Race Handbook
4 Ironstone 100K • July 12-13, 2025
Ironstone 100K: Legs of Iron. Reslove Like a Stone.
The Ironstone 100K is a brutal, soul-crushing nightmare disguised as a race. It’s a 100-kilometer slog through the most punishing, desolate trails in the Alleghenies, guaranteed to leave you questioning every life choice that led you here. The suffering starts on the usually hottest weekend of the year—because why not—and kicks off in the blistering afternoon heat.
The first 20 miles drag on endlessly through mindnumbing, pancake-flat trails, setting the stage for your slow unraveling. Then comes the "fun": a relentless traverse on rocky ridges that seem like they’ll never end. You’ll stumble over jagged stones for what feels like an eternity, with no pacer to console your shattered spirit.
Aid stations? They’re few and far between, and getting to one feels like crossing a desert with no water in sight. And because this torture wasn’t enough, there are venomous snakes lurking along the way, just waiting to make your miserable experience even worse.
Finishing this race doesn’t feel like triumph—it feels like surviving a bad decision you’ll be haunted by forever.
SUPPORTERS
SUPPORTERS
Ironstone 100K: A Test of Endurance on the Wildest Trails of the Alleghenies
Runners with legs of iron and resolve like stone will gather in Central Pennsylvania on July 12-13, 2025, to take on the forth annual Ironstone 100K Ultramarathon. This savage and grueling 100-kilometer (62-mile) point-to-point race weaves through some of the most challenging and scenic terrain in the Alleghenies, spanning Blair, Huntingdon, and Centre counties in Southern Pennsylvania.
SCHEDULE
PRE-RACE: Tuesday, July 8th
7:00pm: Online Race Briefing and Q&A.* - On our ESTEA Facebook page and YouTube. Link in the pre-race email and shared on Facebook, Instagram. Can't watch live? - Video will also be posted on our Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance Facebook page and Ironstone website.
RACE WEEKEND: Saturday and Sunday, July 12th and 13th
Saturday, July 12th
There will be an optional race shuttle (bus) from Greenwood Furnace to the start at Canoe Creek prior to the start. Due to the long time frame from the first finisher to the conclusion of the post-race party, there will be no shuttles from the finish line to Canoe Creek (start).
11:30 a.m. - Runner Check-In Begins at the Blacksmith Shop at Greenwood Furnace State Park (Finish)
12:15 p.m. - Bus Departs Greenwood Furnace State Park
Arrival at Canoe Creek State Park (Finish) in 1:15 p.m.
1 p.m. - Runner Check-In Begins at Canoe Creek State Park (Start), Pavilion 2, Hollidaysburg, PA
2 p.m. - Runners Start - Race Begins! (Ballfield Below Pavilion 2)
8:43 p.m. - Sunset
Sunday, July 13th, 2025
5:53 a.m. - Sunrise
1:00 p.m. - RACE IS OVER! (23-hour cut off)
General Information
Race Start
Race check-in, drop bag collection, and start are all located at Canoe Creek State Park pavilion #2 near Hollidaysburg, PA.
Race check-in is at Pavilion #2 on your left when in the parking lot and facing the lake. The race begins in the main ballfield between the parking lots and the lake.
The bathrooms are located in the Bathroom Building below Pvilion #2. Additional bathroom are on the far end of the parking lot.
Drop Bags
Use drop bags if you have things you need but don’t want to carry the whole way – warm/dry clothing, a special snack, headlamp, etc. We’ll transport your bags to designated aid stations and have them waiting for you. The drop off location will be the pavilion. Drop bags will be accepted Saturday afternoon ONLY. We’ll take drop bags to the following 5 aids stations (use as many or as few as you’d like):
AS2 Williamsburg Station AS4 Alfarata Station AS6 Indian Steps AS8 Alan Seeger
Drop bag guidelines:
• Close your bag securely and label it clearly with name, bib #, and the aid station.
• Drop off at the collection point no later than the start of your race.
• We can’t promise to protect your bag from the weather, so a waterproof bag is best.
• Please keep your drop bags as small as possible, but not larger than 20" x 20" (a standard string bag, 5-gallon ziplock or equivalent), and please - bags only (no boxes).
