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.
All participants have three options to summit to the peak of Rib Mountain. 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.
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.
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 (The Grom Park to Hot Cocoa). 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 returning from Tyler Vogt, 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 (including veggie), brats, and dogs available from Granite Peak’s grill for purchase.
What Do You Get?
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 lift tickets, hats and merchandise
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