On May 1, 2027, IronHorse takes place in Riceville, Iowa at the Wapsi-Great Western Line Welcome Center. This USATF-certified and sanctioned running event offers multiple distance options to suit different training goals: a full marathon at 26.22 miles, a half marathon, a 10K (6.2 miles), and a 5K. The race starts at 6:30 AM, giving runners an early morning push to complete their chosen distance. Entry fees range from $15 to $89 depending on your selected distance and registration timing. Whether you're targeting a full marathon effort or prefer a shorter race experience, IronHorse provides structured competition in a rural Iowa setting.
From the Race Organizer
USATF Event Licence ID: #TBA The IronHorse Races include a Full Marathon (Boston Qualifier), Half Marathon, 10K and 5K Run. All are USATF Sanctioned. The Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K are USATF Certified. The Full Marathon takes place on the Wapsi-Great Western Line (WGWL) Trail located in Riceville, Iowa and the Shooting Star Trail in Minnesota. The Half Marathon, 10K and 5K take place on the WGWL Trail in Iowa. The WGWL Trail has a Northern Branch and a Southern Branch. The races take place on the Rails-to-Trails recognized paved and concrete laid Northern Branch. The Iowan WGWL Trail is the first and official interstate trail connecting to Minnesota's Shooting Star Trail. 5K and 10K runners will experience an out-n-back course on railroad level grades on a paved trail. Full and Half Marathon runners will experience a point-to-point course through winding woodlands on a railroad level grade paved trail. Full Marathon runners will also experience a four-mile section on crushed rock at the midway point. Safety is paramount. The race is located largely on a dedicated recreational trail. Shuttles provide Full and Half Marathon racers transportation to the starting points.* Starting points: Full Marathon starting point is the Shooting Star Trailhead in LeRoy, Minnesota. Half Marathon starting point is the Minnesota/Iowa stateline 10K and 5K starting point is the WGWL Trailhead in Riceville. Course types: Full and Half Marathon courses are point-to-point. 10K and 5K course is an out-n-back. Aid stations and port-a-potties are located along the race route. The finish of all races is at the WGWL Trailhead Welcome Center in Riceville, Iowa (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: Awards given to the first three finishers in each gender in each race. Awards are not given out by age category. All Full and Half Marathon registrants who finish will receive a finishers award (this is not a typical medal). Location is a getaway, but not too far. Riceville, Iowa is one hour: south of Rochester, MN east of Mason City/Clear Lake, IA west of Decorah, IA And an early morning drive from: the Twin Cities, MN (2 hrs south) Des Moines, IA (3 hrs north) Madison, WI (4 hrs west) Lodging is ample and variety abounds. Riceville has a lodging establishment and a campground with 80 campsites, modern showers and bathroom facilities. Surrounding communities offer additional hotel options. Lake Hendricks Campground Lake Louise Campground Mitchell County Campsites Sweet's Hotel 10th Hole Inn & Suites Racers without lodging are welcome to use the Lake Hendricks showers following their race. They should contact the Howard County Conservation Board out of Cresco, Iowa to confirm camping and water access. Why IronHorse? 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. Thank you. This is a race. For the safety of all involved, no strollers and no dogs please. Registrations are final after April 1st - no refunds or race exchanges. No club discounts after April 1st. No race deferrals. Pacers are welcome, but must be a registered participant. Thank you. T-shirts are an additional $15 (S, M, L, XL) and $20 (2XL & 3XL). Long-sleeve shirts are an additional $22 (S, M, L, XL) and $27 (2XL & 3XL) available for purchase online through the IronHorse Store until April 15th. Pick-up of t-shirts must occur on race day between 7 A.M.-12 P.M. T-shirts not picked-up in-person on race day will not be mailed. Note: All communications will be delivered by email to registered participants for security reasons. They will come from: IronHorse Races - USATF Certified & Sanctioned . Additionally, to act our conservation mission, there will be no hard-copies of race information mailed to participants. The runner's information email will be sent to registered racers on April 2nd. To all those registering after that date, your runner information email will arrive on April 15th or April 26th depending on when you register. No t-shirt purchases or shuttle reservations will be taken after April 15th. Registrants after April 15th will need to provide themselves transportation to race start and from race finish. Registration closes for the Full and Half Marathon on April 25th. The 10K and 5K race does have same day registration. Infectious Dis
Hotels Near This Race
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IronHorse – USATF Certified & Sanctioned 2027 — Riceville, IA
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for May 1.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Riceville, IA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is IronHorse – USATF Certified & Sanctioned 2027 — Riceville, IA?
IronHorse – USATF Certified & Sanctioned 2027 — Riceville, IA takes place on May 1, 2027. The race is held in Riceville, Iowa.
Where is IronHorse – USATF Certified & Sanctioned 2027 — Riceville, IA held?
IronHorse – USATF Certified & Sanctioned 2027 — Riceville, IA is held at Wapsi-Great Western Line Welcome Center in Riceville, Iowa.
Where can I find hotels near IronHorse – USATF Certified & Sanctioned 2027 — Riceville, IA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Riceville. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
