Last Updated April 2, 2024
Ironbull invites all trail runners to gather in Rib Mountain State Park for 3-course options at the Ironbull Ultra Trail. Participants can select to compete in 15K, 25K, or 50K, and making the event extra unique, all courses start and finish on the race track at State Park Speedway. Strambecco rates the event as one of the best trail-running events in the Midwest.
Rib Mountain, with its unique glacially eroded features, stands tall and proud, commanding attention from those who pass by, and the Ironbull Ultra Trail provides a chance to experience this natural wonder firsthand. The event promises to push the limits of your endurance, while simultaneously allowing you to absorb the beauty and vibrancy of the picturesque trails in peak fall colors.
Ironbull isn’t just about racing, its mission is to promote outdoor adventure sports, driving economic development and fostering community growth in the Wausau region, and their collaboration with Trail Sisters emphasizes the importance of female representation in outdoor activities.
Event & Course Info
The 25k & 50k course starts and ends the same. Those racers participating in 25K complete the loop once, and those in the longest distance of 50K run the loop twice. The long winding trails with various rugged terrain also include the difficult descent and climb through Granite Peak Ski Area, including “the steepest hill in Midwest”. Brace yourself for plenty of ascents and descents with each loop promising about 3,600 feet of elevation gain. Aid stations will be available every 2.5 to 4.0 miles, ensuring you remain fueled and hydrated throughout your journey.
For those looking to sample the trails without the longer commitment, the 15k route offers a formidable challenge with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Explore the heart of Rib Mountain, culminating with a thrilling finish at State Park Speedway.
There will be fully stocked aid stations no more than four miles apart, offering everything from energy drinks to snacks and first aid supplies – this is a cupless race, so participants are advised to bring their own hydration equipment.
Completing the race is an achievement worth celebrating at the finish line party, complete with food, music, drinks, and the camaraderie of fellow racers. From the Kocourek Kids Run, ensuring the younger ones aren’t left out of the fun, to post-race meals, and a peek into the outdoor adventure opportunities in Wausau, there’s something for everyone.
Race day opens early at 5:00 am, and the 50K and 25K races start at 7:00 am. The 15K race begins at 1:00 pm. All courses close at 6:30 PM. Check out the official 2023 Race Guide for all of the nitty gritty details.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Nestled in Central Wisconsin, the vibrant city of Wausau beckons adventure seekers, presenting itself as a Midwest rival to renowned locales like Bend, Durango, and Santa Fe. The official lodging partner is Bantr, while other hotel options include Hilton Garden Inn, and Jefferson Street Inn. If you prefer a more home-like experience, there are many vacation rentals in the area from lakeside cottages to homes in the historic district.
Wausau boasts a diverse culinary scene that blends Midwestern comfort foods with innovative gastronomy, where locally-sourced ingredients meet international flavors in cozy eateries, trendy cafes, and traditional supper clubs. The city’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its array of dining options, ensuring a palate-pleasing experience for both locals and visitors alike. Some local favorites include Urban Street Bistro, Ciao, and Lemongrass.
From adrenaline-fueled mountain biking to serene paddling experiences, Wausau promises an unforgettable encounter with nature. The confluence of three mesmerizing rivers — the mighty Wisconsin River, the Big Rib, and the Eau Claire rivers — sets the scene for a canoeing or kayaking experience par excellence. The stretch between Merrill and Wausau is particularly enchanting, with its forested shores and intimate island passages. As you float along, you might find yourself lulled by the gentle rhythm of the river, only to be awakened by the adrenaline rush of the “Bull Falls”. After such excitement, Lake Wausau offers tranquil waters, ideal for paddleboarding.
Biking aficionados can gear up for an exhilarating ride at the Ringle Trail System which spreads across 11 miles of flowy single-track trails. As you navigate through the loops, be ready to encounter jump, gap, and drop features that promise to elevate your biking experience. The landscape, shaped by glacial terminal moraine ridges, provides an added scenic touch to your ride.
Finally, located just to the northwest of Wausau, in Merrill, Council Grounds State Park is a serene haven for those who cherish the great outdoors – spread over 509 acres, the park features the picturesque shores of Lake Alexander, a perfect spot for hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating, camping and in the winter, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Related Events
In addition to Ironbull Ultra Trail, the team at Ironbull also produces one of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Midwest, the Ironbull Red Granite Grinder. For those looking to add other premier trail running events in Wisconsin to their calendar, check out the The Ice Age Trail as well as Kettle Moraine 100 Endurance Trail Races which is a Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning event and a Western States qualifier.
The multi-sport athletes will appreciate these best in class events held in Wisconsin throughout the year – the Horribly Hilly Hundreds one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Midwest, and the infamous Chequamegon MTB Festival, produced by Life Time Events and is part of the Life Time Grand Prix Series – it’s also considered by our team to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Midwest.
