August 1, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE (7/1/20)

The good news first: we have created a NEW Woodson YMCA Duathlon and Triathlon Challenge. The challenge consists three triathlon or duathlon courses (mini, short, and long) that you can do anytime over a ten day period that will encourage you to get outside and be active. We have created courses that start and end in downtown Wausau that you’ll receive all the course details when you register. You can sign up for one distance or all three. All proceeds will be donated to the Woodson YMCA, which depends on these funds for programming.  More details here.

The bad news: we will be canceling the Summer Y Tri scheduled for August 1, 2020. If you’re already registered and paid, we will automatically transfer your registration to the Woodson YMCA Duathlon and Triathlon Challenge; you’re signed up and ready to go!  If you need a refund, please contact us and we will work with you to provide a refund. 

Stay active and healthy!  

IRONBULL Summer Y Tri race team

Andrea Larson, Executive Director
Shannon Ramsey, Race Director

why ironbull Summer Y Triathlon?

Wausau boasts great outdoor recreation – whether paddling, running, or biking.  The IRONBULL Summer Y Triathlon combines these three disciplines at the area’s best venues on trails. We have partnered with Woodson YMCA to transform a great event, the oldest triathlon in Wisconsin, to these venues. Read more here.

Two courses will allow both elite athletes to be challenged and racers of all ages and ability levels to participate. Racers in each division may compete individually or team up as a relay to specialize in their favorite discipline(s).

Racers will start off in water, but instead of a traditional swim, will be paddling kayaks.  Racers will paddle down the Wisconsin River and across Lake Wausau with long course racers tested through downtown Wausau’s world-class kayak course prior to being spit out into Lake Wausau. Racers will continue through an epic course, hitting top-notch trails on foot and on bike at Nine Mile County Forest. 

Do you have the endurance and strength to finish this challenge?

Course Description
Each race starts in the heart of downtown Wausau and each race finishes at Nine Mile County Forest. 

Short course

The short course will start off with 2.3 miles of serene flat water paddling on the Wisconsin River and Lake Wausau.  All racers will transition to the trails at Bluegill Bay County Park, then the roads to Doepke Park.  Runners will enjoy a flat 3.3 mile course prior to trading in their treads for their bikes. Bikers will transverse 4.7 miles of rural roads enroute to Nine Mile County Forest.  At Nine Mile County Forest, racers will enjoy top notch singletrack.  Recreational racers will experience 4.3 miles of non-technical singletrack that everyone from skilled riders to first time riders can enjoy as they roll to the finish line.

Long Course
Long course racers are immediately challenged on Wausau’s whitewater course with interval starts.  Next paddlers must prove they are not a one-trick pony with flat water paddling across Lake Wausau.  After the 3.3 mile paddle, racers transition at Bluegill Bay County Park. Runners cover a total of 7.5 miles starting with a short jaunt on trail and roads enroute to several miles on trail climbing to the top of Rib Mountain State Park.  Runners will be challenged with steep climbs but rewarded with breathtaking views as they climb to one of the highest points in the Midwest.  Racers plunge down the hill in the shade of the forest and exit Rib Mountain State Park and trade in their treads for their bikes. Bikers will transverse 4.7 miles of rural roads enroute to Nine Mile County Forest.  At Nine Mile County Forest, racers will rock and roll over 10 miles of top notch singletrack.  Racers will be tested with technical trails featuring plenty of rocks and roots before crossing the finish line.

THIS COURSE IS DESIGNED TO FIND OUT WHO IS THE TOUGHEST OF THE TOUGH.

Finish Line Festivities
Family, friends, food, music, and most importantly, beer and drink, are there to congratulate you, an IRONBULL finisher after the race. 

Racers, their families, and volunteers will have full access to the YMCA located in downtown Wausau to enjoy a swim, sauna, and of course a well-deserved shower after the race.

Green Initiative

In order to maintain the beauty of our community and environment, we will have ways to enjoy the race with minimal impact!

• Compost bins located at every transition area and at the finish line festival will go toward local Monk Gardens / Wausau Urban Community Gardens.

• Our event is also cupless!! We will have reusable containers available at the finish line festival for refill. Otherwise, please plan accordingly by bringing your own reusable bottle or cup!

RACE TEAM PROFILES

• Race Directors Andrea Larson and Shannon Ramsey