Regulations and information
The Iron Horse Ultra 100 (IHU100) course covers varied trails: from sidewalks, range roads, loose gravel, old train beds, farmer’s fields and more. During the race, you will be in some very isolated areas and may not have immediate access to the aid stations or assistance of any sort. We cannot stress enough that you will need to be self-sufficient between transition stations.
Some of the course is on public trails which you could be sharing with ATV’s, cyclists, horseback riders, other runners and walkers that may not be part of our event.
PRIVATE LAND
Please remember that we are very lucky to be able to use private land as part of our run. Please respect all of the trail, especially the private land. Take out what you take in, close what you open. We cannot have this run without the permission of our land owners. Please do not litter. There are no dogs allowed on private land.
OBSTACLES
The course contains some man-made and natural obstacles. There are fences to climb and/ or go through that we have put ladders over or covered the barb wire where possible. You are running on private farm land and even though most of our farmers move their livestock for us, it is not always possible so be prepared to be cheered on by some friendly animals. There is always the possibility of wildlife. Do not open any gates.
TRAIL SAFETY
In late September, early October there is between 11 and 11 ½ hours of daylight. IHU100 starts about ½ hour before the sun rises. Any one running after 6:30pm will be running in the dark.
If you are injured or feel ill out on the course, be ready to hunker down until a trail sweeper comes by. If you are injured but able to move, stay on the trail and try to make it to the nearest staging area or checkpoint. If not, try and send word with another racer or use a cell phone. Please note there are areas of the course that do not have cell service.
Edouard Ville Station (Transition 1-2) can not be depended upon to have cell service. We make sure that our volunteers have ways to communicate.
If you drop out of the race, it is essential that you turn in your ticket. (see Tickets for more info) If you do not, we will assume you are lost or injured and we will be out looking for you. If we mobilize a search party, you will be charged for any search and rescue fees that are incurred as this takes up valuable resources. Please just take a few minutes to check in.
Headphones: We highly suggest that if you are running with headphones please drape the headphones over your shoulders’ so you can hear what is going on around you. Here are a few reasons why: animals in the area, other runners calling out either for help or to help, trail monitors trying to get your attention.
START
Staggered start time by distance category. You must show your bib # and pick up your ticket in order to check in before your start time. Your official start time will be recorded as your timing chip pass over the timing loop at the gate. (please do not pass though this gate prior to the start of your race)
TICKETS/DNF/AID STATION CHECK IN
Runners will receive a ticket race morning at check in. You MUST show and have your ticket punched by a volunteer at every transition area. You must have your ticket on you at all times, it has emergency information on it. Teams should pass this ticket to each relay runner with the change of the timing chip.
If you are leaving the race with a DNF you MUST hand in your ticket to the check-in volunteer at your last station or a trail boss or at Reunion Station as soon as possible. If for some reason it is impossible to get us your ticket right away, please phone the trail boss, (number is on the ticket)
100 Mile Solo – At the end of leg 3 in Elk Point you can drop to the 100 km route, you will not receive an official time. In order to do this, you must speak to the lead aid station volunteer. (You will receive a finishing medal.)
CUT OFFS
100 km Runners (Run Legs 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 of the course)
Cut off for finishing is 20hour (but as long as you look good and you are in front of a 100 miler we will let you continue running)
100 Mile Runners
Must start Leg 4 from Elk Point Station by 5:00pm (10 Hours)
Must start Leg 7 from the Elk Point Station by 4:00am (21 Hours)
Must start Leg 8 from Happy Hill Station by 7 am (24 Hours)
Cut off for finish is 10am (27 hours)
DROP BAGS (for Solo Runners only)
You will be able to have drop bags at Edourdville (Transition 1/2), Moose Hills (Transition 2/3), Elk Point (Transition 3/4 & 6/7 for 100 mile runners (Transition 3/7 for 100 km runners) Fort George (Transition 4/5- 100 Mile) and Happy Hill (Transition 7/8)
Drop bags need to be clearly marked with your first and last name. Any drop bags that are not in by 9:00 Friday night are not guaranteed to get to their destination, but we will do our best. Drop bags are not guaranteed to be returned to Reunion Station until 8 am Sunday morning.
Use a weather-proof bag or bin, as we may not be able to shelter this gear. If you feel you can get by without support or drop bags, this is perfectly acceptable.
Support Person for solo runners: We highly recommend that you come with a support person. Our aid stations will have limited supplies and help.
TRANSITION INFORMATION.
Please do not linger at the check in points – this holds up everyone else and creates a traffic jam. We are not able to give updates as to where runners are on the course so it is up to you to be ready. Food at the transition station is for the runners.
Note:
Transition 1/2 - Aid Station 1 - Parking is very limited at this aid station and if the road is wet it is very difficult to get in and out. IF you do not need support at this station please do not have someone meet you or have your support crew carpool to limit traffic at this station. Also they should be ready to walk.
