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Eight Events to Choose From 5k to 100K Ultra Marathon!
The eight Birkie Trail Run, Relay and Trek events feature the best sections of the famous Birkie Trail and single-track sections of the CAMBA trail system. This event is perfect for runners looking to break free from the roads. The Birkie Trail has a wide, grass covered, level surface, and the single-track is smooth and fast. But don’t make any mistake, this is a 100% trail race, with the famous Birkie hills, making for a challenging race for even veteran trail runners. Hammer it or cover your favorite distance at a recreational pace. Either way, this event has a great, friendly vibe, awesome Vendor Fair, a finish-line party with local north woods fare, Birkie Brew-Ski craft beer on tap, live music, on-site camping, bonfires, and more! Make it a weekend of fun with friends! And, again in 2018, the Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon has been selected as the USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship! If you love to run on a great trail, this is the event to put on your calendar NOW. See you in September!
Choose Your Event!
- Ultra Marathon (100 km / 62 miles)
- Marathon
- 3 Person Marathon Relay
- 6 Person Marathon Relay
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles) – 2018 USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship
- Nordic Trek (10 mile walk with or without trekking poles)
- 5 km Run/Walk
- 1 km for Kids – FREE!
All events, except for the Ultra, start and finish near the big expo tent at the Birkie Ridge Trailhead located on Highway 63, 2.4 miles north of Seeley, WI. The Ultra Marathon starts at Birkie Ridge and finished in downtown Cable behind Rivers Eatery.
The Marathon, Marathon Relay, and Half Marathon all include sections of Birkie Trail and CAMBA Singletrack!
*Please note: only registrations made through Sign Me Up after March 15th will show on Am I Registered.
Register Online until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28th or in person at the Birkie Trail Run Vendor Fair 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—there is no race-day registration. Team Relay registration closes on Wednesday, September 26th at 11:59 p.m.
Participants may transfer their entry from one Trail Run event to another at any time until 4:00pm Central Time on September 21, 2018. No refunds will be given if changing to a shorter event. All requests will be charged a $15 processing fee plus any increase in race fees, if applicable. To make a race change please email registration@birkie.com.
Protect Your Registration!
Get reimbursed up to 100% on your Trail Run registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons including:
- A covered illness or injury
- Pregnancy
- You have a traffic accident en route to your event
- Your car breaks down within 24 hours of the event
- One of the many other covered reasons
Event Registration Protector also comes with Competition Care: a 24 hour assistance hotline that can give you race-day information, locate bicycle repair shops, find nearby equipment stores, and much, much more. Learn More »
Individual Events
| | Through 3/29 | 3/30 thru 6/28 | 6/29 thru 8/9 | 8/10 thru 9/13 | 9/14 thru 9/28 |
| 100 km Ultra Marathon | $95 | $105 | $115 | $125 | $135 |
| Marathon | $75 | $85 | $95 | $105 | $115 |
| Half Marathon | $65 | $75 | $85 | $95 | $105 |
| Trek - 10 miles | $45 | $55 | $65 | $75 | $80 |
| 5 Km Run/Walk | $25 | $30 | $35 | $40 | $45 |
| 5 km Ages 12 and Under | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| 1 km Kids Dash (9 and Under) | FREE | FREE | FREE | FREE | FREE |
Relay Events
Relay Teams will be placed in six categories; Women, Men, Mixed, 40+ Women; 40+ Men; 40+ Mixed. Enter as a Women, Men, or Mixed team and we’ll place you in the appropriate category based on age on race day.
The Team Captain must register and pay for the team. Each team member must register individually under the same Team Captain and Team Name to be issued the Team’s bib number.
3-Person Teams must have 2 or 3 team members; Mixed Teams must have one member of each sex.
6-Person Teams must have 4 to 6 team members; Mixed Teams must have two members of each sex.
Relay Teams need a high-clearance vehicle for accessing the aid stations where the exchanges take place.
| | Through 3/29 | 3/30 thru 6/28 | 6/29 thru 8/9 | 8/10 thru 9/13 | 9/14 thru 9/26 |
| 3-Person Marathon Relay (2 or 3 runners) | $100 | $120 | $135
| $150 | $165 |
| 6-Person Marathon Relay (4 to 6 runners) | $200
| $240 | $270 | $300 | $330 |
Age Restrictions
Participants in the Half Marathon must be 13 years old or older by September 29, 2018.
Marathon and Ultra Participants must be 18 years old or older by September 29, 2018.
The Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon, part of the Birkie Trail Run Festival weekend of events, has been selected as the USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship in 2018 by USA Track & Field, the national governing body.
Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon Selected as Championship Race
Hayward, WI (April 21, 2017) – September 30, 2017 marks the 16th Birkie Trail Run Festival held on the legendary hills of the iconic Birkie Trail. The Birkie Trail Run Half Marathon, part of the Birkie Trail Run Festival weekend of events, has been selected as the USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship in 2017 by USA Track & Field, the national governing body.
“We are honored to host a USATF National Championship and welcome America’s best runners to the beautiful trails of the north woods,” said Ben Popp, ABSF Executive Director. “Last year, Corrine Malcolm, USATF 50-Mile National Champion, won the Birkie Trail Run Marathon. We are excited to welcome America’s best long distance runners, like Corrine, to compete in this year’s half marathon championship. It’ll be an awesome day on the Birkie Trail!”
America’s best half-marathon trail runners, including elites and Olympic hopefuls, are expected to compete for the $3000 prize purse. The event, scheduled for September 30, 2017, is presented by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, the nonprofit organizers of the Birkie Trail Run Festival.
“The participation of these amazing elite runners will add excitement to the entire field of Birkie Trail Run Festival runners,” said Allan Serrano, Event Director. “Now in our 16th year, the prestige of being selected as the USATF Half Marathon Trail Run Championship will build awareness of our race and is certain to have a positive halo effect on the Birkie Trail Run Festival events for many years to come.”
From the challenge and intensity of a 100-kilometer ultra-marathon to the fun of a 5-kilometer run/walk, an estimated 1000+ runners and trekkers will take to the Birkie Trail for a day of fun, camaraderie, and outdoor adventure in the beautiful forest of northwestern Wisconsin. With eight events on the roster – including a marathon, marathon relay (3 or 6 person teams), half marathon, Nordic Trek, 5K run/walk, youth 5K (12 and under) and 1K Kid’s Dash (free for ages 9 and under), along with the 100K Ultra Marathon – there is a north woods trail experience available for every ability level. Full race course information is available at www.Birkie.com.
The Birkie Trail Run Festival events, sponsored by Salomon, start and finish at Birkie Ridge Trailhead, 12.5 miles north of Hayward, Wisconsin, and 5 miles south of Cable, Wisconsin. The eight Birkie Trail Run Festival events place runners and trekkers on some of the most scenic stretches of the famous Birkie Trail and single-track sections of the CAMBA (Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association) trail system.
In 2017, the Birkie Trail Run Festival will be bigger and better than ever with a Vendor Fair, full roster of events, live music, north woods picnic-style fare, Birkie Brew-Ski on tap, on-site camping at Birkie Ridge, autumn leaves courtesy of Mother Nature, and Birkie Fever aplenty. Registration opened on January 1, 2017 for all events. Interested individuals are invited to register for all events at www.Birkie.com.
About the USATF – USA Track & Field
USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track & field, long distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the country’s No. 1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States. For more information, visit: usatf.org
About Salomon – Designed for Freedom
For more information about Salomon, visit www.Salomon.com
Click Here to View the Full News Release »
American Trail Running Association Elite Athlete Meet and Greet and Q&A
Join us in the tent at the Vendor Fair at 5:30 pm on Friday, September 28th for a presentation from American Trail Running Association (ATRA) Executive Director, Nancy Hobbs, and a Q&A with elite athletes. ATRA has been the leading advocate for mountain, ultra & trail running for two decades. Elite runners, in contention for the USATF Half Marathon Trail Championships, will be on hand to answer your questions and share their training tips. Attend the 30 minute presentation, improve your running, and have a chance to win a prize!
Friday, September 28, 2018
During the Vendor Fair located at Birkie Ridge from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- No Race Day Registration – Registration for individual races is available online or in-person at the Expo until 7:00 p.m.
- All Relay Teams must be registered by 11:59 pm central time, Wednesday, September 26th.
- All Ultra Runners must pick up their bib on Friday – No race morning bib pick up for Ultra Marathon
Saturday, September 29, 2018
In the Vendor Fair Tent beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Travel and Lodging
North Woods Get Away
The Birkie Trail Run Events start and finish at the Birkie Ridge Trailhead, located in 12.5 miles north of Hayward, WI, the “Gateway to the Historic Northwoods” and 5 miles south of the town of Cable, WI. Within driving distance from Duluth, MN 1:20, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN 2:40, Madison, WI 4:50, and Chicago, IL 7:00.
