What is the race route? The race will start in downtown Midway on S. Brand St., head west on Stephens St./Spring Station Rd., turn around just beyond the railroad crossing, and then head back into Midway. The race will then head east on Weisenberger Mill Rd., will turn around at the Paynes Depot Rd. intersection (where you will cross a timing mat). The course will return to Midway where it will finish on S. Brand St. near the start area. A course map can be found here. Photographs taken along the course can be seen here.
Is the course difficult? The course is typical rolling Bluegrass horse farm country so it is not flat. It is challenging with the hills mostly occurring closer to the turnarounds on the east and west ends of the course.
Will the miles be marked? Yes, each mile will be marked by a sign alongside the road.
What kind of weather can I expect? The average high for mid October in Midway is 62 degrees and the average low is 42 degrees. October is the driest month of the year in central Kentucky.
What happens if it rains? We race rain or shine. The only thing that could affect the race is dangerous storms or lightning. We are hoping for dry weather but in the event of dangerous lightning, thunderstorms or worse our emergency shelter is the Marshall Gymnasium in the McManis Student Center on the Midway University campus. A good map of the Midway University campus can be found here.
How will the race be timed? The race will be chip timed. The timing chips will be attached to the back of the bib numbers. There will be a timing mat at the second turn around. You must cross this mat to receive an official time.
What type of aid will be offered on the course? Water stations will be positioned approximately every 2 miles. Sports drink will be provided on the course during the second half of the race. Gels in caffeinated and non-caffeinated flavors will be available at approximately mile 10. Please don’t throw your empty gel packets on the ground. We will also have port-a-johns approximately every 2.5 miles and roving first aid along the course. Food, drink and music will be available in front of Darlin’ Jeans’ Restaurant immediately following the race. Note the post-race food, drink and music is NOT by the immediate finish line area.
Can I wear headphones during the race? We believe that using an audio device will compromise your safety and that of others. If wearing an audio device results in your being unable to hear verbal instructions or commands, or approaching vehicles or course marshalls, you may be asked to relinquish the device. We ask that you take responsibility and use good judgement if you opt to wear an audio device. We truly hope you’ll choose to leave your headsets at home and instead let the beautiful scenery serve as your motivation.
Can I push a stroller during the race? Due to the narrow roads strollers are not allowed. We will make exceptions for special needs strollers on a case by case basis.
Can I lead my pet during the race? Pets are not allowed on the course.
Are walkers welcome?Walkers are welcome but because the race is run on narrow public roads with no shoulder we have a minimum 14 minute per mile pace.This means you must be able to complete the race in 3:04 or less. If on the way back into Midway around the 7 mile mark you are not keeping a 14 minute per mile pace you will be instructed to proceed straight to a finish area where you will still receive a finisher’s award. If you are not keeping a 14 minute per mile pace and you choose to proceed beyond the 7 mile point of the course you should not expect any support (traffic control, water, sports drink, etc.). A 14 min/mile pace is a very fast pace to walk for 13.1 miles so please be prepared! For your own safety please realize the problems here and don’t endanger yourself at this point in the race. We will have a person on the course during the first 7 miles of the race with a flashing red light on his back keeping a steady 14 min/mile pace. You will need to stay in front of this person to avoid being pulled from the race at the 7 mile mark.
Where can I park? On street parking will be available throughout the town of Midway on a first come first served basis. Parking is also available at Midway University and Northside Elementary School. Parking areas are noted on this map here. If you arrive after 645am or in the event of rain Midway University or Northside Elementary School will be your best parking options (Midway University Campus map here). Runners and spectators, please be considerate of the churches in town when choosing where to park. You can walk all the way across Midway in 15 minutes so pretty much anywhere you park isn’t far from the race start. We also urge you to arrive early.
Where can I get up to the minute race results? A link to 2017 results will be posted in the week before the race. This page will be updated as the runners finish.
Is Gear Check offered? We will be offering gear check. Starting at 7am all participants will be offered the opportunity to check their gear. We will provide the bag and label to identify your bag. Gear may consist of small personal items and articles of warm-up clothing. Please don’t bring your valuables (watches, keys, money, phones, etc.) since we cannot be responsible for these items. Make sure you keep your bib for gear pick-up because we organize your gear in accordance with that number. Pre-race gear check location will be in front ofDarlin’ Jean’s Restaurant with a second gear check location on the course at Mile 1.5. Look for the Woodford Humane Society van as a gear check landmark.
Where are the port-a-johns? Many will be located in front of Darlin’ Jean’s Restaurantat Race HQ. Note this is NOT by the immedate finish line area but is a short distance away. We will also have them located on the course every 2.5 miles or so (this distance is approximate).
Where is the start? Walk behind Darlin’ Jean’s Restaurant onto Dudley St then quickly bear right on N Brand St. The start will be near this intersection on N Brand. The finish will also be on N Brand but farther south by the soccer fields.
Which side of the road do I run on? Please run on the right side of the road with traffic. Keep in mind that at some points on the course runners will be coming/going in both directions.
Are the roads closed? We make every effort to keep all traffic off the roads, but because there are houses and horse farms all along the course the occasional vehicle might require access. Be aware of what’s going on around you and use caution if a vehicle is present.
Will there be pace groups? There will be no pace groups.
Where can my family and friends watch? The best viewing option is to park in Midway and watch the start, then catch the runners as they come back through Midway, then watch the runners finish in downtown Midway. Music and food will be available at Darlin’ Jean’s Restaurant after the race.
What can my family and friends do while waiting for me to finish?The Midway Ministerial Association will once again host a breakfast the morning of the race beginning at 8am at the Midway Christian Church Fellowship Hall.The hall is on E Bruen St a short distance from the finish area. The Midway Baptist Church will also offer breakfast at the same time. Midway Baptist Church is at 121 South Winter St.
Will there be any race merchandise for sale? We will have a small booth set up at Race HQ at Darlin’ Jean’s Restaurant where we will sell Iron Horse merchandise. It will be open before and after the race. They will accept cash (correct change appreciated) and credit card only.
