race details
The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge is an adventure race in which teams of 2-4 members and soloists will run, bike, and paddle their way through the rugged and beautiful Central Wisconsin wilderness using only a map and compass to find the way. Team members must stick together throughout the duration of the race.
With plenty of route choices and obstacles to test your team’s physical strength and mental resolve, this race will be fun for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
Choose from the 3-hour, 8-hour, or 18-hour challenge.
location
The 2025 Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge will be within 60 miles of Wausau, WI.
Disciplines
Trekking/Running
Biking
Canoeing (canoes provided)
Orienteering
Team Challenges
*distances are approximate based on course variability and route choice
DISTANCES
3-hour
Bike: ~15k (9 miles)
Trek: ~5k (3 miles)
Paddle: ~5k (3 miles)
8-hour
Bike: ~40k (25 miles)
Trek: ~15k (9 miles)
Paddle: ~10k (6 miles)
18-hour
Bike: ~75k (46 miles)
Trek: ~30k (18 miles)
Paddle: ~20k (12 miles)
DIVISIONS
3-4 person: mixed, all-female, all-male
2-person: mixed, all-female, all-male
Solo: female, male
Family: 2, 3, or 4 person multi-generation team with at least one racer under 18 years old
*each team must have at least one person age 18 or older
NEED HELP FINDING A TEAMMATE? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! Click HERE
example of Race-Day Schedule
3-HOUR
10:30am
Race packet pickup, team photo, and gear staging
12:30pm
Final pre-race meeting. Be ready to race!
1:00pm
Mass start
5:00pm
Course closes
3:00-6:00pm
Food and Beer
6:00pm
Awards
8-HOUR
6:30am
Bike drop opens
7:00am & 7:45am (Wave 1 & 2)
Race packet pickup, team photo, and gear staging
7:45am & 8:30am (Wave 1 & 2)
Be ready to race!
8:00-9:00am
Rolling race starts
5:00pm
Course closes
3:00-6:00pm
Food and Beer
6:00pm
Awards
18-HOUR
Friday
7:30pm
Bike drop opens
8:00pm
Race packet pickup, team photo, and gear staging
10:00pm
Be ready to race!
10:30-11:00pm
Rolling race starts
Saturday
5:00pm
Course closes
3:00-6:00pm
Food and Beer
6:00pm
Awards
more details
Canoes, paddles, and PFDs provided by race
T-shirt included with entry
Custom die-cast finisher medal for all finishers
Awards three deep in every division for all three race distances
Proceeds benefit the UW Wausau Campus Foundation and UWSP Student Scholarship Funds
Average temps for Memorial Day weekend in Wausau, WI are high of 72º and low of 51º
Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series
This race is part of the Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series, Wisconsin’s premier race series featuring adventure races throughout WI, MN, and IL, with cash prizes totaling over $2,000. There is no fee to join the series, simply race any of the events and you’ll be automatically signed up. The more races your team competes in, the better chance you’ll have of taking home prizes. Compete in teams of 2-4, or as a soloist, and see how you rank against others in the Midwest.
United States Adventure Racing Association
The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge is part of the United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA) National Points Series. The 30-hr USARA National Championship race will be held in West Virginia in September, 2024. Click here to find out how your team can register.
ironbull
The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge is part of the IRONBULL Race Series. IRONBULL is a 501c3 non-profit corporation that hosts running, paddling, biking, adventure, cross-country skiing, and snowshoe races. Central Wisconsin is home to a young and growing community of outdoor adventure enthusiasts, where active and healthy living is an integral part of who they are and competition is a way of life. Be sure to check out other upcoming IRONBULL events!
