Tourism Grant Awarded for Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge

Left to right: Jeff Anderson (Travel Wisconsin), Bill Bertram (IRONBULL), Tim White (CVB), Tim Buchholz (IRONBULL), and Andrea Larson (IRONBULL)

WAUSAU – The Wisconsin Department of Tourism presented a $4,395 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant to IRONBULL, a nonprofit dedicated to outdoor adventure sports in Central Wisconsin, to host the 8th Annual Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge. This is the second year the event has been supported by this grant.

“Outdoor recreation is vital to our tourism economy,” said Secretary-designee Anne Sayers. “Tourism is proud to partner with IRONBULL in providing a fun event where folks get active and challenge themselves while exploring Wisconsin’s natural beauty.”

The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge is the largest adventure race in the United States based on racer attendance. Individuals and teams run, bike and paddle through Central Wisconsin wilderness with just a map and compass to find the way. There are routes for different levels of difficulty, a 3-hour, 8-hour and 18-hour challenge. The event is scheduled to take place Memorial Day weekend in 2022.

“With the help of the JEM Grant, the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge grew by 70% last year, requiring us to close registration several weeks before the event,” said Andrea Larson, IRONBULL executive director.

As a multibillion-dollar industry in Wisconsin, Tourism is crucial to the state’s economic recovery and success. JEM grants are just one of the tools in the toolbox for the Department of Tourism to partner with organizations and nonprofits around the state who are using innovation and creativity to bring visitors and dollars to their community.

In fiscal year 2021, the Department funded 45 JEM projects, awarding $1,130,000 million statewide. JEM grant funds are available to nonprofit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project's first-year advertising and marketing costs and provide support for second- and third-year projects with decreasing amounts for funding until projects become self-sustaining.

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About the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. Because we believe in the power of exploration and travel, we work to market the state as a premier travel destination. By executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism. Learn more at industry.travelwisconsin.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Amanda Weibel, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
(608) 577-7065; aweibel@travelwisconsin.com

Andrea Larson, IRONBULL
(715) 848-5949; executivedirector@ironbull.org

Results - Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - Winter Edition

WSAW news event coverage - Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - Winter Edition

Pre-race news coverage - Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - Winter Edition