7/3 Important Update: The Weekly Walk with a Naturalist on Wednesdays from 8-9:30 at the Letort Spring Garden Preserve is on hiatus until further notice! We hope to see you again in a few weeks and will update here when walks have resumed.
For 14 years now, participants have been enjoying this springtime adventure challenge in two separate events, a 50k and 15k, both culminating in a finish-line picnic celebration at the Ironmaster’s Mansion at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the famed halfway point along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. You’ll experience a challenging yet rewarding day — the rock scrambles, grueling ascents, ridgeline vistas, wildflowers, rushing streams and lakesides, and epic single track trails through Michaux State Forest.
Based on popular demand, we are bringing back the traditional 50k Ultra route that our repeat participants look forward to each year! The 50K Ultra and 15K Challenge are open to trail runners and hikers, and feature the beautiful woodlands of Pine Grove Furnace State Park and surrounding Michaux State Forest. Each course is wheel-measured and each event is professionally timed by Pretzel City Sports for instant results. Radio communications, staffed food and water checkpoints, and additional water stations are provided. Every year participants praise the trail course for its challenging features, scenic quality and diversity, and finish-line reception at the charming Ironmaster’s Mansion.
Other benefits included in your registration are a tech t-shirt, a finisher’s premium for the 50K Ultra event, a finish line picnic lunch, and a plentiful supply of local beer. Each participant will be provided with instructions, trail maps, check point locations, and water/aid stations.
The Ironmaster’s Challenge is organized as a fundraiser by Central Pennsylvania Conservancy (CPC), the nonprofit land trust for the surrounding five county-region. All proceeds from the race support CPC’s mission to acquire, preserve and protect important natural areas in our region through land acquisition, conservation easements, and outreach. Many of CPC’s projects seek to protect regional trail resources for public access, recreational use, and permanent protection of the surrounding scenic landscapes.
This event tends to sell out before race day, so make sure you get your registration in early to reserve your space in an experience you will never forget! Registration will open soon so stay tuned!
Regardless of which event you choose, you will have fun. Sunshine, fresh air, and forested trails beckon you to join us … besides, you’ll be supporting a great cause! We hope to see you on the trail. Please contact us anytime with questions you may have.
