COVID-19
I hope this year's IMTR will be held similarly to previous years, and current recommendations means that is likely. However, the IMTR intends to follow CDC & VDH guidance. The race may need to be changed (or canceled) depending on conditions at the time of the race. Please see the race website for possible changes. Please understand that if you register, you are accepting any race changes that the RD feels need to be implemented (due to COVID), even at the last minute. If you are not comfortable with that huge caveat, please don't register this year.
And PLEASE get vaccinated!! For your safety but also for the benefit of society.
Registration
Registration should open on June 1 (this year and subsequent years).
Description
The IMTR is a USATF sanctioned (usually) trail race starting and finishing in Damascus, VA [in some years RRCA has been the insurance provider and USATF is not used for sanctioning]. Four distance options are available- 16, 30, 40, & 50 miles. The footing varies from open easy running along the VA creeper trail (and forest service roads) to technical single track. The majority of the run follows the Iron Mountain ridgeline through the Jefferson National Forest along what used to be the Appalachian Trail. The total climb for the 50 mile course is around 8000 feet. The time limit for official completion for the 50 mile distance is 12 hours (8 hours for the 16 mile distance, 10 hours for the 30 mile distance, and 12 hours for the 40 mile event).
2024 Fees
Registration should open up on June 1.
Registration fees are $30 for all race distances if registering the first week registration opens. After the first week of registration, registration fees will increase to $60 for all distances. Registration fees only include aid during the race and a post race meal. Race shirts are an additional $20.
There are NO REFUNDS for any reason, no transferring of an entry to another runner, and no deferring an entry to a later year.
Course
The race starts at the Damascus Town Park gazebo. The course sets out east along the VA Creeper Trail to Straight Branch (mile 5), where it turns to climb Iron Mountain via the Beech Grove Trail. The course turns NE onto the Iron Mountain Trail. The course crosses FS 90 (mile 10; turn around for the 16 mile option) and Rt 600 (mile 16; turn around for the 30 mile option). The course veers off onto FSR 84, then Old 84, then back to 84 (mile 22) toward Dickey Gap. At Hurricane Gap (the first time) 40 mile runners will return to Damascus (leaving out the Barton Gap/Rowland Creek Trail section). Runners cut across to Barton Gap (mile 25) and then head back West on FS 643. The course turns back up the mountain on the Rowland Creek Falls Trail (mile 29). Back on FS 84 at Hurricane Gap (mile 32), the course proceeds east, merging with the Iron Mountain Trail. Runners follow the Iron Mountain trail all the way back to Damascus, ending at the Town Park gazebo. It crosses 600 at mile 37 and FS 90 at mile 43. A course map can be seen on the race website as well as a more detailed course description.
Warning
Runners, before you register, please be aware that this is a challenging race that takes place on technical single track trails. Some trail sections can be very challenging and potentially dangerous. There are road crossings where runners, on their own, must ensure it is safe to cross (no crossing guards). There is no medical assistance along the course. Emergency care (medical care) may be HOURS away. Some runners may feel that the course, especially the steep technical downhill near the end, is too dangerous. Please understand that the course is what it is. You will need to adjust your pace to stay safe. You alone are responsible for your safety on the trail. If you enjoy a challenge, sign up. If you feel that steep, rocky, muddy, and potentially dangerous trails do not make for a good race course, good luck at a different race with terrain that suits your preferences.
Event's current local time: 7:06 AM ET
