Iron Mountain Trail Run

Iron Mountain Trail Run

The Iron Mountain Trail Run is a trail race based in Damascus, Virginia, usually sanctioned by USA Track and Field. Four distance options are offered:

• 16 miles
• 30 miles
• 40 miles
• 50 miles

The route mainly follows the Iron Mountain ridgeline through the Jefferson National Forest along a former section of the Appalachian Trail. Footing varies from easy running on the Virginia Creeper Trail and forest roads to technical single track. The 50 mile course has about 8,000 feet of total climb. Course markings include streamers on trails and cones in town; streamers used have a distinctive pink with black polka-dots.

The 2026 event uses a modified course because the Virginia Creeper Trail east of Damascus is closed. For 2026 runners will use roads and sidewalks through town for part of the route, making the race about two miles shorter and ineligible for new course records. Traffic on town streets will not be stopped so runners must take care when crossing roads.

Time limits to be an official finisher are 12 hours for the 50 and 40 mile distances, 10 hours for the 30 mile distance, and 8 hours for the 16 mile distance. There are additional aid station cutoffs.

Registration details for 2026 include an expected opening on June 1, a total field limit of 400 runners, tiered fees, an extra charge for race shirts, a waiting list operation, and a no refunds policy with fee rollover if the race is canceled by the organizer. Limited placement awards and finisher awards are provided; pacers are allowed under specific conditions and using a pacer disqualifies a runner from placement awards. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.