Birkie Trail Run Festival
September 26 & 27, 2020 • Join us on September 24 & 25, 2021!

See Event Updates & Safety Modifications Below! Read the Participant guide to ensure you are familiar with all safety precautions being implemented.

2020 BTR Participant Guide »

2020 Ultramarathon & Ultra Relay Participant Guide »

2020 Ultramarathon Prerace Briefing (skip to 10mins 45sec into video) »

Now 2 days – events happening on Saturday AND Sunday + Virtual Option!

New venue in 2020! The Birkie Trail Run Festival will start & finish at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, in Cable, WI.

The ABSF is pleased that the Birkie Trail Run Festival’s half marathon has once again been named the USA Track and Field 2020 Half Marathon Trail Championship!

The ABSF continues to monitor and follow all COVID-19 related event and gathering guidelines.  We have worked diligently with Bayfield County Public Health to put strict guidelines in place.  Thank you in advance for following all safety precautions.

Additional Safety Precautions

• Masks are required in the start and finish area.  Masks may be removed when on course, but please keep one with you for emergency situations and through aid stations.
• No spectators are allowed at the event.  In order to keep on site numbers lower, we are requesting that you do not bring spectators to the event.
• All participants will choose a start corral for their event.  Start corrals will consist of 30 runners over 5 minutes.
• Participants may switch to virtual anytime before their event.  You must change to virtual before September 18th to ensure your bib and tshirt will be mailed to you prior to the event.  All changes after September 18 will receive their bib and tshirt after the event weekend.
• We are required to have fewer volunteers on site.  Participants will find water and nuun at aid stations, but should carry any food and/or energy needed during the event.
• Ultra runners should limit the number of crew that assist them during the race.  Food options will be more limited than in years past.  More Ultra specific information can be found in the Ultra section.

September 16 Update

The registration team is getting ready to assign bib numbers and start corrals.  Each start corral will have 30 runners/5 minutes.  The race is chip timed, your time starts when you cross the line, so start anytime within your 5 minute corral.  If you think you will be in the top 10 finishers in your event, please email birkie@birkie.com with results and justification for your request by Friday, September 18th at 4 pm Central Time.  Participants will be eligible for the overall win and awards out of any start corral.

September 1 Update

Event participant numbers will be limited to ensure that we keep participant and staff numbers at safe levels.  Register now to ensure your spot!

August 19 Update

A new race schedule has been posted below. In order to keep numbers on site at the venue within recommended levels, events will be occurring on Saturday AND Sunday.  See below for more information.

August 18 Update

With guidance from Bayfield County Public Health, we are altering the schedule of events to reduce the number of participants on site at any given time.  Please continue to monitor this site for more information about day and time of events, but events will be now be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Sept 25, 26, and 27).  The course is also changing to avoid the single track sections.  A new course map will be available soon.  The course will be utilizing the Birkie Trail and other ski trails to maintain more space for participants and passing.  Our goal is to hold a safe event for participants, staff, and the local community!  More details will be available soon.

August 5 Update

We are working closely with local public health agencies to make changes to the Trail Run schedule and activities to increase safety precautions and implement safety protocols.  Some of the changes that participants will likely see will include changes to the schedule to spread out the start time of events, potential course changes, and changes to how we deliver aid station and finish line food and beverage.  We are also offering a virtual option for those of you that want to stay motivated and active, but are feeling uncertain about travel.  In-person registrations may be changed to virtual at any point until Wednesday, September 23.  Watch our latest video for more information.  Stay tuned for more details.

At our recent Lumberjack Run, we implemented a number of safety protocols, under the guidance of Sawyer County Public Health, designed to keep runners, volunteers and staff safe. Please watch the videos below to see the types of actions we’ll be taking at future Birkie events.

Age Restrictions

Participants in the Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, and Ultramarathon Relay must be 13 years old or older by September 26, 2020.
Marathon and Ultramarathon participants must be 18 years old or older by September 26, 2020.

Registration Deadlines

Register online until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25. There is no in-person or race-day registration.
Team Relay registration closes on Wednesday, September 23rd at 11:59 p.m.

Register through September 1 to guarantee a Birkie Trail Run tee!

Race Change Requests

Participants may transfer their entry from one Birkie Trail Run event to another at any time until 4:00pm CST on Friday, September 18, 2020 by completing this form.  No partial 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.

Participants may change to virtual for no additional charge. Email registration@birkie.com to request the change.

To make a RELAY race change, please email registration@birkie.com.

