Steel City Human vs Horse
About the race
A three day festival celebrating time spent in the woods, whether on foot or on hoof. Each day features a unique sport that combines trail running or hiking with horseback riding.
Join for one day or stay for all three.
Venue and camping
The event is held at Hillman State Park near Pittsburgh, PA.
Free primitive camping is available for horses and people Thursday through Sunday in a large, flat open field.
Briefings and contact
Notes for horse riders
- Non-AERC members riding the 50K (30 mile LD) or 50M must pay a $20 one-day membership. Purchase it with ride entry.
- No membership is required for the Intro ride (Half Marathon).
- Entry is not complete without current coggins.
- Vet in is available Friday afternoon and Saturday morning; timing TBD.
This is a "min frills" ride. Finisher prizes, podium awards and snacks at aid stations are provided, but there are no full dinners or breakfasts.
Switching distances and weather
Switching distances
- You may switch distances.
- Switching from a shorter to a longer distance: you pay the fee difference.
- All requests to switch distances must be received by July 27.
Weather
- The event is rain or shine.
- If trail conditions are dangerous or would damage the trails, the course is rerouted to gravel roads.
Pregnancy and postpartum
If you need to cancel your registration due to pregnancy or postpartum needs, email [email protected]. Your race entry is refunded and a spot on the starting line is saved for next year.
What your entry includes
The course
50M - Runner
50M - Rider
50M - Runner Relay
50K
Half Marathon
H
This is a simultaneous trail running race and horseback endurance race, with runners and riders sharing the trails. This is a trail race over a mix of single track, gravel road and grassy meadow. Runners need no experience with horses.
Race format and terrain
The format is modeled after similar races in the UK and Arizona.
Hikers are welcome in the Half Marathon and 50k distances.
All runners and riders must attend a pre-race safety meeting to discuss trail etiquette.
The equestrian race is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and follows all AERC rules.
50M runner relay
A 50M relay option for runners is new this year. Teams have 2 to 5 runners. Exchanges are allowed after each loop and halfway through the 18 mile loop at an aid station; exact location and distances are TBD. Teams are limited to 10 to manage traffic on the course.
- Leg 1/4: 8-10
- Leg 2/5: 8-10
- Leg 3: 13
Time limits
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 make both the Half Marathon and 50k hiker friendly.
Riders
Cutoffs follow AERC rules.
- 50 miles: 12 hours
- 50K/31 miles: 7:15 hours
- Intro/Half Marathon: 8 hours
Location
City insight: Burgettstown
Burgettstown is a borough in northwestern Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States, and part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. It had a population of 1,424 at the 2020 census and is home to the Pavilion at Star Lake, a large outdoor amphitheater nearby. The climate is humid continental, with hot, humid summers and cold winters, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
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