Trail Run & Trek Trail Birkie Event Guide 2016

2016 Birkie Trail Run & Trek Participant Guide

Welcome to the Birkie Trail Run & Trek 2016!

This participant guide contains everything you’ll need to know to be prepared for a great race day on October 1. The Birkie staff has been hard at work making certain that from bib pick-up, to the course, to aid stations, to post-race festivities, and everything in between, we’ve created the best possible race experience for you. As always, our number one priority is that you have a safe and successful race.

Thanks, for participating in the 2016 Birkie Trail Run & Trek! We look forward to seeing soon! Let’s get started!

Friday, September 30

Pre-Race Bib Pick-Up Bib pick-up is available at Birkie Ridge from 1:00pm to 8:00pm (directions on page 2). The first 750 participants to pick-up their bibs will receive a free 12-oz. HydraPak SoftFlask for use during the October 1st events. New this year, runners can check out our new Birkie Vendor Fair where over 16 vendors will gather with the latest running gear, clothing, shoes, socks, accessories, and more! Vendors will be on site during bib pick-up and on race day for any last-minute needs.

Race Day Bib Pick-Up If you are unable to pick-up your bib on Friday, September 30, you may pick-up your bib on race day, October 1, just look for the registration table under the big tent at Birkie Ridge trailhead beginning at 6:30am.

Bibs Your bib is a unique identifier and must be worn and visible at all times on race day. Bibs should be fastened to the front of your running attire with safety pins. All runners will have a chip in their bib with the exception of relay team members; only the relay team member running the final leg of the race will have a chip in his/her bib. Do not remove, alter or fold the timing chip in any way.

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Late Race Registration Registration for individual events is available online or in person at Birkie Ridge until 8:00pm on Friday, September 30. Please note there is no race day registration. All Relay Teams must be registered by Wednesday, September 28th.

Vendor Fair New this year! Check out our new Birkie Vendor Fair with great gear, clothing, and more! The Vendor Fair will be open during bib pick-up on Friday from 1:00pm to 6:00pm and again on race day from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

 Salomon  Skratch Labs  FITS  Riverbrook Bike & Ski  Hydro Flask  RooSport Magnetic Pocket  Bjorn Daehlie  Mainstream Boutique  Gear West  The Corner Deli  Bliz Eyewear  Hayward Coffee Company  Bergans of Norway  Birkie Store  Altra Running Shoes  And more!  Julbo Eyewear

Saturday, October 1

Getting There The race start and finish lines are located at Birkie Ridge Trailhead on U.S. Highway 63. Whether coming from the north or south, Birkie Ridge is very easy to find. Watch for large yellow parking signs marking the entrance to Birkie Ridge on U.S. Highway-63.

From Hayward, take U.S. Highway-63 north to the Birkie Ridge trailhead, located 12.5 miles north of Hayward, WI and 2.4-miles north of Seeley, Wisconsin. Look for large yellow parking signs directing you to turn right into Birkie Ridge on the east side of Highway 63.

From Cable, take U.S. Highway-63 south to the Birkie Ridge trailhead, located 5-miles south of Cable, Wisconsin. Look for large yellow parking signs directing you to turn left into Birkie Ridge on the east side of Highway 63

Parking There is ample parking available at Birkie Ridge trailhead. Upon arrival, you’ll be directed to enter on the south end of the trailhead and guided to your parking spot. When it is time to leave, you’ll exit only to the north. Just follow the arrows!

Please note, pets are not allowed on the race course or in the event tent at any time. Thank you!

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Race Day Event Schedule  5:30 AM Ultra-Marathon Start – Presented by HydraPak  6:30 AM Bib Pick Up Opens  8:00 AM Marathon Start (25.8 miles) – Presented by CARLSON MD  8:30 AM Marathon Relay Start (25.8 miles) – Presented by FITS  9:00 AM Nordic Trek Start (10 miles) – Presented by Out There Shop  10:00 AM Half-Marathon Start (12.4 miles) – Presented by Hydro Flask  10:30 AM 5K Start – Presented by Corner Deli  11:00 AM Post-Race Party Begins – Food, Live Music, Celebration!  11:30 AM Kid's Warm Up & 1K Race  12:00 PM Overall Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half-Marathon, & 5K Awards  12:30 PM Age-group awards for Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K  3:00 PM Final Marathon Finishers  7:00 PM Post-race celebration continues at Rivers Eatery  8:00 PM Ultra-marathon champion awards and celebration at Rivers Eatery

Race Courses The Birkie Trail Run & Trek shares common trails for all events. As such, the race courses will be fully marked with color-coded signage unique to each specific race. At various times during your run or trek you will see signs for other events. Please note the color designated for your event, be alert, and follow the correct events signs located along the trail! Designated colors are:

 5K – red  Half-marathon – yellow  Marathon & Marathon relay - pink,  Nordic Trek - green

Additionally, each mile will be identified with mile markers, in corresponding colors, counting the miles down to the finish.