Individual Event Fees

Relay Event Registration

The Team Captain must register and pay for the team.  Each Team Member must register individually under the same Team Name to be issued the team bibs.  We will place your team in the appropriate team category based on age on race day and gender of your participants.

Marathon Relay Categories

Marathon Relay Teams will be placed in one of 12 categories:

• 3-Person Teams must have 2 or 3 team members and may exchange at any of the 5 exchange zones at the marathon aid stations.
• 3-Person Mixed Teams must have one member of each gender.
• 6-Person Teams must have 4 to 6 team members and may exchange at any of the 5 exchange zones at the marathon aid stations.
• 6-Person Mixed Teams must have two members of each gender.  A 6-Person Team with only one person of either gender will not qualify for any team category.
• A Masters’ team requires ALL members to be 40+ years old as of September 26, 2020.

Ultramarathon Categories

Ultramarathon Relay teams will all be placed in one overall category.

• Teams may consist of 2 to 4 members.
• 4-Person Teams of any gender combination.  Team members can exchange at any of the Ultramarathon aid stations.
• Team members can run in any order and exchange as many times as determined by the team, as long as the exchange occurs at an Ultramarathon aid station.

Time Limits

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end!  The following time limits are in place for each event:

• Ultramarathon: 17. 5 hours, must cross the finish line by 11 pm.
• Marathon:  7 hours, must cross the finish line by 3 pm.
• Half Marathon: 4 hours, must cross the finish line by 12 pm.
• Trek: 4 hours, must cross the finish line by 4 pm.
• 5K: 2 hours, must cross the finish line by 6 pm.

Relays must cross the finish line by 3 pm for the Marathon events and 11 pm for the Ultra.  More information on cut-off times on course will be found soon in participant information.

Virtual Runners

• Complete your race between Friday, September 25-Sunday, September 27
• Run your distance within the time limits of your event (i.e. Marathon must be completed in 8 hours or less)
• Run your distance in one consecutive time
• Individual relay members may run any distance at any time during the three days, but each leg distance must be completed in 1 day (i.e. member #1 may run 6 miles on Friday, member #2 6 miles on Sunday, and member #3 can run 14 miles on Saturday if they are registered for a 3-person marathon relay; distances cannot be split up by individual runners over multiple days)
• The total distance for a relay team must add up to the event distance
• CLICK HERE to “Lookup Registration” on Run Sign Up. (Or go to runsignup.com, search for Birkie Trail Run, click Results at top, then click “Submit Virtual Results)
  • Find your name. Click “Submit Virtual Results”
  • Enter your time and click “Submit Your Time”
  • See how you compare with other virtual participants!

Protect Your Registration!

Get reimbursed up to 100% on your registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons.  Next Wave Insurance offers Regsaver so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in case injury, illness, or another covered peril occurs.* Please see policy for complete list of covered perils at www.registrationsaver.com/birkie. Limitations and exclusions apply. Next Wave Insurance, CA License #: OF00755.

Learn More About RegSaver Registration Protection!

Birkie Trail Run Festival is a cupless event!  Bring your own hydration vessel or during registration purchase a reusable and collapsible cup to use on course and at future races!

Cupless Racing Sponsored by HydraPak.  Register by September 8th to purchase a cup during the registration process.  You’ll get your HydraPak speed cup at bib pick-up.

New in 2020! All events start and finish at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead located on McNaught Rd in Cable, WI!

All courses are changing to remove single track sections.  Updated maps available below.  

Updated course map 8/21/20

2020 BTR Course Map with mileage and aid station locations.

Marathon & Marathon Relay
Presented by Carlson MD and FITS

Half-Marathon

Total Distance: 13.1 miles

We are proud to be hosting the 2020 USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship!

Athletes who participate in National Championships and Team USA competitions are subject to drug testing performed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in accordance with the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing. 

• 1473 feet of elevation gain on the course.
• 2020 Marathon, Relay, Half Course Description

Participants do not have to be USATF members to run in the half marathon, but must have a valid USATF membership to place on the USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship podium.  Click here for more information on WI USATF membership.

100 km Ultramarathon and Ultra Relay

Total Distance: 2020 Confirmed distance= 100km, 62 miles
Total ascent is 3432 feet, descent 3461 feet per course lap.

• 2020 Ultramarathon Course
• 2020 Ultramarathon & Ultra Relay Participant Guide
• 2020 Ultra Details and Directions

The Ultra course will follow the half marathon course to Timber Trail aid station.  At Timber Trail, it will continue on the Birkie Skate trail towards OO.  The course will turn onto the classic trail before reaching OO and follow the classic trail back through Boedecker and Fire Tower Aid stations to where it meets the half marathon course at the intersection of Timber Trail Rd.  Near the finish area, the Ultra course will take the Lap bypass, go through the start area and head back on the course for lap 2.  Each lap is approximately 31 miles.

