Trail of the Dragon 50K + 50 Mile Run

The Trail of the Dragon is a 50 mile and 50K race that runs concurrently with the Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon.

The Trail of the Dragon is Saturday, August 3, 2024. Start times are as follows:

• 50M: 6 a.m.
• 50K: 7 a.m.

We enforce strict cut-offs.

• Both distances have a 10 p.m. cut-off.

If it looks you will not be able to finish your final loop in the remaining time, you will not be allowed back on course.  6pm Cutoff time for the start of your last loop.

Pacers are allowed for 50 milers only. 

The Trail of the Dragon manually timed.

Finisher medals will be awarded to all finishers. 

Your registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Hotels

• Super 8 Motel (712-364-3988) or Castle Town Inn (712-364-3317). Both of these are located in Ida Grove and are within two miles of the park.
• Boulders Inn & Suites (712-368-6200) located in Holstein, IA. approximately 11 miles away
• Boulders in Lake View, IA (712-665-2660) around 20 miles.

Camping

If you are looking to camp there is primitive camping available a Moorehead Park, no electrical hook-ups. Cobb Park is a small camping area located across the highway from the park and offers electrical hook-ups and hot showers. Crawford Creek Recreational Area is located outside of Battle Creek, IA. approximately 15 miles from Moorehead Park. It offers electrical hook-ups and hot showers. They also have cabins to rent and can be reserved by calling the Ida County Conservation Office at 712-364-3300.

No need for a park pass! We take care of that for you on race day only.

There will be 2 fully stocked and manned aid stations on the loop. One at the start/finish line and the other one at around mile 5. To help quench your thirst, the aid stations will offer water and lemon-lime flavored HAMMER HEED. You are required to carry your own device for your liquids, THE AID STATIONS WILL NOT BE STOCKED WITH DRINKING GLASSES!!! Because of the possibility of high temperatures on race day you will not be allowed on the course without a device to hold liquids. As far as nutritional items are concerned we will carry a wide variety of items which will include but are not limited to…pb&j sandwiches, trail mix, pickles, pickle juice, pretzels, cookies, salty potatoes, freeze pops, bananas, ext…….WE WILL HAVE ANY GEL PACKS! WE WILL NOT HAVE ANY DRINKING GLASSES! There will also be three unmanned water stations along the loop. They will be located at around miles 2, 4, and 8. These stations will supply water only. THERE WILL NOT BE DRINKING GLASSES!

There will be a designated spot for drop bags at the start/finish line and at the mid-way aid station. Please mark your bag with your bib number. There are no water crossing but depending on the amount of dew on the ground your shoes will get wet going through the meadows. If you are a 50 mile participant and plan to carry a flash light or head lamp we will have a drop box for these at the mid-way station and we will return them to the start/finish drop area for you to pick up when you are finished.

In order to help you prepare for your run and perhaps meet and mingle with fellow runners and volunteers we will offer a pasta feed at packet pick-up. The meal will be available from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday at the conservation center. This will be a FREE WILL DONATION! If you would like you can bring along your favorite beverage to enjoy. We will provide water and ice tea.

Race Director:

Sue Knop