Iron Run Trail Half Marathon & 5K

Saturday, June 10, 2023 • Gardners, PA • Course Map

The country roads and forest trails of this small town tucked into the southern part of the state just east of the Allegheny Mountains serve as the setting for the Iron Run Half Marathon and Charcoal Challenge 5K, a pair of races that make their annual running as spring is giving way to summer in this tiny town near the Michaux State Forest, and within a short drive of historic Gettysburg.

The race is timed to coincide with National Get Outdoors Day — a nationwide effort that seeks to inspire both children and adults to lead more active lifestyles by exposing them to the wide range of outdoor activities in their own areas and around the country.

It takes runners on an out-and-back tour of the hills that surround this small town, through nearby Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the Tumbling Run Game Preserve, both of which lie just north of the Michaux State Forest.

Runners will start the half marathon in Gardners along Pine Grove Road at 7:30 AM and then head out on what is basically a counter-clockwise loop route through the parklands that lie just to the north and east of town.

Along the course, runners can expect plenty of elevation changes, creek crossings, rocks, tree limbs and possibly muddy spots along the way, depending on the weather both leading up to and on the day of the race.

Organized by the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park, a local nonprofit organization that works to preserve this nearly 700-acre park’s trails and historic sites as well as the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that winds through the park, the race will take runners through and/or past several of the park’s most visited spots, including Fuller Lake and the old furnace stack inside the park.

Race Weather & Climate

Nestled among the hills of southern Pennsylvania, about 35 miles southwest of Harrisburg and roughly 140 miles west of Philadelphia, Pine Grove Furnace State Park typically sees mild to moderately warm weather in June.

On race day (June 10), the average low is 58ºF and the average high is 79ºF.

Past Results

• 2022 Results
• 2019 Iron Run Trail Half Marathon Results
• 2018 Iron Run Trail Half Marathon Results
• 2017 Iron Run Trail Half Marathon Results
• 2016 Iron Run Trail Half Marathon Results
• 2015 Iron Run Trail Half Marathon Results
• 2014 Iron Run Trail Half Marathon Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the Iron Run Trail Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

• 7:30 AM – half marathon
• 8:30 AM – 5K

Fees

• $35 – $45 for the half marathon
• $25 – $35 for the 5K

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of the Iron Run Trail Half Marathon or Charcoal Challenge 5K Run/Walk, register online at the race website below.

Official Race Website

pinegrovefriends.org

Comments

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