Presenting the 4th Annual
Ironmaster’s Challenge!
The Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club invite you to participate in the 4th Annual Ironmaster’s Challenge.
When: Sunday, April 28, 2013
Where: Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Michaux State Forest
The Ironmaster’s Challenge Event Coordination Team is gearing up for the 4th Annual Ironmaster’s Challenge. If you enjoyed the 2012 event, you will experience the same challenging rock scrambles, grueling ascents, ridgeline vistas, spring wildflowers, rushing streams and lakesides, and epic single track trails through Micheaux State Forest, plus some new great features. Please join us for another spring adventure culminating in a festive finish-line picnic celebration at the Ironmaster’s Mansion.
For those new to the race, the Ironmaster’s Challenge features a 50K Ultra, a 20 Miler, and a 15K Trek, all of which are open to trail runners and hikers, and feature the beautiful woodlands of Pine Grove Furnace State Park and surrounding Michaux State Forest that display Pennsylvania’s natural beauty at its finest. 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.
We’ve rolled out a new website for 2013 along with new trail maps, a new logo and t-shirts. We’ve added water stations and improved our trail support and marking system. Please note, in place of the Marathon trail run, we have created a new event for 2013–the 20 Miler–to offer a more appealing distance for hikers concerned about completing the 50K, and for 15K trail runners who would like to take on the challenge of a greater distance. The 20 Miler overlaps the identical course as the 50K Ultra, but stops at Check Point 3 (MP 19.4) at the Brickyard Pavilion, then turns left where the 6/10 mile stroll delivers you to the finish line at the Ironmaster’s Mansion.
Every year participants praise the trail course for its challenging features, scenic quality and diversity, and finish-line reception at the unique and recently-renovated Ironmaster’s Mansion. This facility is managed by the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, and all proceeds from the race support ongoing maintenance, operations, and programming at the Mansion. Each year we’ve doubled race attendance and anticipate continued growth in 2013. Submit your online registration early to reserve your space in a springtime experience you will never forget!
The first climb that culminated in Sunset Rocks made clear that this was not a day for turning in a speedy PR. I doubt anyone cared, however, because we made a conscious decision not to run a road race this day and the course rewarded our wise decision with natural beauty. It makes sense that this race was hosted by the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club. These stewards of our natural treasures knew how to show off the trails that we have in our backyards.
Patrick Cawley - 50K Ultra Participant 2012 - Ironmaster’s Challenge
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.
Please NO pets and NO smoking.