Camping
Pitch your tent or park your camper within sight of the start/finish! Camping is available at Birkie Ridge on Friday, September 28th and Saturday, September 29th.
There will be portable toilets, water,and community fire pit available. No generators or pets allowed at the campground.
- Cost is $10 per night per camping unit (tent, RV, camper, etc)
- Pre-register online or at bib pick-up until 7 pm on Friday.
- Check-in and register on site from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, & at bib pick-up on Saturday.
- Check-out is by 12-noon Sunday.
Click Here to register for Camping at Birkie Ridge Trailhead. For more information contact birkie@birkie.com.
Lodging Options Are Available from the Regional Tourism Offices
Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau
Sawyer County, WI, USA
800-724-2992 or 715-634-4801
info@haywardlakes.com
www.haywardlakes.com
Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce
800-724-2992 or 715-634-8662
www.haywardareachamber.com
Cable Area Chamber of Commerce
800-533-7454
www.cable4fun.com
Rice Lake Tourism
800-523-6318 or 715-234-8888
www.ricelakewis.com/lodging/hotels-motels/
Ashland Chamber of Commerce
800-284-9484
www.visitashland.com
The Trail Run Project is a cool resource for exploring trails around the world, including interactive maps of the Birkie Trail Run Festival.
Marathon & Marathon Relay
Presented by Carlson MD and FITS
*Please note course has been modified slightly from 2017!
The individual Marathon course starts and finishes on a 1.5 mile out and back spur trail with a single counter clockwise loop in between. It is on 100 % trails, featuring the best of the rolling hills of the Birkie Trail and three sections of CAMBA single-track. The Birkie Trail is wide and grass covered. The profile is famous for its relentless terrain changes. The ups and downs, though relatively short in height difference, are steep, many in excess of 20%. There are no huge, mountainous climbs, but the many small steep climbs add up to a lot of vertical. There are 4 miles total of single-track. These sections have a dirt surface and are relatively smooth with occasional stones and roots. These sections include two of the longer climbs on the course, but are significantly less steep than the Birkie Trail. There is a one mile section of the course that utilizes the Northend Ski Trail. This section is similar in terrain and surface to the Birkie Trail but is much narrower. There are 5 aid stations along the course. Total Distance: 26.2 miles
Half Marathon & USATF Half Marathon Championship
Presented by HydraPak
The Half Marathon is a held on shorter version of the Marathon course (see the description above). It is 100% trail and includes many of the Birkie Trail hills and a single, three mile section of CAMBA single-track. There are 3 aid stations along the course. Total Distance: 13.1 miles
100 km Ultra Marathon
Presented by Rivers Eatery
Please note the Ultra course has changed for 2018!
The new course will follow the Marathon Course for 1 lap, return to the start stadium and head out on another partial lap of the Marathon Course. The new course will deviate from the Marathon Course after the Timber Trail aid station and continue to the American Birkebeiner Trailhead. The remaining route to Cable will be very similar to the 2017 route. Please watch the website for new course descriptions, distances, and maps.
The Ultra is held on a loop course starting at the Birkie Ridge Trailhead and finishing in downtown Cable. The backbone of the course is the Birkie Ski Trail which is wide and grass covered. The profile is famous for its relentless terrain changes. The ups and downs, though relatively short in height difference, are steep, many in excess of 20%. There are no huge, mountainous climbs, but the many small steep climbs add up to a lot of vertical. There are approximately 28 miles total of CAMBA single-track. These sections have a dirt surface and are relatively smooth with occasional stones and roots. The single-track is much less steep than the Birkie Trail. It is generally fast and easy running. Total Distance: 62 miles
Friday, Sept 28 6:00 p.m. — Ultra marathon pre-race briefing at the Birkie Vendor Tent at Birkie Ridge (bib pick-up location)
5 km Run / Walk
The 5 km course will start and finish at the Birkie Ridge Trailhead, climb up the Birkie Ridge connector trail, turn on to a small forest road, then to a segment low traffic gravel road, then it turns into the the ski trails through the neighboring Nordic Ridge development, and then back into the field, heading to the finish. There is one drink station on the course. Total distance 5 km (3.1 miles)
Nordic Trek
The 10 mile course is on 100% Birkie Trail. The course starts and finishes on a 1.5 mile out and back spur trail with a single counter clockwise loop in between. The profile features the best of the Birkie Trail’s relentless ups and down. The trail surface is wide and grass covered. There are two aid stations. Total distance; 10 miles.
