Rib Mountain Trail Races

50k, 25K, 15K & kids run

Presented by the Village of Rib mountain

September 13, 2025

WAUSAU, WI

why Rib Mountain Trail Races?

Rib Mountain is a beauty to behold any season of the year. Whether you call it home, or if you are just passing through, you can’t help but admire this glacially eroded creation. But why observe from a distance what you can experience through all your senses. Welcome to the Rib Mountain Trail Races!

Rated by Strambecco as one of the 2024 Best Trail Running Events in the Midwest, what better way to discover than to dive right in the twists and climbs, running under a bounty of colored hardwoods on the gorgeous trails of Rib Mountain!

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

Course Description
We are starting and finishing on the race track at State Park Speedway again in 2025! Enjoy some private trails exclusive to this one and only day! Then enjoy Rib Mountain State Park during peak fall colors. Get all the details on our Course Details page.

Bring your littles for the kids run!

Finish Line Festivities
The well deserved post race party will be held at the finish line! Family, friends, food, music, and most importantly, beer (including Red Eye local craft brews) and drinks, are there to congratulate you, an IRONBULL finisher. All racers & volunteers receive a free meal & drink and spectators may purchase onsite.

Green Initiative

Ways to enjoy the race and enjoy the beauty around us with minimal impact!

• Aid stations are cupless - please plan accordingly by bringing your own hydration system to refill at the aid stations

• Compost and recycling onsite with compostable food trays

TRAIL SISTERS APPROVED

The Rib Mountain Trail Races is a Trail Sisters approved race!

Trail Sisters was created to constitute for an equitable outdoors both recreationally and throughout the industry. Female voice and representation are essential in the future of our outdoors, impacting the role we play both on and off the trails.

Wausau has a Trail Sisters group - connect here.

RACE DIRECTORS

Luke and Nicole Vermote

You may recognize Luke and Nicole Vermote from our very own High Point aid station.  Over the last several years, Luke and Nicole have been up top, decked out in their bright smiles and even brighter tutus, encouraging every runner to accomplish their goals. 

Luke is no stranger to the Ultra running community. He has completed several ultra races himself but he is happiest when he is supporting his fellow runners.  It is not uncommon to see him crewing several runners at a time during a race. He is always quick to lend a hand & takes great pride in seeing others succeed.  When Luke isn’t out training or helping others achieve their goals you will find him in the woods, hanging out in a tree during the magic of November hunting in the Midwest.

Nicole is an avid ultra runner who’s proudest running moment is completing her 100 miler.  Nicole started running seven years ago as part of a mental health journey and has since become an ambassador for two amazing mental health organizations; Still I Run and Bigger Than The Trail.  With these platforms, Nicole & other runners help raise awareness for mental health and with every step taken, help break the stigma behind it.  Nicole has been able to raise funds for those struggling with mental health issues from every race her and Luke have participated in. Her efforts have helped provide the care these people wouldn’t otherwise have had.  In her down time, Nicole enjoys visiting local organizations and centers with her Certified Therapy Dog, Tula.

Luke and Nicole’s message to anyone thinking about signing up for the Rib Mountain Trail Races is “Do It!  You will meet amazing people!”  “The trail running community is a special group of people.” Explains Nicole. “Everyone is out here to help you conquer your goals. We don’t care what size you are, what your age is or how far you think you can go. We just want to see you out there putting one foot in front of the other, moving forward and enjoying the scenery and comradery along the way.  See you on the trails!”

presenting sponsor

Venue Sponsors

Official beer

official protein

Official energy

Kids Run sponsor

Preferred Hotel

Looking to take your IRONBULL race weekend to the next level? Check out all the fun and affordable room options from our partners at bantr hotels! 30% off all rooms for IRONBULL athletes (using the promo code IRONBULL) and free access to bantr events during race weekend like live music, comedy shows, trivia, free drinks, and more!

Other Local Hotels