Transition 2/3 - Aid Station 2 - Parking is limited at this aid station. You will be parking along a range road. DO NOT park on the Highway. DO be carful crossing the Highway.
FLAGGING AND TRAIL MARKING
IHU100 course will be marked with reflective flagging, and signs. Sometimes a direct path is not obvious so you must pay attention to where you are running. We flag fairly close together and we put more markers in critical areas. If you don’t see a flag after 2 minutes, you should stop to retrace your steps to the last flag. Remember: It is still up to you to stay alert and watch for markers. Our Trail bosses work hard to have an accurate course distance but we cannot guarantee it is exact. (+/- 3km per leg)
LEG 3 and some other fields - On some private land we use wooden steaks instead of PVC flags.
TRAIL MAPS
Please see the maps tab for the gpx map and the Leg Descriptions Since we mark the trail in the days leading up to the event there are often some changes to the route due to private land use.
DISTANCES - (100 km runners run Legs 1, 2 ,3, 7 and 8) - (+/- 3km)
Leg 1 - 20 km
Leg 2 - 17 km
Leg 3 - 25 km
Leg 4- (100 mile only) - 24 km
Leg 5 - (100 mile only) - 16 km
Leg 6 - (100 mile only) -18 km
Leg 7 - 18 km
Leg 8 - 20 km
TRANSITION STATION FOOD AND WATER
All stations will have the basic run supplies like water, sports drink, chips, chocolates, fruit, etc.
Stations that are later in the run have soup, and pop.
Please note there will be some vegetarian options but we cannot cater to all special dietary needs. And we will not have gels at any of the stations. Please plan to bring anything you really want via support person or drop bag.
Also note that all food and supplies at each aid station are for transitioning runners, soloists and the Aid Station Volunteers only. Spectators and support crews need to bring their own food; we do not want to run short.
PACERS FOR SOLO RUNNER
Solo runners are aloud a pacer after completing leg 3. (preferably after 4pm). Pacers must register, wear a Pacer Bib on the course, and start and finish at transition station. They can register before the event though our Pacer Registration/Waiver Form and a pacer bib will be put in the Runners registration bag or they can register during the event at either Reunion or Elk Point Stations. Pacers should be aware of and follow all the rules and regulations of registered runners.
MANDATORY GEAR LIST
All racers MUST carry the following gear.
1. Filled water bottle or hydration pack
2. Race number visible on the front of the body (assigned at registration)
4. Timing Chip (assigned at registration)
3. Race Ticket
4. Headlamp w/ new batteries (after 5:00pm)
5. Toque or other head cover (after 5:00pm)
ADDITIONAL (NON-MANDATORY) GEAR
Leg one: The first ½ hour to 45 minutes is before sunrise. The first 7 km are run in town, but not all paths are lit with street lamps. We suggest that leg one runners have a headlamp but ultimately it is up to the individual.
While the list above is mandatory gear, please consider bringing extra gear that will help you in case of variations in weather. Early October can be very warm during the day and very cold in the evening and night. There can even be snow. Be prepared.
OTHER RULES
Racers are required to sign a waiver provided by IHU100 prior to commencing the race. You are not considered a participant without a signed waiver.
a. 100 mile runners and pacers must sign a Fort George usage waiver
Racers are responsible for their own medical coverage and all costs incurred by any form of treatment or hospitalization or emergency services provided if they are injured during the race.
Racers are allowed assistance (i.e. support crew, volunteer, race marshal or bystander) only at designated Transition Areas (TAs). This assistance can in no way help you in covering mileage on the course. You can receive assistance from registered runners that are currently on course or appointed race medics anywhere on the course, even outside of designated transition areas, providing that the assistance is not in the form of transportation. Accepting assistance outside a TA from anyone besides a registered racer who is currently running or volunteer will result in disqualification.
During the highway sections, racers are not permitted to run on the pavement of the Highway and must run on the left side of the road , facing the on coming traffic. Racers may only cross the highway at designated locations when safe to do so. Watch for traffic as the highway is not closed.
ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING ON THE HIGHWAY. Vehicles will be towed and/or fined by RCMP that will be strictly enforcing this rule. Obey all parking rules.
Racers are not allowed to cache food or gear along the course.
Littering on the course is unacceptable and will result in immediate disqualification.
Medical staff and/or Race volunteers may remove any racer from the race course if they feel it is unsafe for the racer to proceed (e.g. natural hazards, hypothermia, dehydration, frostbite, debilitating injury).
Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification at the discretion of the Race Director.
AWARDS
All runners and teams that finish the Iron Horse Ultra will receive one of our unique hand-crafted finishing awards. Awards will be presented at the wind up ceremonies on Sunday morning. If you are unable to pick up your award Sunday you can pick it up at the finish line when you complete your race.
RACE SPONSORS
The St Paul and Elk Point Community Businesses are extremely generous with their support and sponsorship of this event. Please check out our sponsors and use these businesses for your needs when you are in our community. THANK YOU.