Free 5k Trail Run Open Now through May 3 at Nine Mile

RIB MOUNTAIN (Wausau Pilot & Review) – A unique course for trail running is now available at Nine Mile County Forest and Recreational Area. The Choose Your Own Adventure 5k trail run will be open through May 3. Instead of just a single marked course, runners can try a pair of marked courses. These two options are offered so that runners can come back again and again to better their time.

One added twist has also been built into the course. Participants may mix and match sections of the course to find the best route, hence the event’s name.

With races cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual races have taken off. These are events in which racers are responsible for designing their own route. Andrea Larson, the executive director of IRONBULL, had several of her scheduled races canceled and decided to take a different approach with the Choose Your Own Adventure concept.

“For all those that have trained hard and had their race cancelled, we wanted to offer runners a marked course to race on,” said Larson. “We may not have spectators to cheer you on, but if you have a bad race, you can come back the next day for redemption and better your time.”

The course was designed by IRONBULL, the local non-profit promoting healthy lifestyle through outdoor recreation in Central Wisconsin. The goal was not just for competitive runners to race but for people to have a reason to come to Nine Mile County Forest and Recreation Area for the very first time. Not only is the course marked, but participants may download a map and a GPS data file of the routes.

“We especially hope first time visitors enjoy experiencing one of the area’s premiere trail systems at Nine Mile County Forest and Recreation Area and come back,” said Larson.

The intent of the course is to provide a free, safe, outdoor activity for the community to promote healthy living. The 5k trail run is designed for all ages and ability levels. Participants are encouraged to have fun with the event and are encouraged to race in costumes. Not only are the fastest racers (male, female, and household) eligible for prizes, but all participants may increase their raffle odds every time they complete a course.

“The ski trail is plenty wide for a baby jogger. I plan to take all three of my children, ages 2 through 5, on the course,” said Larson.

Organizers did not want any barriers for participants, so there is no fee to participate. Donations to the Wausau & Marathon County Parks Foundation to maintain local facilities such as Nine Mile County Forest and Recreation Area are encouraged. Funding will be reduced this year due to COVID-19.

When Larson presented the idea to Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department, they were immediately onboard.

“We are supportive of people using our parks and this is a great way for people to get outside and active during this challenging time,” said Jamie Polley, Parks Director of the Wausau & Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department.

All park users must maintain social distancing and abide by Safer at Home orders. Also, if parks seem busy, users are asked to come back at another time to prevent park closure due to overcrowding.

This is not the only event IRONBULL has organized in the midst of COVID-19. IRONBULL partnered with the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge to create the Virtual Adventure Challenge where participants may bike, run, and choose a discipline of their choice for five hours over a 48 hour window.

IRONBULL also has other Choose Your Own Adventure courses in the beginning planning stages.

“We’ll take feedback from participants in our post-race survey and continuing planning future events from there,” says Larson.

For more race information on the IRONBULL Choose Your Own Adventure 5k trail run go to the IRONBULL Facebook page or event website.

Banner photo: The Choose Your Own Adventure 5k trail run gives participants the opportunity for racers to complete the marked course multiple times to improve their time. Photo credit: Jason Lowman