ST. PAUL - While running 100 kilometres or 100 miles may not be a goal set by most people, there will be 200 total participants in St. Paul tackling at least a leg of the lengthy routes over the first weekend of October.
Since the event has been taking place for several years now, Monique Poulin, one of the event organizers, says things tend to fall into place. But, this year will be a bit different with the addition of the 60-kilometre Elk Point Ultra taking place alongside the Iron Horse Ultra.
The Elk Point Ultra will start and end in Elk Point and uses the existing trail for the 100-mile runners. Participants in that run will be running at the same time as the Iron Horse Ultra runners. Over 40 people were registered for the inaugural Elk Point Ultra, as of last week.
Another addition to this year's Iron Horse Ultra comes as a result of an unfortunate loss. Long-time volunteer with the run, Lavern Wilson, passed away on July 4, and an award has been created in his honour, says Poulin.
"With the help of his family, we have an award dedicated to the most determined runner," she explains. The award will be handed out to the 100-mile runner who is on the trail the longest, and is last to finish.
This year's route will have some "slight changes," as it makes its way from St. Paul to the St. Edouard area, then into the Moose Mountain area and toward Elk Point. After that, the route goes to Fort George and Lindbergh, before making its way back toward St. Paul - but not without a trek through an area known as "Happy Hill."
"Residents of St. Paul and Elk Point should be aware that we start marking the public areas of the trail in the week leading up to the event. On Oct. 4, you will see pink flags and signs in town," says Poulin. "Please leave these in place."
Also if locals are using the Iron Horse Trail for recreational purposes and riding ATVs, they should be aware that runners are out on portions of the trail. Poulin recommends encouraging the runners if locals do come across them.
The Iron Horse Ultra is scheduled to start on Oct. 5 at 7 a.m. The first runners are expected to cross the finish line at about 5 p.m. that day, and the "dedicated last runners" may be arriving up until about 9 a.m. on Oct. 6.
"This beautiful event has grown over the last 15 years, bringing people from all over to our area," says Poulin. "We are always looking for volunteers for race weekend and throughout the year. If you would like to volunteer please check out our website or reach out to us at info@ironhorseultra.com."
She encourages residents to stop by Reunion Station over the Oct. 5 weekend and find out more about how to be involved in future events.
This year, 32 people will attempt the 100 mile run as a solo runner, and 66 people will attempt the 100 kilometre run.
An estimated 43 people will take the new 60 kilometre Elk Point Ultra, and 102 team runners will take part in the race, running portions of the routes as part of a team.