IronHorse Half Marathon

—First USA Track & Field sanctioned race at WGWL Trail

 

Riceville - On May 5 at 9:30 a.m., racers from across the Midwest will converge on the Wapsi-Great Western Line (WGWL) Trail at 110 East Main Street, Riceville, for the IronHorse Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Race. This will be the first USA Track & Field Sanctioned race for Northern Iowa. 
But the Wapsi-Great Western Line is accustomed to firsts. It is the first trail to connect Iowa to Minnesota. 
So what does it take to be USA Track & Field Sanctioned? A USATF Sanctioned race must have the course measured, verified and certified. The race must uphold national rules and regulations, being a best-in-class race. Finally, the IronHorse’s Certified and Sanctioned race allows racers eligibility for national and age-group records. The Boston Marathon, considered the most competitive adult race outside of the Olympics, only accepts USATF Sanctioned qualified racers. 
The IronHorse will be run on WGWL Trail’s Northern Branch. The route offers runners a scenic run on railroad grade and on a dedicated paved trail through forest, village and field. There are three race lengths to fit all runners: a 13.1 mile half marathon, a 10 kilometer and a five kilometer. The Half and 10K races offer shuttles to the starting point for they are point-to-point races. The 5K is an out-and-back. 
The race will be chip timed with port-a-potties and aid stations along the route. 
Registration is online at http://wgwltrail.com/ironhorse-half/. Early registration at a reduced rate is open until April 6. Because this is an official race, there is no same-day registration. Registration actually closes April 20. 
The name IronHorse represents the abandoned railway corridor preserved by the WGWL Trail as well as the industrial power and revolution the railroad brought to America. 
May you feel that frontier spirit as you “lap the miles and lick the valleys up . . ” -Emily Dickenson 
This race is a collaborative effort of the Howard County Conservation Board, the Mitchell County Conservation Board and the Wapsi-Great Western Line Volunteer Citizens Committee. As the WGWL Trail nears completion, these collaborators understand the need to ensure proper maintenance of this trail, a jewel in northern Iowa. 
Any excess race funds will be used to ensure the trail is well maintained with interesting amenities and logical way-finding for years to come. 
 
Grand opening 
of southern branch
For those runners eager to experience the Southern Branch of the WGWL Trail, the Grand Opening of this 13+ mile trail portion will follow the IronHorse Half on May 5, from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 
The Grand Opening will have multiple points of interest and entertainment along the trail. There will be five “Celebration Stations” featuring storytellers, nature yoga, a bluegrass band and a kids carnival. All activities are free for the walker, runner or biker.
For those less mobile, people-movers will be avaliable provide access to the trail and Celebration Stations, just be sure to check the website for specific pick-up times at the WGWL Trailhead and Elma.
Food vendors will have delights of brats, hot dogs, walking tacos, ice cream and pie for sale. It will be an afternoon of progressive recreation and entertainment.
Make a note to enjoy the Wapsi-Great Western Line’s Northern Branch the morning on May 5 at the IronHorse races. Then enjoy the Southern Branch that same afternoon. What a glorious way to kick-off the outdoor season!
Please contact Elaine Govern at 641-220-2685 to inquire further about the event. 

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed