rock at its midpoint, adding a challenging dimension to the generally smooth terrain. Aid stations and port-a-potties are conveniently located along the route, supported by friendly volunteers, ensuring a well-organized and enjoyable race. With typical race day conditions seeing highs around 62F and lows around 41F, and a modest 19% chance of precipitation, the weather often provides ideal running temperatures.

All races culminate at the WGWL Trailhead Welcome Center in Riceville, with shuttles available for full and half marathon participants to their respective starting points in LeRoy, MN, and the Iowa/Minnesota stateline. Beyond the challenge, participating in the IronHorse supports nature preservation and trail maintenance, allowing your strides to contribute directly to the beauty you experience.