Save the Date: September 26, 2026
Marathon, Half-Marathon, Relay, 5k, Trek
American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI
Welcome to a heart-pounding adventure that will redefine your love for running and nature. Introducing the Birkie Trail Run – a captivating journey through the heart of northwest Wisconsin’s most enchanting landscapes. Traverse the winding paths and rolling hills of the iconic Birkie Trail, renowned for its challenging terrain and awe-inspiring beauty, along with narrow and flowing sections of single track trails.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner seeking to conquer new frontiers or a nature enthusiast yearning for an unforgettable experience, we have something for everyone. Select from a range of distances and challenges to match your goals and skill level.
The Birkie Trail run was recently recognized by Field Mag! It was named one of the Top 10 Bucket List Worthy Trail Races for Women. Read the article!
All of the races will start and finish at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead. Arrive at the start from Telemark Rd- take Hwy M east from Cable, take a right (south) on Telemark Rd., and follow the signs to parking and/or bib pick-up.
Exit the start/finish area on McNaught Rd. There is ample parking at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead.
Ready to try out your new favorite trail running shoes? Rossignol will have shoes for you to demo during expo hours – give them a try! Check out great new gear, ask questions, and get guidance from our other Birkie Trail Run partners and shop the Birkie Store!
Visit the newest building and solar installation by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation and learn about how we are working to be more sustainable and inspire others to do the same. Hear from Birkebeiner staff and local Citizens Climate Lobby Partners and get an up close view of the solar array and the underplanted native plant garden.
Come and join Rossignol athletes as they lead a shake-out run to prepare for your race on Saturday! This shake-out is for all abilities, so don’t be shy, and come to take advantage of what the Birkie trails have to offer. This would be a great opportunity to demo Rossignol’s trail shoes and see what they are made of! We will meet outside the Derksen Family Great Hall at the Rossignol tent – see you there.
| Friday | |
| 3:00 – 7:00 PM | Bib Pick Up |
| 3:00 – 7:00 PM | Birkie Trail Run Expo |
| 4:30 PM | SunDay Solar Talk at Mt. Telemark Village |
| 5:00 PM | Rossignol Group Run |
| Saturday | |
| 6:30 AM | Bib Pick Up Opens |
| 8:00 AM | Marathon Start |
| 8:30 AM | Marathon Relay Start |
| 9:00 AM | Dive for the Dirt Kid’s Obstacle Course Open |
| 9:15 AM | Half Marathon Start |
| 9:30 AM | Trek Start |
| 9:45 AM | 5K Start |
| 10:00 AM | Post Race Party Begins |
| 11:00 AM | 5K Overall & Age Group Awards |
| 12:00 PM | Kid’s Warm Up & 1 km Race |
| 12:30 PM | Half Marathon Awards – Overall & Age Class |
| 12:45 PM | Marathon Awards – Overall & Relay |
| 1:15PM | Marathon Age Group Awards |
| 3:00 PM | Final Marathon Finish Cut-Off |
Experience the Birkie Trail Run 5K Run/Walk, perfect for all ages and skill levels, amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the iconic Birkie Trail and new Once singletrack trail.
Whether you are a seasoned trail runner, looking for a fast challenge, or a first-timer eager to explore the world of trail running – this race is for YOU!
The new course was a hit in 2024. This year we have removed the trek to the top of Mt. Telemark for an easier finish. Trekkers embark on an invigorating 8.5 mile adventure that blends the rhythmic thrill of trekking with the stunning Birkie Trail surroundings.
The Nordic Trek is hosted on a combination of ski trail, logging roads, and double track! No singletrack on the route, plenty of room to share the trail with friends!
Push your limits and embrace nature’s beauty in the Half Marathon, Marathon, or Marathon Relay! Conquer rolling hills, lush forests, and awe-inspiring vistas atop Mt. Telemark along the way! NEW this year, an ascent to the top of Mt. Telemark on singletrack trail! It’ll still be a challenge, but oh-so worth it. Let’s do this!
Marathon Presented by
Marathon Relay Presented by
Half Marathon Presented By Wild River Running
5K Presented by
Nordic Trek Presented by
Need help getting getting to your exchange zone? We know that some of the roads around Timber Trail can get confusing! Click on the link below for further information and driving instructions.
Note: Aid Stations WILL NOT supply disposable paper cups. Bring your own hydration vessel.
UnTapped all natural gels, waffles, and hydration formulas provide athletes with sustained energy that is easily digestible, tastes great, and is free from the artificial flavors found in many popular energy products.
Join us for the miles and go home with smiles – and maybe Rossignol trail running shoes! Winners of the Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Relay events will be taking home new Rossignol trail shoes!
The top 3 male and female marathon finishers will be awarded podium awards!
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place runners, male and female, will receive a special award in each of the following classes:
The top 3 male and female Half Marathon finishers will be awarded podium awards!
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place runners, male and female, will receive a special award in each of the following classes:
The first three male and female finishers will receive podium awards.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place runners, male and female, will receive a special award in each of the following classes:
Each team member of the overall first place 3- and 6-person relay teams will be awarded category champions in the relay!
Relays are awarded in the following categories: Open Men; Open Women; Open Mixed Gender; Master (40+) Men; Master (40+) Women; Master (40+) Mixed Gender
The Birkie Trail Run Events start and finish at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, located about 17 miles north of Hayward, WI, the “Gateway to the Historic Northwoods” in the town of Cable, WI. Within driving distance from Duluth, MN 1:30, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN 3:00, Madison, WI 4:50, and Chicago, IL 7:20.
For more information, please visit our lodging page to view the different lodging options that are around the area.
Learn more about Birkie partnerships by contacting Jen DeYoung at Jen.DeYoung@birkie.com.
