Ironstone 100K Ultra

Website

For course descriptions, maps and charts, past results, places to stay and eat, please go to the Ironstone website at www.ironstone100K.com

Summary

The Ironstone 100K. Legs of Iron. Resolve Like a Stone. Ironstone 100K is a savage point-to-point 100 kilometer ultramarathon on the wildest trails in the Ridge and Valley region of Pennsylvania. Amazing in its terrain and rich in heritage, the ultramarathon starts at Canoe Creek State Park in Blair County and utilizes the Standing Stone, Mid State, and Lower Trails before ending in Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon County. With its unforgiving technical terrain, it will be one of the most challenging ultras in the region, on par with races like Eastern States 100, Black Forest 100K and Worlds End Ultramarathon. The race begins at 2pm in Canoe Creek State Park and soon travels along the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River on the Lower Trail - a fast and flat section of rail trail. The most unique feature of the Ironstone 100K is the ridge running atop Tussey Mountain on one of the longest named ridges in the Appalachians - a folded and fractured ridgeline of sandstone and quartzite - on the Mid State Trail. Other features include old-growth pines at Alan Seeger Natural Area, a mountain pass at Little Juniata Natural Area, craggy ledges at Indian Wells and eventually onto the Standing Stone Trail and to the finish at the historic Greenwood Furnace State Park. Runners need to finish the race in 23 hours - a seemingly easy task until you spend your first mile after crossing the Little Juniata River. The technical terrain, limited number of aid stations, no pacers and night running make this race a formindable challenge. Finishers are rewarded with a unique metal award, our famous flannel shirt and free beer and beverages - all on us! Do you have legs of iron and resolve like a stone to complete the Ironstone?

Qualification Standard

Ironstone 100K is not an entry-level ultramarathon. The course terrain, elevation gain, and weather conditions present unique challenges that require significant prior trail running experience. Minimum Qualification Requirement - All participants must complete at least one advertised 50K trail race within the official cut-off time prior to registering for Ironstone 100K. - The qualifying race must take place between January 1, 2024, and the date of registration. - The race must be an officially organized trail event with publicly available results (e.g., posted on Ultrasignup or a race/timing website). Non-Qualifying Events - The following do not meet the qualification requirement: - Timed events (e.g., 12-hour, 24-hour races) - Fastest Known Times (FKTs) - Obstacle Course Races (OCR) - Biathlon/Triathlon events (unless the run portion is a 50K trail race with official results) Completion Requirement - The qualifying 50K must be completed prior to registration. Registrants who do not meet this requirement will not be accepted. - Race management is absolute regarding the 50K requirement. - Limited flexibility on the January 1, 2024, date may be granted only in extenuating circumstances (e.g., military service, pregnancy). Rationale The 50K requirement is a necessary entry standard. Since its inception, Ironstone 100K has an overall finish rate of 50% to 61%. The course features some of the most technical trails in Pennsylvania, relentless climbs, remote trails, and frequent hot/severe weather. Runners without adequate preparation and trail experience are highly likely to fail. Participant Responsibility - It is the responsibility of each participant to research the course, review maps, read race reports, and seek advice from past finishers before entering. - Race management will not provide individualized assessments of readiness. If you need to ask whether you are prepared, the answer is likely “no.”

Volunteer Policy

The Ironstone 100K is committed to giving back to the trails and public lands that make our race possible. Race management, in coordination with the PA Department of Natural Resources, is asking each participant to demonstrate their positive impact by completing at least 8 hours of volunteer work to be eligible for entry. WHAT COUNTS AS VOLUNTEER WORK: Volunteer activities at other trail events may include, but are not limited to: - Proofing or sweeping - Working at an aid station - Serving as a medical volunteer - Assisting with race logistics or delivery teams - Trail maintenance or trail work prior to the event We will also accept trail work completed on any public lands. ALTERNATIVE TO VOLUNTEERING In lieu of volunteer hours, participants may choose to make a donation to support the Mid State Trail and/or the Standing Stone Trail—two of the key trail systems that make Ironstone possible. REPORTING YOUR HOURS One week before race day, a survey will be emailed to all participants and posted on the Ironstone website. This is where you will record your hours (or note your donation).