The 2026 Iron Furnace Trail Run will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in McArthur, United States, at Lake Hope State Park, Ohio, near the Zaleski area. On this date, the expected weather conditions in McArthur are likely to be partly cloudy with a high of around 55°F (13°C) and a low of 40°F (4°C). Participants can expect to run on rugged singletrack trails, with the 13.1-mile course offering a challenging experience characterized by steep ascents and descents, while the 5-mile course provides a more accessible trail run through the same scenic forest setting. Both distances highlight the natural beauty of the area, with features such as rock outcroppings, gorges, and sweeping vistas.
What distances are available for this event?
→13.1 mile race
→5 mile race
When will the event take place?
→The event will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
What are the start times for each distance?
→13.1 Mile: 9:00 AM
→5 Mile: 9:15 AM
What is the course description for the 13.1 mile race?
→The 13.1 mile course is a rugged singletrack trail with a true distance of 13.49 miles and an elevation gain of 2,185 feet.
→The course is primarily run on the Backpack Trail of Zaleski State Forest in a full lollipop-shaped loop.
→The surface is made up of 12.49 miles of singletrack trail and 1 mile of pavement.
→The course features spectacular vistas, rock outcroppings, and gorges throughout southeastern Ohio’s scenic terrain.
→Runners cross State Route 278 twice: within the first half-mile and again with a half-mile remaining.
→The course is marked with pink flagging and direction arrows at key turns/intersections.
→The 13.1 mile runners start separately from 5 mile runners and head in opposite directions from the start; the race is led out by vehicle until reaching the trail entrance.
What is the course description for the 5 mile race?
→The 5 mile course runs on the same trail system as the 13.1 mile race but in a different direction from the start.
→The course remains open for the full 4.5-hour event duration, making it walker-friendly.
→It offers the same scenic forest setting as the 13.1 mile course but is shorter and less demanding.
What are the cut-off times for the 13.1 mile race?
→Total course time limit: 4.5 hours (20:36/mile pace).
→Intermediate cut-off: Mile 8.05 aid station at 3 hours (21:41/mile pace); runners not reaching this point by 3 hours will be transported to finish.
What is the race day schedule?
→Packet pick-up (race morning): 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM at Start/Finish
→Friday packet pick-up: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM at Ohio Valley Running Company (20 Station St., Athens, OH, 45701)
→Pre-race meeting: 8:45 AM
→13.1 Mile Start: 9:00 AM
→5 Mile Start: 9:15 AM
→5 Mile Awards: 10:45 AM
→13.1 Mile Awards: 12:00 PM (or earlier)
→Race closes: 1:30 PM
How much does registration cost?
→5 Mile:
• $33.50 (from opening)
• $43.50 (after December 31)
• $53.50 (after February 28)
→13.1 Mile:
• $58.50 (from opening)
• $71.56 (after December 31)
• $82.18 (after February 28)
What is the registration window for the event?
→Registration is open from December 1, 2025, to April 2, 2026, or until capacity is reached.
How many participants are allowed in the event?
→The event has a total capacity of 215 participants for both distances combined.
How can participants register for the event?
→Registration is available only online via UltraSignup.com; there is no paper or race-day registration.
What is the waitlist policy?
→A free waitlist is available if the event reaches capacity. Entrants will be notified and charged only if they accept an available spot.
What is included in the registration?
→A soft short-sleeve casual t-shirt (guaranteed correct size if registered by March 1, 2026)
→A wooden finisher award for every finisher (both distances)
→Complimentary food for all finishers (recent years featured customizable Potato Bowls with vegan options)
What awards are given out?
→13.1 Mile and 5 Mile Awards Categories:
• Overall Male/Female: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place (Special awards)
• Masters (40–49), Grand Master (50–59), Super Master (60+): 1st place Male/Female (Special awards)
What are the rules for walkers?
→Walkers are welcome but encouraged to register for the 5 mile distance due to the 13.1 mile course cut-offs.
What are the course markings?
→The course is marked with pink flagging and directional arrows at key turns/intersections.
Where are the permits for the event issued?
→The event operates under special use permits from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for Lake Hope State Park and Zaleski State Forest.
What is the expected weather for the event?
→On April 4, 2026, in McArthur, the expected weather conditions are partly cloudy with a high of around 55°F (13°C) and a low of 40°F (4°C).