Food Options for Ultra Individuals:

Relay Protocol

• There will be no passing of equipment between team members.
• Members of the team may run the relay in any order.
• Team members may only make exchanges at aid stations.

Friday, Sept 25th 6:00 p.m. — Ultramarathon pre-race briefing will be held virtually

5 km Run / Walk

Total distance 5 km (3.1 miles)

The 5km course will take you on the Birkie Skate trail to smaller ski trails and give you a tour of some of the expanded trail system around the American Birkebeiner Trailhead.  With 350 feet of elevation gain, it’s a nice rolling course to put your legs to the test!

Nordic Trek

Total distance: 9 miles

• 900 feet of elevation gain on the Trek course.
• The Trek course will follow most of the Half Marathon course, but head back to the finish earlier to offer a shorter distance.  The Trek course will join with the 5K course after the Stadium aid station before making its way to the finish line.  This event is timed for safety purposes, but no awards or age groups are given.

All Bib Pick-up is by Drive-Up only.  Please double check your race confirmation to make sure everything is accurate before arriving to Bib Pick-up.  Email registration@birkie.com to make any changes prior to race day.

• No Race Day Registration – Registration for individual races is available online only until Friday, September 25th at 7:00 pm central time.
• All Relay Teams must be registered by 11:59 pm central time, Wednesday, September 23rd.
• Changes to virtual may be made at anytime, but only changes before Friday, September 18th will receive their bib before the event.

Friday, September 25, 2020 (Any Event)

Open Bib Pick-Up for ANY EVENT is from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead.

Saturday, September 26, 2020 (Event Specific)

• 7:00-8:00 am Half Marathon only
• 11:00 am-12:00 pm Trek and Ultra only
• 3:00-4:00 pm 5K  and Ultra only

Sunday, September 27, 2020 (Event Specific)

• 5:00 am Ultra only
• 5:30-6:30 am Ultra Relay only
• 7:00-8:00 am Marathon only
• 7:30-8:30 am Marathon Relay only

THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION FOR THE BIRKIE TRAIL RUN FESTIVAL EVENTS!

Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 — Race Schedule

Saturday

8 am Half Marathon (USATF start, followed by open starts)
12:00 pm Trek
4:00 pm 5k

Sunday

5:30 am Ultra
6:30 am Ultra Relay
8:00 am Marathon
8:30 am Marathon Relay

NEW This Year … “Satellite Expo” at New Moon Ski & Bike!

Visit New Moon on Hwy 63 and check out their “Race Bib” offer as well as FITS Socks, Sidas, and Anderson’s Maple Syrup at their tents and trailer showroom, outside in the New Moon parking lot. We’re making a safe, socially distanced Expo another part of your 2020 Birkie Trail Run experience!

New Moon Hours:
Friday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Getting to the Start

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., drive past the old lodge 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.

Aid Stations

There are three Aid Station locations for the Birkie Trail Run (most are used twice) depending on the race.  There are no aid stations on the 5K course. Aid Stations WILL NOT supply disposable paper cups.  Bring your own hydration vessel.

Due to Covid19 concerns, aid stations will be offering touchless water and Nuun Endurance Drink. Participants will be given GU Gels , Pure Fuel by Anderson’s Maple Syrup, and a Clif bar at bib pick-up to self-carry and use during the event.  Limited volunteers will be at the aid stations this year, plan on being more self-reliant than in years past.

Ultramarathon Support

Ultramarathon participants may have drop bags transported to aid stations. All drop bags must have the runner’s name and the name of the aid station clearly marked on them. Bags should be brought to the race start Sunday morning.  Please deposit your bag on the appropriate destination tarp for transport to each aid station.  See Ultra directions for more details.  Drop bag service will not be offered for any other race distances.

Food options will be limited this year and will be pre-packaged.  Available food for Ultra runners include: Small cans of cola, bananas/oranges, salty snacks, cup of noodles, Uncrustables, Pop Tarts, raisins, miniature candy bars,  and string cheese.  Hot water will be available at all aid stations except the Stadium station.

Drop Outs

If you are dropping out of the race, please report to an Aid Station Chief or at the Finish.  All Ultramarathon runners that drop out must report to Command Central.  See Ultramarathon participant guide for more information.

