About the IronHorse - USATF Certified & Sanctioned
The courses run on a paved rails-to-trails corridor, flat enough that the railroad grade is its defining character. The full marathon crosses into Minnesota and adds a crushed-rock stretch near the midpoint; the shorter distances stay on Iowa pavement in an out-and-back. Along the way there are cattle pastures, an oak savanna, a wetland boardwalk, wind turbines, and Amish farmland worked by horse.
Point-to-point runners take shuttles to their starting lines, so logistics are handled before the gun. All distances finish at the trailhead welcome center in Riceville. Showers at a nearby lake are available to runners who need them after the race.
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Distances & Start Times
26.22 Miles5/1/2027 06:30$65
13.11 Miles5/1/2027 07:15$55
6.2 Miles5/1/2027 07:30$25
5K5/1/2027 07:45$15
Going for a Time?
Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.
Where to Stay
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