Winter Adventure Returns to Merrill
MERRILL – After taking place in Merrill. for the first time in 2024, the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition returns to Merrill. The annual event in its fifth year requires a new course each year since the premise of the event requires racers to navigate the secret course revealed on race day using a map and compass. Last year, the event took place on a mix of Lincoln County and City of Merrill including Underdown Recreation Area and Prairie Dells Recreation Areas.
“The Merrill area offers so many outdoor opportunities to explore beautiful hardwood forests,” said Andrea Larson, co-race director. “The expanse makes me feel like an explorer, discovering pockets of gems despite being a lifelong Central Wisconsin resident.”
Racers use a map and compass to navigate a secret wintry course. Photo credit: Coates Photography
The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition consists of a beginner-friendly course where GPS is allowed and an advanced course to appeal to a range of outdoor enthusiasts. Racers trek on and off trail along with the option to bike to an additional trek. Each year, the event includes a special challenge. Last year, race directors wove in local lore as racers read a short biography on Bill Underdown written by local history buff and trail builder, Chris Schotz, and needed to recall details as a team. Like most years, racers won’t know the challenge awaiting them until they arrive mid-race. So far, the only clue they have is that they may want to bring a reference if they aren’t familiar with basic constellations.
Last year, racers were dropped off at a secret location and had to work their way back to the finish line. Photo credit: Coates Photography
This year’s course be headquartered at Merrill School Forest. Beyond that, racers can only speculate if they will see Grandfather Falls, check out the Cordwood Education Center, trek on the Ice Age Trail, or visit another gem along the Wisconsin River. The radius of the event can be quite large, especially in years when racers are shuttled to a remote location then must work their way back to the finish line.
"The Merrill Area School District is thrilled to partner with IRONBULL to host an exciting and challenging race at the beautiful Merrill School Forest,” said Nicholas Wszalek, Director of Buildings & Grounds for Merrill Area Public Schools. “This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our facility and encourage community use of the forest. We are excited to see the participants enjoying the challenging and unique landscape our school forest has to offer."
Many first-time adventure racers participate, including several in the family division. Photo credit: Coates Photography
This event falls in line with IRONBULL’s mission to create year-round challenges for all ages and abilities, proving to be a gateway to adventure racing. This year is no exception, with about half of participants racing in their first or second ever adventure race, up from 37% last year. Additionally, the event has a family division, modeled after its parent event, the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge, which had a record 31 families participating earlier this year. IRONBULL’s events highlight outdoor amenities which draw visitors from outside the area. Last year, 71% of Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition racers travelled beyond 90 miles for the event.
Part of the appeal may be that the event is versatile to handle a variety of weather conditions including snow or no snow, akin to the adventure racing community as a whole. The winter element also provides easier access to areas that may be wet during the remainder of the year. Although racers won’t be slogging through mosquito-infested bogs, they may be slowed or even lured off course due to snow. “Snow may provide teams evidence where other teams have travelled, but blindly following footprints may lead to getting quite offtrack,” warns Tracy Major, a prior participant before taking on the role of co-race director.
This event closes out the season for the 2025 Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series, with participants racing multiple events recognized post-race. To ensure safety and equality for all participants, the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition is sanctioned by the United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA) which is a nation-wide governing body of adventure racing.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Location: Merrill School Forest, Merrill, WI
- Event info: https://www.ironbull.org/winter-rmac
Banner photo: Some racers choose to include the element of biking on their winter adventure. Photo credit: Coates Photography
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