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Run the Birkie Trail amidst the Fall colors!
The nine events of the Birkie Trail Run Festival 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, make no mistake, this is a 100% trail race, with the famous Birkie hills, making for a challenging race. Hammer it or cover your favorite distance at a recreational pace. Either way, this event has a friendly, north woods vibe, awesome Vendor Fair, a finish-line party complete with a hot lunch, Earth Rider craft beer, root beer, on-site camping, bonfires, and more. Make it a weekend of fun with family and friends! If you love to run on a great trail, this is the event to put on your calendar NOW. See you in September!
NEW EVENT in 2019: 4-Person Ultra Marathon Relay!
Birkie Trail Run is getting rid of disposable cups! Bring your own hydration vessel or purchase a reusable and collapsible cup to use on course and at future races!
Choose Your Event!
- Ultra Marathon (100 km / 62 miles)
- Ultra Marathon Relay – NEW in 2019!
- Marathon (26.2 miles)
- 3 Person Marathon Relay (Costume Contest too!)
- 6 Person Marathon Relay (Costume Contest too!)
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- Nordic Trek (10 mile walk with or without trekking poles)
- 5 km Run/Walk
- 1 km for Kids – FREE!
Registration for the 2020 Birkie Trail Run Festival opens January 1, 2020!
Age Restrictions
Participants in the Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, and Ultra Marathon Relay must be 13 years old or older by September 26, 2020.
Marathon and Ultra marathon participants must be 18 years old or older by September 26, 2020.
Marathon Relay Categories
Marathon Relay Teams will be placed in one of 12 categories:
| 3 Person FEMALE OPEN | 3 Person FEMALE MASTERS | 6 Person FEMALE OPEN | 6 Person FEMALE MASTERS |
| 3 Person MALE OPEN | 3 Person MALE MASTERS | 6 Person MALE OPEN | 6 Person MALE MASTERS |
| 3 Person MIXED OPEN | 3 Person MIXED MASTERS | 6 Person MIXED OPEN | 6 Person MIXED MASTERS |
- 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.
Costume Contest – 3 & 6 Person Marathon Relay Teams
Put more fun in your relay run! Get your creative juices flowing and go for the glory of winning the first-ever Relay Team Costume Contest! The key to victory is wearing your team costumes all-day-long. One 6 person relay team and one 3 person relay team will be selected as winners and will be announced during Relay Awards at the main podium. A special cold & refreshing prize pack, courtesy of Earth Rider Brewery, is on the line! Run for Fun…and a Cold One!
Ultra Marathon Categories
Ultra marathon Relay teams will all be placed in one overall category.
- 4-Person Teams of any gender combination. Team members can exchange at any of the Ultra marathon 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 Ultra marathon aid station.
Friday, September 25, 2020
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 23rd.
- All Ultramarathon runners must pick up their bib on Friday – No race morning bib pick up for Ultramarathon.
Saturday, September 26, 2020
In the Vendor Fair Tent beginning at 6:30 a.m.
All events, except for the Ultramarathon, 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 Ultramarathon starts at Birkie Ridge and finishes in downtown Cable behind Rivers Eatery.
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
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
The Half Marathon is held on a 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
The Ultra marathon 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 course will deviate from the Marathon course after the Timber Trail aid station and continue to the American Birkebeiner Trailhead.
The Ultra marathon 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 25th 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, 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)
Getting to the Start
All of the races, except for the Ultramarathon, will start and finish at the Birkie Ridge Trailhead, 2.4 miles north of Seeley WI on Highway 63. The Ultramarathon 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. Aid Stations WILL NOT supply disposable paper cups. Bring your own hydration vessel.
Each aid station is staffed with friendly volunteers to help you refuel and offer medical assistance. The aid stations are supplied with water, Nuun Performance Drink, GU Gels, fruit, and cookies. All beverages will be in pitchers and volunteers will be prepared to re-fill your hydration vessel with your choice of fluid.
Ultra marathon Support
Ultra marathon 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 must be brought to the pre-race meeting on Friday evening. Drop bag service will not be offered for any other race distances.
Click here for details and directions for Ultra crews.
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 Ultra participant guide for more information.
Lights
Ultra marathon 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
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. If you must bring your pet, please leave them in 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 beer or soda for free!
Must be present at the Award Ceremony to receive Overall and Age Class awards. Awards will not be mailed after the event.
100k Ultra marathon Awards
Overall
The top male and female runners will receive a certificate for a pair of Salomon shoes!
Age Class
Ultra marathon runners who finish within the 17.5 hour cut-off will receive a gift commemorating their finish.
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.
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.
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+
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
Ultra marathon 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 Ultra marathon relay.
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 25th and Saturday, September 26th.
There will be portable toilets, water,and community fire pit available. No generators or pets allowed at the campground.
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
Post-Race Celebration—in the Big Tent!
All race participants can enjoy a post-race herb chicken sandwich (vegetarian option available) provided by the Corner Deli and their first Earth Rider craft beer 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: 2,1. 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
Carlson MD
Presenting Sponsor
Marathon
FITS
Presenting Sponsor
Marathon Relay
The Rivers Eatery
Presenting Sponsor
100K Ultra & Ultra Relay
MMC & HAMH
Presenting Sponsor
Kids 1K and “Dive for the Dirt!”
Obstacle Course
Corner Deli
Presenting Sponsor
Post-Race Lunch
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!
