Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://ironmasterschallenge.com/.
Place
Description
Come celebrate the absolute best features of the northern Michaux State Forest of the South Central Pennsylvania Appalachians while tackling one of three challenging courses.
The Courses
50K
Our 50K course was designed to give you the chance to experience all the best of the northern Michaux. You will find yourself quickly navigating sandstone boulder ridges, woodland savannah, and lush rhododendron creeksides. We will guide you (via fantastic course marking) to nearly every great vista in this part of the forest using primarily single-track trail interspersed with occasional grassy double-track (and less than 4 miles total of gravel or asphalt road). Six kick-butt aid stations will be distributed along the way to keep you zippy and encouraged. Take on this incredible 50K Michaux tour this Fall!!
20 Miler
Our 20-mile course follows the exact first 19.7miles of the 50K course, scrambling over sandstone boulders, cruising through woodland savannah, and flowing along rhododendron-lined creeksides. We will guide you (via fantastic course marking) through this fantastic section of the Michaux using primarily single-track trail interspersed with occasional grassy double-track (and less than 2.5 miles total of gravel or asphalt road). Three kick-butt aid stations will be distributed along the way to keep you feeling zippy and encouraged. A truly fantastic way to spend an autumn morning!
15K
Sign yourself up for a journey through the rugged beauty of the northern Michaux State Forest with our moderate 15K course, a friendly blend of flow and challenge. Designed to inspire both seasoned runners and avid hikers, this course promises breathtaking scenery and invigorating terrain. With a generous time cut-off and amazing support from our dedicated volunteers, participants can push their limits while savoring every moment of this kickbutt course. Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply seeking precious time in nature, the Ironmaster’s Challenge 15K will take you on an adventure that's keep you coming back for more!
Aid Stations and Cutoff Times
Fully stocked, amazing aid stations will be set up around the courses for your fueling pleasure! 6 Aid Stations for the 50K, 3 Aid Stations (with a last mile bonus station that you probably shouldn't stop at....) for the 20Miler, and 2 Aid Stations for the 15K. For more information on Aid Station mileages and offerings, hit up the Ironmaster's Challenge website.
There will be a firm, 10-hour cutoff for the 50K, 9-hour cutoff for the 20 Miler, and 8-hour cutoff for the 15K. Cutoffs for specific aid stations and race distances can be found the race day planner for each specific distance on the Ironmaster's Challenge website.
Registration Policies
Refund Policy
Registered participants may request a refund according to the following schedule, however refunds will only be issued when someone registers to fill your spot.
[April 14th - June 16th] 75% refund
[June 17th - Sept 1st] 50% refund
[After Sept 1] NO REFUND
Distance Switching
We will allow you to switch distances (either up or down) but YOU MUST DO IT BEFORE 11:59pm on SEPT 16th. There will absolutely not be any distance switching after that time, and no credit will be given on race day for a distance other than the one you are registered for as of 11:59pm Sept. 16th.
In order to switch, you MUST officially switch your registration through RunSignUp. You can find instructions on how to do this here. Please note: If you switch DOWN, there's no refund of the price difference.
There will be ABSOLUTELY no distance switching after 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 16th.
PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL US TO SWITCH DISTANCES AFTER THIS TIME!
No Bib Transfers
We absolutely do not allow bib transfers. You may NOT offer your spot to a buddy who didn't register on time or for any other reason.
Race Day Registration
As of this time, we DO plan to offer race day registration. If the race fills to capacity before 11:59pm on Sept. 1st, we will NOT be offering race day registration. Stay informed by checking the participant's list and/or the Ironmaster's Challenge website before counting on signing up on race day.
Race Shirt Guarantee
You must sign up before 11:59pm on Sept 1st in order to guarantee a shirt. We will have a limited number of extra shirts for folks that sign up after Sept1st that will be available on a first come-first served basis. For folks that sign up before 11:59pm on Sept 1st, your beautiful, long-sleeve tech race shirt is guaranteed until the start of your race on race day Sunday, Sept. 22nd. You must pick up your shirt before that time, either at packet pickup or at race day check-in.
Deferral Policy
Any time BEFORE 11:59pm on Sept. 1st, you may DEFER your entry until next year. There will be a fee for this option. You may only defer your 2024 entry one time. There will be NO DEFFERALS AFTER SEPT. 1st FOR ANY REASON. Find instructions to complete this DEFERRAL here.
No Banditing
Running the course on race day without registering is called BANDITING. For sooooo many reasons you may not even dream of, besides the fact that it is considered THEFT OF SERVICES, banditing is not cool. DON'T DO IT!!! You wanna run the course but missed registration? Email us! We'll run or hike it with you sometime!
Awards and Swag
Every entrant to the 2024 Ironmaster's Challenge will receive a beautiful, long-sleeve tech shirt. This shirt is only guaranteed until the start of your limits. day, so make sure to grab it up! We will be offering top awards again this year with the award categories to be announced soon! We plan to also have a fun finisher prize for each 50K runner who crosses that finish line within the time limits .
Finish Line Party
After you run your little hearts out, you will be treated to a killer post-race party located in the courtyard of the historic Ironmaster's Mansion. We will have delicious food and a selection of yummy beer and cider to refuel you while you listen to music and cheer on the rest of your hearty companions!!
How much does it cost?
15K - { EARLYBIRD: Register before 6/17, $50 } { REGULAR: 6/17 - 9/1 $60 } { RACE DAY: 9/22 $65 } { Discounted registration for minors }
20Mile - { EARLYBIRD: Register before 6/17, $65 } { REGULAR: 6/17 - 9/1 $75 } { RACE DAY: 9/22 $80 } { Discounted registration for minors }
50K - { EARLYBIRD: Register before 6/17 , $80 } { REGULAR: 6/17 - 9/1, $90 } { RACE DAY: 9/22 $95 } { Discounted registration for minors }
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Directions
All races will start at the Furnace Stack Pavilion at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Race day parking for all racers will be at the Fuller Lake Day Use Area. The finish line and finish line picnic will be located in the courtyard of the historic Ironmaster's Mansion within Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
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