Steel City Human vs Horse

Who is faster – human or horse? It’s anyone’s race at the Steel City Human vs. Horse!

Modeled after similar race formats in the UK and Arizona, this is a simultaneous trail running race and horseback endurance race with runners and riders sharing the trails.

Distances for both runners and riders: Half Marathon, 50k, 50M
For runners there will also be a 50M relay.

This is a trail race and will be a mix of single track, gravel road, and grassy meadow. Runners, no experience with horses is necessary. All runners and riders will be required to attend a pre-race safety meeting to discuss trail etiquette.

Hikers welcome in the half and 50k distances.
Cutoffs for runners:
50 miles: 14 hours
50k: 13 hours
Half Marathon: 8 hours

The equestrian race is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and will follow all AERC rules.

Free primitive camping will be available for horses and human.

Questions? Contact us at pghrunandride@gmail.com


2026 Rider briefing
2026 Runner briefing

Refund Policy

Late Fee
A late fee of $25 will apply to entries received after July 12 (included in the UltraSignup pricing).

Cancellations
Full refund less processing fees until July 1
Full refund less $50 and processing fees for ride expenses until July 24
No refunds after July 24
No refund for no shows

Switching Distances
You are welcome to switch distances.
If you switch from a shorter to a longer distance, you will pay the fee difference.
If you switch from a longer to a shorter distance before July 1, the difference will be refunded less processing fees. If you switch after July 1, no refund for the price difference.
All requests to switch distances must be received by July 24.

Bib Transfer
Bib transfers and horse changes are free and allowed until July 24.

Weather
This event is rain or shine, there will be no refunds due to poor weather conditions. If trail conditions are dangerous or would damage the trails, we will reroute to gravel roads.

Pregnancy and Postpartum
Please email pghrunandride@gmail.com if you need to cancel your race registration due to pregnancy or postpartum needs. We will refund your race entry and save you a spot on the starting line next year!

Time Limit

All participants must be off the course by 8:30pm (sunset).

Runners
50 miles: 14 hours
50k: 13 hours
Half Marathon: 8 hours

These cutoffs mean that both the Half Marathon and 50k are hiker friendly!

Riders: Cutoffs follow AERC rules
50 Miles: 12 hours
50K/31 miles: 7:15 hours
Intro/Half Marathon: 8 hours

Notes for Horse Riders

Non AERC members riding in the 50K (30 mile LD) or 50M must pay a $20 one-day membership. Purchase one day membership with ride entry or join online at https://aerc.org/compete/join-aerc/. No membership required for the Intro ride (Half Marathon).

Entry is not complete without current coggins.

Vet in will be available Fri afternoon and Sat morning, timing TBD.

This is "min frills" ride. We will have finisher prizes, podium awards and snacks at Aid Stations, but no full dinners or breakfast.

Event's current local time: 4:17 AM ET