Iron Mountain Trail Run
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Iron Mountain
The IMTR-organized trail race starts and finishes in Damascus, Virginia. The event is usually sanctioned by USATF; in some years RRCA has been the insurance provider instead. Four distance options are offered.
- 16 miles
- 30 miles
- 40 miles
- 50 miles
Footing varies from open running along the VA Creeper Trail and forest service roads to technical single-track. Much of the route follows the Iron Mountain ridgeline through Jefferson National Forest along a route that used to be the Appalachian Trail. The total climb for the 50 mile distance is around 8000 feet. Official completion time limits are 8 hours for 16 miles, 10 hours for 30 miles, and 12 hours for both 40 and 50 miles.
Hurricane Helene (September 2024) caused significant damage in the area; as a result the Creeper Trail through Damascus is not open for use and the race will initially run on streets and sidewalks through town before rejoining the Iron Mountain Trail. The course will be an out and back this year, except for the easternmost portion of the 40 and 50 mile routes, which makes the race about 2 miles shorter than normal. Additional changes may be necessary and trail conditions may be worse than previous years.
Registration typically opens on June 1. For 2026, early fees and fee increases, no-refund and no-transfer policies, the inclusion of aid and a post-race meal, and an optional race shirt fee were specified. Same-day registration was tested in 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