Dive for the Dirt & Kid’s 1K Fun Run
Presented by Hayward Area Memorial Hospital
Kids need something to do at the Birkie Trail Run, too! Dive for the Dirt is an obstacle course with slack lines, cargo net crawls, balance beams, hay bale scrambles, tunnel crawls, and more!
The 1K Fun Run will travel through the field and woods at Birkie Ridge and inspire children to stay active! Chocolate milk for all runners at the finish line!
THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION FOR THE BIRKIE TRAIL RUN and TREK EVENTS (except for Kid’s Race)
Saturday, September 29 — Race Day Schedule
| 5:30 AM | Ultra Marathon Start |
| 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 |
| 10:30 AM | Post Race Party Begins |
| 11:00 AM | 5K Overall & Age Group Awards
|
| 11:30 AM | Half Marathon Overall and Age Group Awards and USATF Awards
|
| 11:45 AM | Kid's Warm Up & 1 km Race |
| 12:15 PM | Marathon & Relay Overall Awards |
| 12:45PM | Marathon Age Group Awards |
| 3:00 PM | Final Marathon Finish Cut-Off
|
| 6:00 PM | Ultra Champion Awards |
| 11:00 PM | Final Ultra Finisher Cut-Off
|
Getting to the Start
All of the races, except for the Ultra Marathon, will start and finish at the Birkie Ridge Trailhead, 2.4 miles north of Seeley WI on Highway 63. The Ultra Marathon starts here and finishes in downtown Cable. There is ample parking at Birkie Ridge, please enter the southern entrance and exit the north entrance.
Aid Stations
There are three Aid Station locations for the Birkie Trail Run, most are used twice, depending on the race. All participants should plan to carry their own supplies between stations.
Each aid station is staffed with friendly volunteers to help you refuel and offer medical assistance. The aid stations are supplied with water, Nuun Drink (Strawberry Blueberry flavor), GU Gels, fruit, and cookies.
Relay Teams
Each team member will be assigned the same number, however all legs of the the relay will be timed.
- 3-Person Teams must have 2 or 3 runners and may exchange at any of the 5 exchange zones at the Marathon aid stations.
- 6-Person Teams must have 4 to 6 runners and may exchange at any of the 5 exchange zones at the Marathon aid stations.
- 3-Person Mixed teams must have at least one member of each sex on their team.
- 6-Person Mixed teams must have at least two members of each sex on their team.
- The exchanges are executed by the passing of a slap bracelet which will be given to the team leader at bib pick up.
- All members of a 40+ team must be 40 years old or older on September 30, 2017.
- The exchange zone at the Seeley Fire Tower Aid Station is only accessed via a minimum maintenance forest road, it can only be accessed with a high clearance vehicle.
Cut-Off Times
| Time | Location | Race |
| 12:00 pm | Timber Trail Aid Station - Northbound | Marathon |
| 1:00 pm | Timber Trail Aid Station - Southbound | Marathon |
| 2:15 pm | Fire Tower Aid Station | Marathon/Half Marathon/Trek
|
| 3:00 pm | Birkie Ridge - Finish
| Marathon/Half Marathon/Trek |
| 4:30 pm | Boedecker Aid Station -Northbound | Ultra |
| 6:00 pm | Timber Trail Aid Station - Northbound | Ultra |
| 7:30 pm | Birkie Trailhead Aid Station | Ultra |
| 9:30 pm | Timber Trail Aid Station - Southbound | Ultra |
| 11:00 pm | Cable - Finish | Ultra |
Spectators
The most popular spectator points are near the Aid Stations. These are the only locations where the courses are near roads. See the Google Map of Birkie Trail Run Events for locations. If you are planning to cheer on a runner at an aid station, please keep away from the immediate area around the workers. The Fire Tower Aid Station is on a very rough road and is only accessible by a vehicle with high clearance.
Please … No Dogs at Event
To assure the safety of all participants and spectators, no pets or strollers are allowed on the course. Pets are also not allowed anywhere on the event grounds, including the course, start / finish line area, tent, food, and spectator areas. Pets must be confined it to the parking area at Birkie Ridge.
Every participant in the Birkie Trail Run, Relay & Trek events will receive a commemorative t-shirt and a post-race meal, including your first Birkie Brewski Beer or soda for free!
