On April 29, 569 participants are registered to hike or run the popular Ironmaster’s Challenge 50K Ultra Marathon Trail Run and the 15K Challenge Trail Run!

Hosted by the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy in partnership with the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club and the Keystone VHF Club of York, the 9th annual Ironmaster’s Challenge will start at the Furnace Stack Pavilion and end at the Ironmaster’s Mansion in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Adams County.

There are 400 registered for the 15k from 7 different states, and 12 different states are represented among the 169 registered for the 50k Ultra, including west coast entrants from OR and CA, as well as the Midwest.

They all have one goal in mind—to challenge themselves by traversing 50 kilometers (31 miles) or 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) through diverse terrain in the Michaux State Forest, Tumbling Run Game Preserve, and Pine Grove Furnace State Park, and finish at the Ironmaster’s Mansion.

Participants who complete the 50K will receive a finisher’s premium, tshirt, and goodie bag for their impressive accomplishment.

For current updates on the event, you can visit Facebook.

The event culminates in a festive finish-line picnic celebration at the Ironmaster’s Mansion, including a lunch buffet supported by donations from the Boiling Springs Tavern; M&M Meats at Jim’s Farmer’s Market in Chambersburg; Filson Water; Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe; Snyders of Hanover; Hershey Company; and Mt. Holly Sheetz.

Our beverage sponsor is Roy Pitz Brewing Company. Awards for participants will be announced at 12:30 p.m. for the 15K and 2:00 p.m. for the 50K.

This unique, Southcentral Pennsylvania running and hiking trail race is the biggest annual fundraiser of the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and allows it to continue to maintain, operate, and host programs at the historic Ironmaster’s Mansion, as well as protect critical natural resources in our region through conservation easements, land acquisition, education, and outreach.

The Mansion is managed by the CPC as a youth hostel for overnight stays by the hiking community; a group rental facility for retreats and special events; and a venue for environmental education and history programming.

Free history tours of the Ironmaster’s Mansion are offered by its Innkeepers on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

“This event is critical to helping the Conservancy advance its mission through important projects like the Letort Spring Run headwaters acquisition and wetland restoration, the Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute (conservation camp for youth), conservation easements with private landowners in our region, and our land stewardship on already protected properties,” remarks Anna Yelk, CPC’s Executive Director.

Among the many sponsors and volunteers that make this event possible include F&M Trust; The Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park; Pepper Hamilton LLP, West Shore Family Dentistry; Boles Metzger Brosius & Walbourn; Boyer & Ritter CPAs;  MidPenn Bank; Select Medical; Sun Motor Cars and Edward L. Heim Company.

Our participant goodie bags are made possible by donations from the Cumberland Valley Visitor’s Bureau and Hershey Company.

For more information on programs, initiatives and how you can get involved, visit the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy website.

Related Stories:

Goddard Student Leadership Legacy Institute Accepting Applications For July 8-13 Program

Central PA Conservancy Acquires Watercress Farm At Letort Spring Run Headwaters In Cumberland County

[Posted: April 26, 2018]

4/30/2018