Communications
The region is a remote area and cell phone service is limited – it’s unlikely you will be able to talk with your runner, crew, etc. by phone. We will have radio communication with each aid station through our communications team – if you have an urgent need to contact a runner or crew, please see a race official at the finish line or any personnel at the communications command center.
Spectators
Spectators are welcomed and encouraged. Aid stations with easy access and adequate parking are AS2 Williamsburg Station and AS4 Alfarata Station.
Post-race Food
Post race food will be available for purchase for any crew and spectators for breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Food for runners and volunteers will be on us. We will also be serving coffee compliments of Buzzsaw Coffee and beverages from Levity Beer Company.
Canoe Creek State Park - Start Area Map
Greenwood Furance State Park - Finish Map
Parkaroundthe tra ccircle,nosein. Parkaroundthe tra ccircle,nosein.
Race Rules
Runner Rules
Pacers
• No pacers are allowed unless approved by the race director due to unusual circumstances or a medical condition (e.g., night blindness, advanced age).
Unofficial Runners
• No bandits or unregistered pacers are permitted.
Bib Placement
• Your race bib must be clearly visible from the front and positioned right-side up. You may pin it to your shirt, pants, or pack, and folding is allowed—as long as the entire number remains visible.
• If we cannot identify you as you approach, we reserve the right to stop you until you adjust your bib.
Course Navigation
• You must follow the marked course at all times. It will be clearly marked with orange blazes, ribbons, and directional arrows.
• Most of the route follows the Mid State Trail and Standing Stone Trail, both marked in orange blazes.
• Mandatory aid stations – Check in at every aid station.
• If you leave the course, you must return to the exact point of departure before continuing.
• No course cutting – Cutting switchbacks is cheating, and stepping off-trail to avoid rocks is poor trail etiquette. Stay on the path.
Mandatory Gear
• Lighting – A headlamp or similar light is required when running before dawn or after dark.
• Emergency blanket – Must be carried at all times.
• Plan ahead—make sure you have your light before you think you’ll need it.
Optional Race Aids
• Allowed: Hiking poles, headphones, GPS devices, heart rate monitors—as long as they are used safely and responsibly.
• Not Allowed: External speakers or music that others can hear. Playing loud music is rude and will result in disqualification.
Crew Support & Aid Drops
• Crew access and drop bags are only allowed at designated aid stations.
• No storing or dropping supplies along the course.
• Runners may not receive aid between checkpoints unless it is an emergency.
Littering
• Carry your trash or dispose of it at aid stations.
• Littering could jeopardize our race permits. Anyone caught littering will be disqualified.
Passing Other Trail Users
• The course includes popular hiking trails—be respectful.
• Yield as needed, be patient, and communicate clearly when passing (“Passing on your left”).
Accountability
• Your progress will be tracked throughout the race.
• Ensure your bib is visible and check in and out of every aid station (including for pacers).
• Aid station crews will log your arrival and departure, relaying information to race HQ.
Cut-Off Times
• Each aid station has strict departure cut-off times (see aid station chart). You must leave before the cutoff or your race is over.
• Aid station captains have final authority to remove runners who are physically unable to continue safely.
• Failure to leave the course when directed = disqualification.
Dropping Out
• If you cannot finish, notify an aid station captain and surrender your race bib.
• Drop out at a crew-accessible aid station if possible.
• If you leave the race without notifying an aid station, we will assume you are lost and notify authorities— potentially jeopardizing future race permits.
• Leaving without checking out = automatic disqualification and possible entry bans for future races.
Injury Protocol
• Stay on the trail and inform another runner if you need help. Ask them to notify race officials at the next aid station.
• Cell service is limited, but each aid station has a communications team connected to race HQ and an EMT crew.
• If injured, go to the nearest aid station or have someone relay your message.
Road Crossings
• Obey pedestrian laws—vehicles always have the right of way.
• Look both ways before crossing any road.
Crew Rules
Your crew is a vital part of your race, but they must follow these guidelines:
Crew Support Locations
• Crews may only assist runners at five designated aid stations: AS2 Williamsburg Station AS4 Alfarata Station AS6 Indian Steps AS8 Alan Seeger Crew Vehicles
• One crew vehicle per runner – Parking is limited at remote aid stations, and access roads can be narrow and dusty. Fewer vehicles = safer conditions.
Aid Station Etiquette
• Aid stations can be crowded. Crews should set up away from the main flow of runners to avoid congestion.
