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!
All events 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 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.
Get reimbursed up to 100% on your Trail Run registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons including:
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 »
| 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 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 |
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.
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.
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.
Click Here to register for Camping at Birkie Ridge Trailhead. For more information contact birkie@birkie.com.
Sawyer County, WI, USA
800-724-2992 or 715-634-4801
info@haywardlakes.com
www.haywardlakes.com
800-724-2992 or 715-634-8662
www.haywardareachamber.com
800-533-7454
www.cable4fun.com
800-523-6318 or 715-234-8888
www.ricelakewis.com/lodging/hotels-motels/
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.
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
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
The Ultra is held on a single-loop course starting at the Birkie Ridge Trailhead and finishing in downtown Cable. It is 95% trail with 2 sections totaling 3 miles of very low traffic gravel roads. 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 southern section of Hatchery single-track is generally rougher than the rest of the course. The single-track is much less steep than the Birkie Trail. It is generally fast and easy running. Total Distance: 60.7 miles
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)
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.
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! At the same time, visit the CXC Experience truck for biathlon practice, test your double pole endurance on the SkiErgs, and see what ski jumping is all about. It’s a fun place to get kids active and moving while waiting for your runner to finish!
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)
| 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 |
All of the races will start and finish at the Birkie Ridge Trailhead, 2.4 miles north of Seeley WI on Highway 63. There is ample parking at Birkie Ridge, please enter the southern entrance and exit the north entrance.
There are three Aid Stations locations for the Birkie Trail Runs, most are used twice, depending on the race. All participants should plan to carry their own supplies between stations.
Each aid station staffed with friendly volunteers too help you refuel and with any medical assistance. They will be supplied with water, Nuun Drink, GU Gels, fruit, and cookies.
Each team member will be assigned the same number, however all legs of the the relay will be timed.
| 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 |
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.
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, and 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 ticket for a post-race BBQ 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.
A total pursue 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 |
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 |
Cash prizes 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 |
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.
Second and third place overall in the 5k, male and female, will receive a gift card for the Birkie Store.
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
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.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place runners, male and female,will receive a special award in each of the following classes.
Must be present at the Award Ceremony to receive prize. Awards will not be mailed out after the event.
All race participants can enjoy a post-race fajita lunch 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 doughnut holes and chocolate milk available for the kid’s after their race.
Dance your cool down! You can work off the lactic acid by dancing to the live music in the tent after the race!
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. Share your race stories and enjoy live music at the the party. 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
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!
