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Iron Furnace Trail Runs logo

Welcome to the

Iron Furnace Trail Runs logo
Special Announcement starting in 2025 - Changes to the IFTR Start/Finish Location
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE ON THE IRON FURNACE?
April 4, 2026
Registration Details
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Lake Hope State Park Beach Lot

Park Rd 9

McArthur, OH 45651

A Race Hosted By...
SEOTR Events logo (white)
One of Ohio's hardest half marathons.  

 

2026 will be the 13th Annual IFTR!

 

The Iron Furnace Trail Runs take place at the beautiful Lake Hope State Park and Zaleski State Forest. 13.1 mile runners meander along single-track trails taking in the beautiful views and traversing into the rugged and remote Zaleski State Forest. Along the way runners will be treated with deep gorges, scenic overviews, and rocky outcroppings, and complete what many consider the hardest half marathon in Ohio. 5 mile runners will complete a course of pure singletrack, partly along the lake, and getting a slightly smaller dose of what the half marathoners receive. Whatever distance you choose, you’ll be sure to run on a great course and have a memorable experience at the Iron Furnace!

Iron Furnace Trail Runs logo
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Cool rocky outcroppings at Iron Furnace Trail Runs
Runner taking on the awesome trails of the Iron Furnace Trail Runs
Runners enjoying this classic spring trail race at the Iron Furnace Trail Runs
Sweet and hard singletrack at Iron Furnace Trail Runs

Race Details

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Date:  Saturday, April 4, 2026

Location:  Lake Hope State Park
Time:  Race Start – 9:00am and 9:15am
Distances:  13.1 mile and 5 mile

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Permits:  

This event is held in accordance with special use permits from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for Lake Hope State Park and Zaleski State Forest.  Please be considerate of the land and other users to ensure the future of the Iron Furnace Trail Run.

 

Race Day Schedule: 

Packet pick-up: 7:00am-8:30am
Pre-Race Meeting:  8:45am
13.1 Mile Race Start:  9:00am

5 Mile Race Start:  9:15am
5 Mile Awards: 10:45am
13.1 Mile Awards: 12:00pm (or earlier)
Race Closes: 1:30pm

 

Friday Packet Pick-up: 

Ohio Valley Running Company (20 Station St., Athens, OH, 45701)

-->4:30-6:30 pm

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Race Morning Packet Pick-up:

At the Start/Finish 

-->7:00 to 8:30 am.  

Registration and Pricing

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Registration Open Date:  Monday, December 1, 2025 

Registration Close Date:  Wednesday, April 2, 2026

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Pricing:

5 Mile:  $33.50 after opening, $43.50 after December 31, $53.50 after February 28
13.1 Mile: $58.50 after opening, $71.56 after December 31, $82.18 after February 28

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*Ultra Signup recently adopted a new "All-In Pricing" policy to display the total price with all fees and taxes shown before checking out, so now there will be no hidden fees on the base registration price.  The prices shown above reflect the "All In Price" of registration with all fees and taxes included.  You can read more on UltraSignup's All-In Pricing policy by CLICKING HERE.

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Registration process:  

  • To register and pay online follow the UltraSignup.com link on the main page and complete the race registration instructions. You will receive confirmation email upon completion.

  • No Paper Registration or Race-Day Registration.  All participants must register online before the deadline or before the race fills.

 

Capacity:  The IFTR has a race capacity of 250 participants combined for both distances.  Registration will be closed immediately once the race capacity is reached

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Waitlist:  Due to the potential for the event selling out, IFTR registration will move to a waitlist if the capacity is reached.  As entrants withdraw from the event prior to the race, the next person on the waitlist will be invited in.  The waitlist is free to enter, and you will be notified with the option to accept or decline once you move into the field, and your credit card is only charged if you accept your entry.

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Walkers are welcome to register for the Iron Furnace Trail Run.  However, the course closes at 1:30 pm, 4.5 hours after the start, so walkers are encouraged to register for the 5 mile distance.  The 5 mile course remains open for the entire 4.5 hour duration.  The 13.1 mile course will have a cut-off at the 8.05 mile aid station of 3 hours.

Runners enjoying the Iron Furnace Trail Runs
Great community at the Iron Furnace Trail Runs
Stream crossing of the Iron Furnace Trail Run
Awards, Swag, and Perks!
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Finisher Awards

Every finisher of both race distances will receive a wooden finishers award.

