WHY 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 where panoramic views will reward you. With fresh air filling your lungs you’ll finish your victory lap after a stroll down the hill to claim your finisher medal and join in the after party.

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 before the event with a Link to Strava Segments. You’ll want to be ready for the unrelenting climb covered with rocks and mud and perhaps remnants of manmade snow. Waves will have a limited number of people starting at 5:30 pm every 15 minutes and assigned the week of the event.

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.

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 30 and 60 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).

FREE KIDS RUN

Kids scurry up the lower part of hill as many times as they want in the 20 minute summit challenge starting 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). All kids are free thanks to Kocourek Kids support!

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, food, and beer hosted by Granite Peak at the historic Sundance Chalet. All racers & volunteers receive a free drink to kick off the party and spectators may purchase onsite. Food may also be purchased onsite.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

We strive to provide you with a fun and challenging event that gives you a memorable experience. Each wave is limited 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!

• Silent Sports Magazine

• Professional chip timing (timed events only)

• Race photo digital downloads

• Raffle entry for free Granite Peak ski passes

ENTRY FEE

• 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 4/1/25 / Regular is by 6/1/25

RACE TEAM PROFILES

• Assistant Executive Director Alex Shinners

• Executive Director Andrea Larson