Birkie Trail Run

Save the Date: September 26-27, 2025
Marathon, Half-Marathon, Relay, 5k, Trek
American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI

Marathon

Marathon Relay

Half Marathon

Nordic Trek

5k

Kids Fun Run

Let’s Do This!

Seven Events, One Amazing Day. Discover the Warrior Within.

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.

Registration for the 2025 Birkie Trail Run – Open Jan 1st!

Registration Includes:

  • Custom T-shirt – stay tuned for 2025 swag!
  • Race bib & pins
  • Finisher Medal
  • On-course aid station fuel, sponsored by UnTapped
  • Post Race snacks and Kemp’s chocolate milk to re-charge
  • Complementary Earth Rider Beer or Soda – cheers!

Jan 1 thru March 13March 14 thru May 15May 16 thru August 7August 8 thru September 4September 5 thru Event Close
Marathon$95$105$115$125$135
Marathon Relay, 3-person$140$155$170$185$200
Marathon Relay, 6-person$280$310$340$370$400
Half Marathon$70$80$90$100$110
Trek – 8.5 miles$45$55$65$75$85
5 Km Run/Walk$35$40$45$50$55
5 km Ages 12 and Under$10$10$10$10$10
1 km Kids Dash Ages 9 and UnderFREEFREEFREEFREEFREE

Registration Deadlines & Restrictions

  • Register online until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 for the Marathon & Half Marathon.
  • Registration online for the Trek, 5k, & Kids Dash will be open until the races start!
  • Team Relay registration closes on Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
    • To make a RELAY race change, please email registration@birkie.com
  • Participants in the Half Marathon and Marathon Relay must be 13 years old or older by September 27, 2025. Marathon participants must be 18 years old or older by September 27, 2025.

Relay Event Registration

The first member to register a team will pay for the entire team. Other members must register, but will not be charged.  Only registered team members will receive a bib and trail run swag. We will place your team in the appropriate team category based on age on race day and gender of your participants.

Race Change Requests

Participants may transfer their entry from one Birkie Trail Run event to another at any time until 11:59 pm CDT on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

  • To change your event/technique:
    • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
    • Scroll down to your event and click “Manage Registration”
    • Click on “Transfer Event” (along either top or bottom menu)
    • Select the event you want to transfer to and complete the registration

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.

To make a RELAY race change, email registration@birkie.com to remove the old member(s) and then register the new members.

Elite Athletes

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

Registration Insurance

Protect your registration! Get reimbursed up to 100% on your registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons. Fanshield offers Registration Cancellation Insurance so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in the case of injury, illness, or other unexpected events. Fanshield Insurance can only be purchased during the initial registration transaction, and it cannot be added to an event registration after the transaction has been completed. 

Parking key (29)

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.

Friday, September 26, 2025

3:00 pm – 7:00 pm — American Birkebeiner Trailhead.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

6:30 am — American Birkebeiner Trailhead

Birkie Trail Run Event Schedule

6:30 AMBib Pick Up Opens
8:00 AMMarathon Start
8:30 AMMarathon Relay Start
9:00 AMDive for the Dirt Kid’s Obstacle Course Open
9:15 AMHalf Marathon Start
9:30 AMTrek Start
9:45 AM5K Start
10:00 AMPost Race Party Begins
11:00 AM5K Overall & Age Group Awards
12:00 PMKid’s Warm Up & 1 km Race
12:30 PMHalf Marathon Awards – Overall & Age Class
12:45 PM Marathon Awards – Overall & Relay
1:15PM Marathon Age Group Awards
3:00 PMFinal Marathon Finish Cut-Off

5k Run/Walk

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!

Nordic Trek

Featuring a new course this year, embark on an invigorating 9.5 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!

Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, & Marathon (2 laps)

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!

3-Person Marathon Relay Team

  • Teams consist of 2-3 runners that work together to complete two laps on the scenic 13.1 mile loop.
  • Teams can make an exchange at any of the 5 aid station locations.
  • Divisions
    • Women’s teams must be all-women
    • Men’s teams must be all-men
    • Mixed Teams must have at least one member of each gender
    • Masters’ team – ALL members must be 40+ years old as of September 27, 2025
  • Participants in the Marathon Relay must be 13 years old or older by September 27, 2025

6-Person Marathon Relay Team

  • Teams consist of 4-6 runners that work together to complete two laps on the scenic 13.1 mile loop.
  • Teams can make an exchange at any of the 5 aid station locations.
  • Divisions
    • Women’s team – must be all-women
    • Men’s team – must be all-men
    • Mixed team – must have at least two members of each gender
    • Masters’ team – ALL members must be 40+ years old as of September 27, 2025
  • Participants in the Marathon Relay must be 13 years old or older by September 27, 2025

Drive Route

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.

Participant guide birkie trail run 2024 (6)

Note: Aid Stations WILL NOT supply disposable paper cups. Bring your own hydration vessel.

Marathon Awards

Overall

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:

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

Half-Marathon Awards

Overall

The top 3 male and female Half Marathon finishers will be awarded 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 three male and female finishers 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 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

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

For more information, please visit our lodging page to view the different lodging options that are around the area.

Presenting Sponsors of the Birkie Trail Run Festival

Leki Poles
FITS Socks

Gold Circle Elite
Gold Level Sponsors of the Major Birkie Events Year-Round

Salomon
AriensCo
Untapped
Kwik Trip
Tamarack Health
Republic Services
Backroads Coffee
TIOA
Earth Rider Brewery
Maloja
Timber Ford
Borah

Learn more about Birkie partnerships by contacting Jen DeYoung at Jen.DeYoung@birkie.com.