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Post-Race Food

All runners will be treated with food once they finish their race.  Food varies from year to year, but Potato Bowls have been a popular attraction in recent years, with a variety of toppings.  There will be options vegan diets.

 

13.1 Mile Awards: will be given as finishers cross line

  • 1st Place Male and Female Overall - Special 1st place award

  • 2nd Place Male and Female Overall - Special Award

  • 3rd Place Male and Female Overall - Special Award

  • 1st Place Male and Female Masters (40-49) - Special Award

  • 1st Place Male and Female Grand Master (50-59) - Special Award

  • 1st Place Male and Female Super Master (60+)  - Special Award​

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5 Mile Awards: will be given as finishers cross line

  • 1st Place Male and Female Overall - Special 1st place award

  • 2nd Place Male and Female Overall - Special Award

  • 3rd Place Male and Female Overall - Special Award

  • 1st Place Male and Female Masters (40-49) - Special Award

  • 1st Place Male and Female Grand Master (50-59) - Special Award

  • 1st Place Male and Female Super Master (60+)  - Special Award

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T-Shirt: 

  • T-Shirt is included with registration fee.

  • You must register by March 1st to be guaranteed to receive your correct sized t-shirt with entry fee. If you do not register by the aforementioned date, you will not be guaranteed your correct sized t-shirt with registration. Some t-shirts may be available for purchase on race day.

  • Race Shirt:  13.1 and 5 mile participants will receive a soft short-sleeve casual shirt. 

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An Amazing Course Layout: Visit the course descriptions section for the 13.1 mile and 5 mile course descriptions, maps, elevation profiles, and aid station information.

Directions

You can type this address into any GPS app or device and you will see the best way to Lake Hope State Park Beach Parking Lot.

 

Directions:  Address for directions to the race start/finish area:

Lake Hope State Park Beach Lot

Park Rd 9
‪McArthur, OH 45651

Iron Furnace Trail Runs at Lake Hope State Park
Parking at the Iron Furnace Trail Run

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Starting in 2025 the races will Start and Finish at the Lake Hope State Park Beach Parking Lot.  This is a different area from the previous start/finish location at the Lake Hope Lodge - do not drive to the Lake Hope Lodge parking lot like you have done in the past!  The new location at the Beach will support the parking for the race.  There will be parking attendants to help position everyone in the most efficient manner in various lots near the start/finish area.  From where you park you will then walk (no more than a half mile) to the start line.  Shuttles will not be needed with this new parking location.  

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Carpooling:  PLEASE consider carpooling with friends to the race, as this will alleviate a lot of congestion at the park, and will make your day easier as you arrive at Lake Hope.  Use the Iron Furnace Trail Run Facebook Event Page to coordinate carpooling with other participants!

Iron Furnace Trail Run Courses​
  • toggle to each distance in upper left
  • downloadable GPX files via the right side menu 

*A note about course distances and elevation gain:  while we advertise each course as a set distance (eg. 13.1 or 5 miles), the nature of trail running limits the ability for GPS devices to be precise with accurate distances and elevation gain.  We create a course that flows well and shows off  the aesthetics of the trail system.  Below we have listed the course distance and elevation profiles with the information we have best available to us.

Compete in the half marathon at Iron Furnace Trail Runs

13.1 Mile Course Details

  • True distance is 13.49 Miles

  • 2185 feet of elevation gain

  • 12.10 miles of singletrack trail

  • 1.4 mile of pavement

  • Aid Stations: miles 2.93 and 8.05

  • Cutoff: 3 hours at the 8.05 mile aid station.

5 Mile Course Details

  • True distance is 5.11 miles

  • 587 feet of elevation gain

  • 4 miles of singletrack trail

  • 0.5 mile of pavement

  • Aid Station: mile 3.1

Challenge yourself on the trails at the Iron Furnace Trail Runs
Sweet natural features of the Iron Furnace Trail Runs course

All-Time Course Records

13.1 Mile Course Records

Male: Josh Park - 1:30:25 (2024)
Female: Jenny Brewer - 1:48:52 (2024)

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Masters (40-49) Male: Mike Cooper - 1:44:22 (2022)

Masters (40-49) Female: Kristine McCallum - 2:18:58 (2015)

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Grandmasters (50-59) Male: Daniel  Campbell - 2:00:58 (2017)

Grandmasters (50-59) Female:  Kelly Parker - 2:33:42 (2019)

