This year, I returned to Wausau, Wisconsin, for a second dose of type two fun on the challenging Ironbull Ultra Trail course. However, I had no idea what I was in for with the added element of extreme weather. When we lined up for the start at 7 a.m., the sun was just coming up and conditions were ideal with temps in the upper 50s.
Kids spring off the start line with the race director waving the checkered flag. Photo: Coates Photography
As the sun rose, the sky’s ominous orange glow warned of rain in the distance and a quick radar check before the race showed a large, incoming storm system. Fast-forward to less than an hour into the race, and the thunderstorms began. The woods were dark enough that I ended up using my headlamp for the entire course, and while lightning briefly illuminated the trees, the claps of thunder eerily echoed throughout Rib Mountain State Park.
The author receives a hit of energy from High Point aid station volunteer Luke Vermote positioned at the course high point. Photo: Coates Photography
The continued downpours eventually turned much of the 50k course, which includes 6,800 feet of elevation gain, into a slippery, muddy mess, and the multiple boulder climbs and descents on Rib Mountain were more treacherous. The 50k course consists of two 25k loops, which start on a trail exclusive to the event and connects to Rib Mountain State Park through the woods. After a short section of bushwhacking, park trails include a mix of runnable double track, technical singletrack and even bouldering sections on ski slopes, which boast the highest vertical drop ski runs in the Midwest.
-
- Women’s 50K runnerup Emma Thompson climbs the Granite Peak ski slopes. Photo: Coates Photography
-
- Robert Winsand covered the course in 7:15:58. Photo: Coates Photography
My confidence and speed at the race start were good, but by the halfway point I knew my PR goal was impractical and I focused solely on staying on my feet. I really can’t say if it was more challenging going up the mountain along the rocky ski slopes or sliding down them. This is a course with a lot of elevation gain, technical terrain and climbs that require you to ascend 30–40 percent gradients on all fours. What I can say is that it was fun (rain or shine). Whether or not Mother Nature adds to the challenge, you’ll be in for an adventure ascending (and descending) the ski slopes of Granite Peak multiple times, with a little bushwacking thrown in.