Iron Mountain Trail Run
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Iron Mountain Trail Run
The Iron Mountain Trail Run is a trail race in Damascus, Virginia, typically sanctioned by USA Track and Field in most years. The event offers multiple distance options and follows sections of the Iron Mountain ridgeline through the Jefferson National Forest.
Distances
- 16 miles
- 30 miles
- 40 miles
- 50 miles
Course and surface details include open runnable sections on the Virginia Creeper Trail and forest service roads, plus technical single track. The 50 mile course accumulates about 8,000 feet of climb. The 2026 edition uses a modified route because the Virginia Creeper Trail east of Damascus is closed; runners will use roads and sidewalks through town for the modified start/return, which shortens the race by roughly two miles and means no new course records will be recognized for that year.
Time limits apply for official finishing status; the event also enforces cutoffs at various aid stations. The course is marked with streamers on trails and cones in town; streamers used often include a distinctive pattern so participants should follow marked ribbons at turns.
Other operational notes: the combined field is limited to 400 runners. Registration fees change over time and race shirts are available for an additional fee. The event has a strict no refunds policy, and entries may be rolled over in the event of organizer cancellation. Multiple trail user types share the course and horses retain right of way. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
