Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club invite you to participate in the 14th Annual Ironmaster’s Challenge 50k & 15k trail runs.
When: Sunday, September 24, 2023
Where: Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Michaux State Forest in Gardners, PA
For over 13 years, participants have been enjoying this enthralling adventure in two separate events, a 50k and 15k, both culminating in a finish-line picnic celebration at the Ironmaster’s Mansion at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the famed halfway point along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. You’ll experience a challenging yet rewarding day — the rock scrambles, grueling ascents, ridgeline vistas, wildflowers, rushing streams and lakesides, and epic single track trails through Michaux State Forest are sure to make for an event you won’t ever forget.
The 50K Ultra and 15K Challenge are open to trail runners and hikers, and feature the beautiful woodlands of Pine Grove Furnace State Park and surrounding Michaux State Forest. Each course is wheel-measured and each event is professionally timed by Pretzel City Sports for instant results. Radio communications, staffed food and water checkpoints, and additional water stations are provided. Every year participants praise the trail course for its challenging features, scenic quality and diversity, and finish-line reception at the charming Ironmaster’s Mansion.
Other benefits included in your registration are a t-shirt, a finish line picnic lunch, and a plentiful supply of local beer. Each participant will be provided with instructions, trail maps, check point locations, and water/aid stations.
The Ironmaster’s Challenge is organized as a fundraiser by Central Pennsylvania Conservancy (CPC), the nonprofit land trust for the surrounding five county-region. All proceeds from the race support CPC’s mission to acquire, preserve and protect important natural areas in our region through land acquisition, conservation easements, and outreach. Many of CPC’s projects seek to protect regional trail resources for public access, recreational use, and permanent protection of the surrounding scenic landscapes.
This event WILL sell out before race day, so make sure you get your registration in early to reserve your space!
The first climb that culminated in Sunset Rocks made clear that this was not a day for turning in a speedy PR. I doubt anyone cared, however, because we made a conscious decision not to run a road race this day and the course rewarded our wise decision with natural beauty. It makes sense that this race was hosted by the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club. These stewards of our natural treasures knew how to show off the trails that we have in our backyards.
Patrick Cawley - 50K Ultra Participant 2012 - Ironmaster’s Challenge
Regardless of which event you choose, you will have fun. Sunshine, fresh air, and forested trails beckon you to join us … besides, you’ll be supporting a great cause! We hope to see you on the trail. Please contact us anytime with questions you may have.
Please NO pets and NO smoking.