Lights

Ultramarathon runners will need a light for at least a portion of the race. Sunrise is at 7:00 am and sunset at 6:52 pm. Unless you plan on finishing long before sunset, you should plan on having access to a light. Runners will not be allowed to leave an aid station after 5:00 pm without a light.

Spectators

We all love spectators at events, however, 2020 may look different.  Please stay tuned for guidance on whether spectators will be encouraged to attend the event or cheer from afar. 

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, Great Hall, food, and spectator areas.

Every participant in the Birkie Trail Run events will receive a post-race meal, including your first beer or soda for free! The first 900 registered will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

The 2020 award ceremony will look different.  Please stay tuned for award procedures.

100k Ultramarathon Awards

Overall

The top male and female runners will receive a certificate for a pair of Salomon shoes! Second and third place male and female runners will receive podium awards.

Marathon Awards

Overall

The first male and female across the line in the Marathon will receive a certificate for a pair of Salomon shoes! Second and third place overall will receive podium awards.

Cash prizes for the Marathon, male and female. From Presenting Sponsor, CARLSON MD:

• 1st place $200 each, F/M
• 2nd place $100 each, F/M
• 3rd place $50, each F/M

Age Class

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 Awards

Overall

The first male and female across the line in the Half-Marathon will receive a certificate for a pair of Salomon shoes!  Second and third place overall will receive podium awards.

Cash prizes for the Half Marathon, male and female:

• 1st place $500
• 2nd place $250
• 3rd place $100

Age Class

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place runners, male and female, will receive a special award in each of the following classes:

• Half Marathon – 13-17,18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship

The first male and female USATF members across the finish line will win the USATF Half Marathon Trail Championships!  Make sure your USATF number is current or become a member here.

USATF members are also eligible for USATF Age Group Awards in the following categories:

• Open (top 10)
• 40-44
• 45-49
• 50-54
• 55-59
• 60-64
• 65-69
• 70-74
• 75-79
• 80-84
• 85-89
• 90-94

5K Awards

Overall

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 will receive podium awards.

Age Class

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place runners, male and female, will receive a special award in each of the following classes:

• 5 km – 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69,70-79, 80+

Marathon Relay Awards

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 Gender; Master (40+)  Men; Master (40+) Women; Master (40+) Mixed Gender

Ultramarathon Relay Awards

Each team member of the overall first place team will be awarded a certificate for a pair of Salomon shoes!

There is only one category for the Ultramarathon relay.

North Woods Getaway

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.

Lodging Options Are Available from the Regional Tourism Offices

No onsite camping will be available in 2020.

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

Post-Race Celebration

The post-race celebration may look differently than in a typical year.  We’ll keep you updated with the latest and what you can expect from our friends at the Corner Deli and Earth Rider Brewery. 

Stay well hydrated at the Birkie Trail Run. You will carry your own hydration and fuel with you for this event—water refill will be available. Find the perfect solution for you, from handhelds to packs.  Click here for hydration gear options.

Be ready for those Birkie hills! Running uphill often seems too hard or we try to run too quickly and explode. Improve your uphill technique with these tips.

Uphill Running Tips
Training Plans

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!

Click Here to Volunteer!

2020 Birkie Trail Run Results

2019 Birkie Trail Run Results

2018 Birkie Trail Run Results

2017 Birkie Trail Run Results

2016 Birkie Trail Run Results

2015 Birkie Trail Run Results

2014 Birkie Trail Run Results

2013 Birkie Trail Run Results

2012 Birkie Trail Run Results

2011 Birkie Trail Run Results

Birkie Trail Run Festival History
**Course lengths and routes have changed over the years so year to year time comparisons are not relevant.

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is committed to supporting elite athletes at all of our events. Send inquiries to elite@birkie.com to see what support is available.

Title Sponsor

Carlson MD
Presenting Sponsor
Marathon

FITS
Presenting Sponsor
Marathon Relay

Sidas
Presenting Sponsor
100K Ultra / Ultra Relay

Corner Deli
Presenting Sponsor
Post-Race Lunch

NEW This Year … “Satellite Expo” at New Moon Ski & Bike!

Visit New Moon on Hwy 63 and check out their “Race Bib” Offer as well as FITS Socks, Sidas, and Anderson’s Maple Syrup at their tents and trailer showroom, outside in the New Moon parking lot. We’re making a safe, socially distanced Expo another part of your 2020 Birkie Trail Run experience!

New Moon Hours:
Friday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

ALSO … Get these 8 Sponsor Specials!

Check your email on Saturday, September 19 for even more great offers from our sponsors!