Iron Mountain Trail Run

Iron Mountain Trail Run - Damascus, VA

The Iron Mountain Trail Run is a trail race that normally carries USATF sanctioning, with RRCA used in some years. It starts and finishes at Damascus Town Park and offers multiple long-distance options. Registration is scheduled to open on June 1, 2026.

Distances

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

The route follows the Iron Mountain ridgeline through the Jefferson National Forest and includes sections that once were part of the Appalachian Trail. Footing ranges from open running along the VA Creeper Trail and forest service roads to technical single track. The 50 mile course accumulates about 8000 feet of climb. Official time limits are 8 hours for the 16 mile distance, 10 hours for the 30 mile distance, and 12 hours for the 40 and 50 mile distances.

Hurricane Helene in 2024 caused damage in the area. For 2026 the Creeper Trail through Damascus is not open for use. Runners will leave the park on town streets and sidewalks and then use 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, making the race roughly 2 miles shorter than normal. Trail conditions may be worse than in previous years and further changes are possible.

Fees change over time: $35 during the first week of registration, $70 after the first week, and $100 two weeks before the event. Registration fees include aid during the race and a post race meal; race shirts cost an additional $20. There are no refunds, no entry transfers, and no deferrals. Same day registration is being tested and is allowed up to 15 minutes before the race start.

Warning: the course contains steep, rocky, muddy, and technical sections. Road crossings are unguarded and there is no medical assistance along the course. Emergency care may be hours away and participants are responsible for their own safety on the trail. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.