• Follow all instructions from the Aid Station Captain, who manages the area.
Respect the Communications Team
• The Communications Team is responsible for runner tracking and safety. Do not distract them when they are working.
A designated volunteer will be available at each crewed aid station to answer questions if possible.
Crews May Volunteer
• Crews are welcome to assist other runners or help at aid stations (with the Aid Station Captain’s approval).
updates at ironstone100k.com
Course Markings
The Ironstone 100K course is a "graduate-level" course and the majority is not flagged! Most of the course is on two longdistance trails, the Mid State Trail and the Standing Stone Trail which are marked with orange blazes. Any time the course deviates from these two trails, the race team will post signage and/or pink confidence ribbon. We highly recommend you study the maps and download the GPX file of the course from our website.
The Ironstone 100K Course
(Data according to Plotaroute)
Distance 63.25 miles
Flat 11.46 miles (18.1%)
Uphill 23.71 miles (37.5%)
Downhill 28.07 miles (44.4%)
Ascent 7929 feet of climb
Descent 7854 feet of descent
Steepest
Snakes on the Ironstone Course
The Ironstone course is home to a variety of snakes, including rattlesnakes, so stay alert and give them plenty of space. Rattlesnakes are not usually aggressive and will typically avoid you if given the chance. If you encounter one, do not approach or try to move it—just give it room and let it be. To avoid unwanted surprises, always look before you sit down, step over logs or rocks cautiously, and avoid walking through thick brush. Stay aware of your surroundings, and respect the wildlife that calls this trail home.
Weather at Ironstone: A Trial by Fire (and Water)
The suffering at Ironstone doesn’t just come from the course—it starts with the brutal weather. This race is deliberately set on what is typically the hottest weekend of the year—because why not? The torment begins at 2 PM, right as the afternoon heat reaches its peak. In 2024, temperatures soared into the scorching 90s, with suffocating humidity turning the course into an oven of misery. In 2023, a midnight thunderstorms offered brief relief but transformed the already punishing terrain into a treacherous, rockslick gauntlet. At Ironstone, the weather isn’t just an obstacle—it’s an adversary, one more element of the sufferfest that has made this race infamous.
The Deceptive Cruelty of Ironstone
The Ironstone course is dastardly, deceptive, and downright evil. Many foolishly dismiss this section as “the easy part” of the race—a grave mistake. Once you leave the relative comfort of Canoe Creek State Park, the course stretches into an endless, soul-crushing expanse of mind-numbing, pancake-flat railtrail, designed to lull you into complacency before breaking you apart. The surface—crushed limestone, save for a three-mile stretch of unforgiving asphalt—acts as a heat trap, baking your legs from below while fine, stony dust creeps into your shoes, grinding away at your resolve. It’s a slow, creeping demise— one that sets the stage for your inevitable unraveling.
Driving Directions to Crew-Accessible Aid Stations
Canoe Creek State Park to AS2 Williamsburg Station (13 min)
1. Exit the park via Canoe Creek Rd for 1.0 miles
2. Turn left onto Turkey Valley Rd; go 0.6 miles
3. Turn left onto US-22 E for 2.0 miles
4. Slight right onto PA-866 S/Canal St/Juniata River Rd; go 3.5 miles
5. Turn left onto W 1st St for 0.2 mi
6. Continue straight onto E 1st St. Destination will be on the left at the trailhead parking lot at 210 E 1st St, Williamsburg, PA 16693. Parking is available in the trailhead lot, street parking, or behind the Martin's Mini-mart. The aid station under a grove of trees between the mini-mart and the trailhead parking.
AS2 Williamsburg Station to AS4 Alfarata Station (14 min)
1. Head northwest (right) on E 1st St toward Spring St. (Stop Sign at center of town)
2. Turn right onto High St and go for 0.6 miles
3. Continue onto PA 2015 for 3.7 miles
4. Turn right onto US-22 E and drive 5.9 miles
5. Turn left onto Rt4014 for 0.2 miles. The Rails to Trails, Alfrata Station, Lower Trail, Alexandria, PA 16611 is on your right.
AS4 Alfarata Station to AS6 Indian Steps (30 min)
1. Head southeast on State Rte 4014 toward Alexandria. State Rte 4014 will become PA-305. Continue forward on PA-305 to Chesney Rd in West Township at 10.9 miles. Turn left.
