On May 5th, the inaugural IronHorse Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races will take place on the level, railroad grade paved trail of the Wapsi-Great Western Line. The WGWL Trail is the first interstate connecting trail between Iowa and Minnesota.
The Half Marathon is a point-to-point race with shuttle transportation provided.
The 10K is also a point-to-point with shuttle provided.
The 5K is an out-and-back.
The IronHorse races are USATF Certified, Sanctioned and with chip timing.
There are aid stations and port-o-potties along the race routes and an on-site ambulance for your comfort and safety.
Following the IronHorse Races, stay for the Grand Opening of the Southern Branch of the Wapsi-Great Western Line. From 11:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., there will be five Celebration Stations between the WGWL Trailhead in Riceville and the City of Elma. These Celebration Stations will be spaced a few miles apart along the WGWL Southern Branch and include: yoga, a five-piece band with dance floor, storytellers, kids carnival with pinatas, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator and more. All entertainment is free and occurs through-out the afternoon. For those who register at the WGWL Trailhead or in Elma and who visit all five Celebration Stations, they may compete in the Poker Run for a prize.
Free popcorn, lemonade and coffee will be available at Acme Store, roughly the halfway-point between Riceville and Elma. Food for purchase options include:
-walking tacos (11-1:30), pie, root beer floats, and brownie sundaes (11-4) at the WGWL Trailhead in Riceville and
-$1 brats and hot dogs at Elma (11:30-1:30).
Come bike the Grand Opening of the Wapsi-Great Western Line Southern Branch and enjoy a progressive party!
Total distance of out-and-back from Trailhead in Riceville =26+ miles.