Wausau’s Ultramarathon Gets Steeper

Runners will be rewarded with beautiful views of Rib Mountain at peak fall colors.

Women comprise nearly half of the field at the IRONBULL Ultra Trail.

WAUSAU (Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce) – Wausau’s first ultramarathon, the IRONBULL Ultra Trail, presented by the Town of Rib Mountain, returns for a third year. The event featuring both a 50k and 15k trail run option, starts and ends at State Park Speedway. Racers run the entire race on trails after starting with the checkered flag on the race track. The course is comprised of trails at Rib Mountain State Park and private trails exclusive to the event. As a result, 50k runners climb nearly 8,000 feet. The 15k, suitable for even first time trail runners, has 1,600 feet of elevation gain and loss on the looped course.

“We are fortunate to have several local landowners that generously allow us to use their trails for this event,” said Mellissa Gilbert, IRONBULL Ultra Trail race director.

After having to create two separate courses in 2020 due to DNR COVID-19 permit restrictions at Rib Mountain State Park, all runners return to Rib Mountain State Park in 2021.

“Rib Mountain State Park is the premiere place in the Midwest to be during peak fall colors,” said Andrea Larson, IRONBULL executive director. “The mix of red maples and golden aspen are a feast for the eyes.”

The Ultra Trail is a Trail Sisters approved event, which ensures equal podium spots and women’s swag. As a result, 46% of the field is women, which is almost double that of a typical trail race.

The IRONBULL Ultra Trail 50k/15k will be held October 2, 2021, starting and ending at State Park Speedway in Rib Mountain. More details at: https://www.ironbull.org/ultra-marathon-details Volunteers are still needed for the event for those that want to support the running community.

Banner photo: The IRONBULL Ultra Trail feature trails on private properties exclusive to the event. Photo credit: Coates Photography

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