2. Chesney Road becomes White Deer Rd to Harrys Valley Rd. Turn a slight right onto Harrys Valley Road and continue for 5.0 miles.
3. AS Indian Steps on the left side of the road above the road. Park along Harrys Valley Road. Do not drive up to the aid station.
AS6 Indian Steps to AS8 Alan Seeger (28 min)
1. Head northeast on Harrys Valley Rd toward PA-26 N for 4 min (2.0 mi)
2. Turn right onto PA-26 S for 8 min (6.2 mi)
3. Follow Alan Seeger Rd and Stone Creek Rd to Seeger Rd for 15 min (6.3 mi) Aid Station is across the creek in the pavilion.
AS8 Alan Seeger to Finish (22 min)
1. Follow Stone Creek Rd, Alan Seeger Rd and Weiler Rd to PA-305 E. 15 min (6.5 mi)
2. Turn left onto PA-305 E. Go 4 min (3.2 miles)
3. Turn left at the park entrance to park office. Continue on Black Lick Rd/Broad Mountain Rd to the bottom of the hill (0.3 mi)
4. Turn left. Park anywhere in the grass around the traffic circle (nose in). The finish is on the left in front of the Blacksmith Shop.
GPS Guide to Crew Accessible Aid Stations
Aid Station Name Coordinates Description
Race
Start
Canoe Creek S.P. Pavilion #2
AS2 Williamsburg Station
AS4 Alfarata Station
Latitude: 40.48500 Longitude: -78.28258
Latitude: 40.46181 Longitude: -78.19858
Latitude: 40.56666 Longitude: -78.12180
Check-in is at Pavilion #2 to the left of parking lot when facing the lake.
Parking is at the Rails-to-Trails trailhead or street.
Parking is at Alfarata Rails-toTrails lot.
AS6 Indian Steps
AS8 Alan Seeger
Latitude: 40.690272 Longitude: --77.936891
Latitude: 40.69488 Longitude: -77.75760
Park with traffic along Harrys Valley Road.
Parking before the bridge to the aid station or along road with traffic.
Race Finish Greenwood Furnace S.P.
Latitude: 40.65170 Longitude: -77.75488
Park in the grass along the length of the traffic loop. The finish is in front of the Blacksmith Shop.
Past Winners
Men’s Winners (by year)
2024 – Michael Busada 14h:36m (pictured)
2023 – Raymond Stoltzfus 14h:14m
2022 – Cory Johnston 16h:08m (tie)
2022 – Dustin Wilgohs 16h:08m (tie)
Women’s Winners (by year)
2024 – Mary Kowalski 17h:35m
2023 – Mary Kowalski 17h:16m
2022 – Mary Kowalski 17h:36m (pictured)
Hall of Fame
Men’s Top 10 Finishers
'23 Raymond Stoltzfus 14:14:32
'23 Jason Tanner 14:17:40
'23 Benjamin Emmett 14:23:01
'24 Michael Busada 14:36:50
'24 Steven Larick 14:46:53
'23 Vincent Raes 15:54:28
'22 Dustin Willgohs (t) 16:08:37
'22 Cory Johnston (t) 16:08:37
'24 Timothy Smith 16:27:43
'22 Conrad Graybill 16:32:47
Women's Top 10 Finishers
'23 Mary Kowalski 17:16:18
'24 Mary Kowalski 17:35:32
'22 Mary Kowalski 17:36:59
'23 Kelly O’Connor 18:37:55
'23 Rhoda Smoker 18:41:43
'22 Mikala Shremshock 18:44:00
'24 Hannah Roberts 18:47:14
'23 Samantha Hurlbutt 19:47:14
'24 Marissa Knodel 20:34:43
'24 Kellie Seaton 20:34:44
Our Greatest Gratitude
Thanks to the amazing race staff, volunteers and "trail angels" who make this race an unforgettable experience for our participants. A shoutout to our parent organization, the Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance. And, thanks to the amazing support from PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, managers and staff at Rothrock State Forest, Greenwood Furnace and Canoe Creek State Parks and Rail-toTrails of Central Pennsylvania.
Cheers and
Happy
Trails,
Benjamin Mazur, RD Patrick Sachse, Co-RD