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Supermasters (60+) Male: Herbert Michel - 2:40:31 (2016)

Supermasters (60+) Female: Mary Kitzig - 2:45:40 (2019)

 

4.5 Mile Course Records

Male: Jonah Phillips - 32:46 (2023)
Female: Elizabeth Turley - 36:22 (2019)

Award winners of the Great community at the Iron Furnace Trail Runs
13.1 Mile Top 10 List

Men:

'24  Josh Park (26) 1:30:25 

'15  Andrew Rhodes (25) 1:35:39
'15  Travis Simpson (34) 1:37:19
'16  Cody Chabola (25) 1:38:02
'15  Nick Reed (23) 1:38:16
'19  James Fox (23) 1:39:17

'20  James Fox (24) 1:39:33
'14  Andrew Rhodes (24) 1:39:42
'15  Zach Holbert (28) 1:40:22
'16  Robert Wayner (33) 1:40:35

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Women:

'24  Jenny Brewer (29) 1:48:52

'17  Shannon Kilbane (20) 1:59:27
'16  Alison Wayner (31) 1:59:30
'17  Beth Szolosi (38) 2:10:10
'19  Anna Monarchino (19) 2:10:57
'17  Erin Pfahler (25) 2:12:44
'19  Kristy Burt (32) 2:16:03
'22  Kelly Burt (39) 2:16:33

'16  Rachel Cunningham (38) 2:17:11

'24  Kristy Burt (37) 2:17:44

IFTR Photos

Sponsors and Partners
Tailwind Nutrition, sponsor of the Iron Furnace Trail Run
Ohio Valley Running Company logo
ODNR Parks and Watercraft logo
Great community at the Iron Furnace Trail Runs
Great community at the Iron Furnace Trail Runs
Great community at the Iron Furnace Trail Runs

Withdraw and Refund Policies​​

Waiver Form:  To participate in the Iron Furnace Trail Run you are required to complete and sign all waivers.  If under the age of 18 yrs old, a parent or guardian must sign waiver form.

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Refund/Rollover Policy:

Like most events of this nature and because items for the event are purchased months in advance of the race, the Iron Furnace Trail Run cannot provide full refunds close to the race date, but we follow a refund and rollover schedule that will help give a little back to those who need to withdraw from the race.  Our "Refund/Rollover Window" is as follows:

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  • 45 or more days before the race = 100% refund or rollover

  • 20-44 days before the race = 50% refund or rollover

  • 0-19 days before the race = 0% refund or rollover

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*Is it inside 20 days and you'd still like to receive a refund or rollover?  If you are unable to run the race, but are still able to come and be a volunteer, we will issue you a refund or rollover even if it is under 20 days to the race date.  Sign up as a volunteer at our Volunteer Platform and drop a note to the Race Director that you would like to count your volunteer credit toward a refund or rollover for this year's race.

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To request a refund/rollover:  You must have an UltraSignup account to request your refund/rollover.  If you registered as a "guest" please email the race director and we will need to manually process your refund/rollover.  Follow these steps:

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  1. Log in to Ultrasignup.com

  2. Go into your account info and click "Registration History."

  3. Click "edit" next to the race you wish to withdraw from.

  4. After this scroll to the bottom of the page and click the red "Cancel Registration" button.

  5. Once you select cancel registration a box will appear giving you an option to receiving either a Refund or Rollover.

  6. Click "Process."

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Please note that in some cases a bank will not accept a refund back onto a credit card if the original purchase was made over 90 days ago; in that case the race director will be notified and will send your refund via a check through the mail.

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Further Rollover Policy:  ​

  • Inside 20 days before the event we will not process any refunds or accept any rollovers.

  • Once your entry has been "rolled over" to next year's event you will be removed to the current year's race, then receive an invite into the next year's event via email once that registration has opened. 

  • Your Rollover credit is only valid for the next year's event and cannot be applied to other events or other runners.

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Bib Transfer Policy:  SEOTR does not allow transfer of bibs at any of our races and strictly prohibits runners selling their bibs to other runners, wearing someone else's bib, or recreating a look-a-like.  This is considered "Banditing" and it will get you banned to all future SEOTR events.

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Distance Switch Policy: 

Participants may switch distances 1 week or more prior to the race date.  You are able to switch distances by editing your entry on your UltraSignup "Registration History.  Notes on distance switches:

  • If you move down in distance you will not receive a refund for the price difference.

