IRONSTONE 100K: Legs of Iron. Resolve Like a Stone.

Trail runners heading for Ironstone 100K

By REBECCA BERDAR Staff Writer - Huntingdon Daily News | July 12, 2024

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Runners from across the nation and around the world are heading to Central Pennsylvania this weekend for an annual endurance test that will take them across Huntingdon County’s ridges and woodlands.

The third annual Ironstone 100K Ultramarathon, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14, stretches across Blair, Huntingdon and Centre counties, incorporating some of the region’s most scenic and challenging terrain. The task before runners is to finish the course in 23 hours or less.

The Ironstone is the region’s only footrace in excess of 62 miles and is hosted by the Eastern States Trail Endurance-Alliance, Inc. and Allegheny Trailrunners, Inc.

Benjamin Mazur, race director, said it’s been a pleasure watching the Ironstone take hold.

“This race, with its challenge and heritage, is introduced to a new set of runners, and this never gets old,” Mazur said via email when asked what excites him about the Ironstone entering its third year.

Mazur, who is also president of Allegheny Trailrunners, Inc., and vice-president of Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance, reports that runners representing 15 direct states, from Washington to Vermont, have entered the 2024 event.

Last year’s farthest-traveled computer is back for 2024, all the way from the Philippines. Mazur said one runner from Australia and several from across Canada have also joined the race.

Organizers point out that the Ironstone is not an entry-level race and that all runners are expected to have at least one 50K trail race to their name.

The Ironstone will launch at 2 p.m. Saturday from Canoe Creek State Park in Blair County and will follow the Standing Stone, Mid State and 9/11 Memorial and Lower trails, ending at the firstling at Greenwood Furnace State Park in northern Huntingdon County.

Along the way, the trail runners will see old growth pine at the Alan Seeger Natural Area, take in views from the Frankstown Branch of Juniata River from along the Lower Trail and experience sunsets from Tussey Mountain and sunrise from the mountains west of Bear Meadows.

Among the course highlights awaiting race participants is the opportunity for ridge-running on Tussey Mountain, one of the longest ridges in the Appalachians.

Mazur said ultramarathons draw runners who are seeking out new challenges and adventure.

“We are a low-key, relaxed sort of event, Mazur said. “We are not a race that is on the road to another big race as a qualifying race. Those here in particular want to do this race.”

Weekend temperatures in the area are looking very hot according to forecasters. Mazur said Ironstone organizers are adding ice and water stock at the aid stations along the course, along with additional medical support, in light of the forecast.

AccuWeather reports Saturday’s high will reach 91 degrees while Sunday is expected to peak at 97 degree with a “Real Feel” of 101 for both days. AccuWeather is advising caution for anyone who anticipates being outside for extended periods of time.

The race concludes with an award ceremony honoring the fastest male and female runners, along with all finishers. Celebrations include food from Smokey Pig, beer from Levity Brewing and coffee from Standing Stone Coffee Company.

The Ironstone 100K is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Mid State Trail Association and the Standing Stone Trail Club, among other organizations.