Ultra runners who finish within the 17.5 hour cut-off will receive a gift commemorating their finish.
100k Ultra Overall Cash Prize
Cash prizes provided by Presenting Sponsor, Rivers Eatery, will be awarded to top overall male and female finishers in the 100k ultra marathon according to the table below.
| Place | Prize Money (US $) |
| 1st | $125 |
| 2nd | $75 |
| 3rd | $50 |
Marathon Overall Cash Prize
Cash prizes will be awarded to top overall male and female finishers in the marathon according to the table below.
| Place | Prize Money (US $) |
| 1st | $200 |
| 2nd | $100 |
| 3rd | $50 |
Half Marathon Overall & Master Cash Prize
A total purse of $4300 will be awarded to top overall and Master (40+) male and female finishers in the half marathon according to the table below.
| Place | Prize Money (US $) |
| 1st | $1000 |
| 2nd | $500 |
| 3rd | $300 |
| 4th | $100 |
| 1st Master (40+) | $250 |
5K Overall Prize
The first male and female across the line in the 5K will receive a certificate for a pair of Salomon shoes. Second and third place overall in the 5k, male and female, will each receive a gift card for the Birkie Store.
Marathon Relay Prize
Each team member of the overall first place 3- and 6-person relay teams will be awarded a certificate for a pair of Salomon shoes!
Relays are awarded in the following categories: Open Men; Open Women; Open Mixed Sex; Master (40+) Men; Master (40+) Women; Master (40+) Mixed Sex
Salomon Shoes for Winners in All Races
First place overall, male and female, in the Ultra, Marathon, Half marathon, and 5 Km races will receive a certificate for a pair of Salomon Shoes.
USA Track & Field Half Marathon Awards
Members of USATF are eligible to win Championship Medals for the Trail Half Marathon Championships which be awarded to the top ten overall finishers and the top three in 5 year age groups for those 40 and over.
Age Group Awards
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place runners, male and female,will receive a special award in each of the following classes.
- Marathon – 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
- Half Marathon – 13-17,18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
- 5 km – Under 8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69,70-79, 80+
Must be present at the Award Ceremony to receive prize. Awards will not be mailed out after the event.
Post-Race Celebration—in the Big Tent!
All race participants can enjoy a post-race Mediterranean chicken sandwich (vegetarian option available) provided by the Corner Deli and their first Birkie Brew-Ski ale included with their entry. Friends and family can purchase a meal for $5. There will be chocolate milk available for the kid’s after their race.
Saturday Night Celebration at Rivers Eatery
Join us at Rivers Eatery in Cable for an evening celebration. Rivers is one the finest hang-outs on the trails, famous for good pizza, good beer, and good people. The Ultra Award Ceremony is at 6:00 pm. All ultra runners will receive a free meal at Rivers after their race.
Want to get involved, see the event up close and personal, be part of what makes Birkie events great? We’d love to hear from you! Contact the Birkie at 715-634-5025 x: 2 or birkie@birkie.com and put “Trail Run Volunteer” in the subject line. There is no obligation—we’re happy to answer your questions. Contact us today!
The American Birkebeiner Foundation has commitment to supporting elite athletes at all of our events. We can offer travel and lodging assistance to eligible competitors in the Birkie Trail Run races. Send inquiries to elite@birkie.com
Title Sponsor
Dr. Carlson
Presenting Sponsor
Marathon
FITS
Presenting Sponsor
Marathon Relay
HydraPak
Presenting Sponsor
Half Marathon – USATF Championship
The Rivers Eatery
Presenting Sponsor
100K Ultra
MMC & HAMH
Presenting Sponsor
Kids 1K and “Dive for the Dirt!”
Obstacle Course
Corner Deli
Presenting Sponsor
Post-Race BBQ
Check out our Birkie Vendor Fair with great gear, clothing, and more while you wait for your friends and family to cross the finish line and dig into the post-race BBQ from The Corner Deli. Find your favorite part of the festival at this year’s Birkie Trail Run!
- Salomon – Trail Running and XC Skiing!
- FITS Socks
- Citizens Climate Lobby
- Gear West
- Hayward Coffee Company
- Leki Poles
- Mainstream Boutique
- New Moon Ski & Bike
- Riverbrook Bike & Ski
- Telemark Vacation Condominiums
- Katie Wilkins Massage
- Plus …
ABSF Booth – “Support Your Birkie Fever!”
And, the Birkie Store