  • If you move up in distance you will be prompted on UltraSignup to pay the price difference.

  • You may also switch distances during the in-person packet pickups at the event.  Please notify the check-in staff that you would like to do this so we can adjust your entry and bib number.   

 

Cancellation Policy:  The Iron Furnace Trail Run will take place rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe, ODNR revokes our permit, or there is any other unforeseeable event that warrants unsafe conditions.  The Race Director will have the authority to make changes in order to best meet the group’s interests and the safety of participants, volunteers and spectators in case of extreme weather or other unforeseeable events. The Race Director will determine if and when the event shall be postponed, resumed, or canceled.  The "Refund/Rollover Policy" listed above is implemented in the case of a cancellation.

Race Rules and Policies

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Rules that May Get you Banned from future SEOTR Races:

  1. Runners must be officially registered for the race to start and complete the marked course.  NO BANDITS

  2. Runners must not sell their bib or wear someone else's bib.

  3. Runners must not alter or remove course markings in any way.

  4. Runners are expected to use good sportsmanship with all other runners, race volunteers, as well as the general public who may be using the trails, and must not use aggression, verbal or physical, at any time.

  5. Purposefully cutting, or not running the full course in any manner is strictly prohibited.

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More Rules

  1. A waiver must be signed/initialed before registering during the online registration process.

  2.  DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED.  Do not bring your dogs to run with during the race.  This is not within our permit or insurance policy.  

  3. Runners must complete the entire run on foot and under their own power.

    1. ​Runners must follow the entire marked course.  If the runner gets off course they must go back to the last point along the course by foot and resume the correct route.

    2. Runners may not cut switchbacks.

  4. DO NOT LITTER.  This isn't a road race.  When you eat a gel, or have a cup of water at an aid station, plan to use the trash can at aid stations, or stash your trash in your pocket or pack.  If you see trash along the trail please stop and pick it up.  We want to leave the trail as good as we found it! 

  5. Be Kind to other participants and volunteers.  This goes without saying, but as a trail running community, we take pride in treating our fellow runners like close friends!  Be courteous and helpful to everyone!

  6. Crew/Pacing Rules

    1. ​Pacers Are Not Allowed at the Iron Furnace Trail Run

    2. Please do not have any friend or family without a bib run with you. While this is a public park and open to the public it is forbidden to have a “pacer” during the event. If we find someone running with you without a bib you will be DQ’d.

    3. Crews may not administer aid outside of "crew accessible" aid stations and runners may not store supplies or food of any kind along the course except at designated drop bag locations, if applicable to this race.

    4. Aid station food and supply is for runners only, and crew may not use the aid stations for themselves.

    5. Runners are responsible for their crews behavior and understand crew must follow the race rules as well, and obey all aid station rules.

  7. Trekking poles Are Allowed

  8. Please wear your bib visible and on the front of your body.

  9. You MUST enter every aid station.  We record bibs at every station to track runners. 

  10. If you drop out (DNF) of the race at any point you must either inform the aid station captain or make your way back to the finish area and inform our timing officials.

  11. If you start a race in one distance and decide to finish a different distance course, YOU MUST ALERT THE HEAD TIMER of your distance switch.  We will list you in the results for the distance you switched to, as long as you completed the full course, but you'll be ineligible to qualify for category awards.

  12. Cut-off's are strictly enforced.  Come into the race knowing the cut-off times and be a good sport if you are told to stop because of a missed cut-off.  If a runner crosses the finish line after a race cut-off you will not be listed as an official finisher.  Runners must check in and out of each aid station.

  13. You may wear headphones but please either keep one earbud out or keep the volume low enough to hear others.  Do not listen to music audible on speakers to where others can hear.  Many runners want to enjoy the quietness of the forest.​​​

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American Trail Running Association affiliated.

Events owned by SEOTR Events follow the American Trail Running Association Event Standards.  By following the ATRA Event Standards it means SEOTR Events follow the standards outlined HERE.  We strive to ensure that each event is safe, has an accurately measured and marked course, provides timely results and awards, abides by entry limits, has obtained the necessary permits and insurance, is environmentally friendly to the land, and provides accurate event details on any website, email, social media, or print location.

©COPYRIGHT SEOTR EVENTS 2026. MANAGED AND OWNED BY OWEN RUNNING, LLC.

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