IRONBULL SOLSTICE SUMMIT CHALLENGE
Take on the challenge of summiting Rib Mountain, the toughest mile climb in the entire Midwest. You’ll need both grit and endurance to dig deep to complete the feat, climbing 700 feet in a single mile. This is the home to iconic Granite Peak ski resort, which boasts the highest vertical drop in the Midwest, after all. After you peel yourself off the ground at the finish line at the summit, you’ll to have to complete the challenge with 96 steps to the top of the observation tower to claim your finisher medal. Panoramic views will reward you and fresh air will fill your lungs. You’ll finish your victory lap after a stroll down the hill and join in the after party.
ENTRY FEES
- Recreational (untimed): Early = $20 / Regular = $30 / Late = $40
- Competitive or rucking (timed): Early = $30 / Regular = $40 / Late = $50
- Triple Bypass Challenge (timed): Early = $40 / Regular = $50 / Late = $60
*Early is prior to 4/25, Regular is before 6/1
The event will take place rain or shine. Registration and transaction fees are nonrefundable, including in the event of extreme weather or cancellation. Registration may be transferred to another person or another event up to 1 week prior to the event less transaction fees.
RACE SCHEDULE
- 4:00 - 7:00 pm: Bib pickup for all racers
- 5:00 pm: Kids Run start
- 5:30 pm: Rucking Division
- 5:50 pm: Triple Bypass Division (1st ascent)
- 6:10 pm: Recreational Division
- 6:30 pm: Triple Bypass Division (2nd ascent)
- 6:50 pm: Competitive Division
- 7:10 pm: Triple Bypass Division (3rd ascent)
- Approximately 8 pm: Awards
THREE OPTIONS TO SUMMIT
All participants have three options to summit to the peak of Rib Mountain. See the course map here. Each route starts the same at the base of the ski hill (Lower Dusky) then splits. Practice on the hill and become a Solstice Summit Legend! Complete the most repetitions between April 15 and race day and receive a custom medal for your achievement presented at the Solstice Summit event! We will award a custom medal to the individual who completes each segment the most times. One award per person, so we’ll roll down the achievement to the next highest total to recognize people for their blood, sweat, and tears on the hill! To participate, all you need to do is ensure IRONBULL can see your segment completion on Strava. The following Strava segments are eligible:
You’ll want to be ready for the unrelenting climb covered with rocks and mud and perhaps remnants of manmade snow.
DIVISIONS
1) Recreational - untimed and open to well-behaved leashed dogs - ascend up Miracle to Top Notch. Climb up and conquer the mountain. For those in excellent shape, the entire mile is runnable.
2) Competitive - timed - an unrelenting climb where your lungs will be screaming, your heart will be pounding, and your quads will be on fire as you claw up to the summit. Rope in your friends to do the challenge with you!
3) Rucking - timed and must have 10 pound pack - you’ll be on all fours crawling up boulders the size of your car between thistles and thorns. Not for the faint of heart. You must bring your own 10 pound pack.
TRIPLE BYPASS CHALLENGE
A mile seem too short? Complete all three routes, totaling 10K distance with 2,100 feet of ascent and descent. You will not be timed on the way back down, but your start time for Runs #2 and #3 begin at the start of the wave 40 and 80 minutes, respectively, after the start of Run #1, so if you’re not down fast enough, your downhill time counts against you! Recommended route is down the Recreational route (Top Notch to Miracle to Lower Dusky). No 10 pound pack required for Triple Bypass racers.
MORE FUN
FREE KIDS RUN
Kids scurry up the lower part of hill in the free kids run at 5 pm. Kids have a 3/4 mile lap that climbs 200 feet at the base of the hill (Hot Cocoa to The Grom Park). Preregister with onsite registration / bib pickup beginning at 4 pm.
AFTER PARTY
Invite friends and family to stick around with you as you share war stories and show off battle wounds. Festivities include live music, lawn games, food, and beer hosted by Granite Peak at the Historic Chalet. All racers & volunteers receive a free drink to kick off the party and spectators may purchase onsite. Burgers, brats, and dogs available from Granite Peak's grill for purchase.
WHAT DO YOU GET?
Enjoy the breathtaking view at the finish!
We strive to provide you with a fun and challenging event that gives you a memorable experience. Each wave starts on doubletrack to reduce course congestion. As part of that experience, you will get the following with your entry:
- Well-marked, challenging uphill course
- Custom finisher medal
- After race party – live music with food & beer with your first drink on us!
- Professional chip timing (timed events only)
- Race photo digital downloads
- Drawing entry for free Granite Peak ski pass