Date Change

Hello Racers,

I am emailing to relay some important changes to the Iron Legs Mtn Races for this year, so please read to the end!

Over the last week or so I have been in contact with Alberta Parks, and they just informed me that Station Flats Day Use area will be under construction from approximately the middle of April to sometime in October.  This is a re-development of the parking lot to allow for easier parking that is fenced off from the cattle in the area and to also add an event space off to the side.  All positive changes for usage and events in the future.  My hope is that after this work is completed, we will have a great place to host events going forward.  Due to the timing of these improvements, however, Iron Legs is required to make some changes to the course and date.

One of the changes means the race will not be starting and finishing at Station Flats!  We have to move to a new location that will allow the course to remain basically the same.  The race will now start at the Paddy's Flats group campground.  The only available ate for this location is August 16ht.  This mean we are moving the race date from August 9th to August 16th.  The race cannot over utilize other parking lots in the area and is required to utilize a group campsite; however , the other group campsites are unavailable on August 9th.  It is very unfortunate that we have to move the start/finish and the race date, but Parks will not give a permit for the race unless we use a different location.  As much as I tried to find alternate locations to keep the race on August 9th there was no guarantee from Parks, however, they said August 16th would be OK.

One of the perks that I see coming from this is that there may be a chance that some camping can happen at the start/finish area.  Once I have had a chance to see the layout of the new start/finish location, I can see if a camping area is available and how many spots it might hold.  I will send out another email with this information at a later date for those who may wish to camp the night before and/or after the race.

If the new date conflicts with your schedule and you are unable to make it, I will be offering a full refund or transfer to the 2026 race.  Please let me know by April 4th about your decision.  After that date, the race fees are utilized for permits, insurance, swag, radios, aid station supplies and other race-related fees.  My hope is that you all will still be able to join us and have an amazing day in the mountains. 

If you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks,

Jamie Nott

HydraPak Partnership

Hey Iron Legger, 

HydraPak has been designing and producing flexible performance hydration systems since 2001. Whether you’re a first-time runner or an ultra endurance athlete, HydraPak’s line of performance hydration products are ideal for both training and race day. 

This year we’ve partnered with HydraPak to offer all race registrants a one time use 20% sitewide discount.  So if you are looking for another reason to sign up and join us in August here is one more.   HydraPak’s run line consists of vest-compatible soft flasks, handheld bottles, and hydration reservoirs giving you a variety of hydration options.

Thanks,  

Jamie

Moving to a Virtual Race

As I held out and hoped that the race would be able to take place this year amongst everything that has been going on I was eventually told last week that the permit was cancelled. It was disappointing in many ways as groups were allowed to get together in the outdoors to a maximum of 50 people. I had plan in place to allow groups to start in waves and keep any group to a maximum of 50. However there were also other things to consider, things like, travel bans, finding accommodation, keeping social distance at the aid stations, etc that could have still stopped the race from happening. I know one of the things that I have always loved about running ultra’s is being able to push myself physically and mentally. To see what is possible at that moment. It is also one of the reasons I started the Iron Legs Mountain Races, to provide a way for others to challenge themselves physically and mentally, and being at the finish line to watch the faces of each runner as the emotion of finishing something they put everything out there for is a highlight of my year. This year I will not be able to watch everyone cross the finish line, to give that congratulatory hug and enjoy a bowl of food as I hear how the race went for many of you.

What I am able to do is provide you with a physical and mental challenge regardless of where you live. This years race will be a virtual race that will be open from Aug 15-21, 2020. The reason is to have the race open for a week is to allow you to schedule the run based on your schedule. All you have to do is run the distance within the time frame and then upload your gpx file to ultrasignup. Once this is done everyone will be ranked based on their finish time, however I understand that that based on where you run the difficulty can be varied. So the prizing and awards will a little different and fun, things like most elevation gained on the run, fastest time, best selfie on the run, now these are ideas of prizing and will be finalized based on numbers. What will you get for the entry fee? Well there will be the usual swag, like a shirt, sticker(s), a surprise item, and your name in for a prize. After all this is done my hope is that you all get challenged in some way and even though I will not be there to see the look on your face, it will still be good to hear how the day went.

I hope some of you will join me on this journey and allow me to follow along through Instagram.