For your convenience, course maps and elevation profiles are available at http://www.birkie.com/run/events/birkie-trail-run.

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Aid Stations There are three aid station locations along the course route. Most aid stations are used twice as the courses loop back around; of course, this depends on each specific race. Each aid station will be fully supplied with water, Nuun Hydration, GU energy gels, fruit, and Clif Bars. There are toilet facilities and basic medical care available at each aid station. The 5k course has one drink aid station supplied with water and Nuun Hydration.

Trail runs traverse difficult terrain and you can expect to add up to 20% more time per mile than in a road race. Participants should plan to carry their own hydration and nutrition supplies between stations.

Aid Station Details – Marathon, Relay, Half, and Nordic Trek Marathon & Marathon Relay Aid Stations Miles from Miles from Miles to next Cut-Off Station Start Finish Station Time Birkie Ridge -Start 0 25.6 3.7 N/A Boedecker- 1 Southbound 3.7 21.9 5.8 N/A Boedecker - 2 Northbound 9.5 16.1 5.2 N/A Timber Trail- 12:00 3 Northbound 14.7 10.9 5 pm Timber Trail - 4 Southbound 19.7 5.9 3.3 1:00 pm 5 Fire Tower 23 2.6 2.6 2:15 pm 6 Birkie Ridge -Finish 25.6 0 0 3:00 pm

Half-Marathon Aid Stations Miles from Miles from Miles to next Cut-Off Station Start Finish Station Time Birkie Ridge -Start 0 12.4 3.7 N/A Boedecker- 1 Southbound 3.7 8.7 2.3 N/A Boedecker - 2 Northbound 6.0 6.4 3.8 N/A 3 Fire Tower 9.8 2.6 2.6 2:15 pm 4 Birkie Ridge -Finish 12.4 0 0 3:00 pm

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Nordic Trek Aid Stations Miles from Miles from Miles to next Cut-Off Station Start Finish Station Time Birkie Ridge -Start 0 9.8 3.7 N/A Boedecker- 1 Southbound 3.7 6.1 3.5 N/A 2 Fire Tower 7.2 2.6 2.6 2:15 pm 3 Birkie Ridge -Finish 9.8 0 0 3:00 pm

Race Cut-off Times Participants will not be allowed to continue on the course past the cut-off times (noted on the preceding tables) and must reach the finish by 3:00pm to be considered an official finisher. Transport back to Birkie Ridge will be provided for those not making the cut-off times.

Safety No headphones or ear buds are allowed on the course. Runners may be asked to withdraw from the race if, upon assessment, the event medical team feels that it is too dangerous for the runner to continue.

Go Cup Free The ABSF is strongly encouraging participants to help make the Birkie Trail Run & Trek a clean race by hydrating with a SoftFlask or other personal hydration vessel. That being said, aid stations will continue to provide disposable cups to ensure hydration of all runners and trekkers. Just a reminder that the first 750 participants to pick-up their bibs will receive a free 12-oz. HydraPak SoftFlask for use during the October 1st events.

Dropping Out If you need to drop-out of any race or the Nordic Trek, you must report to an aid station Chief or to the bib pick-up area at Birkie Ridge notifying them of your status.

Please Share with Your Cheering Posse The only locations where the various race courses are accessible by roads are at designated aid stations. If you are planning to cheer on a runner at an aid station, please be mindful of the runners and volunteer staff. Please keep away from the immediate area around the workers and out of the way of runners and trekkers. Please note, access to the Fire Tower aid station is on a rough road and requires a high clearance vehicle. Spectators are welcomed to enjoy a hike or bike ride on the Birkie and CAMBA trails as a means to watching the races. Please remember that pets are not allowed on the course or in the big tent at any time! Thank you.

Spectators are encouraged to share their photos from the day’s events on social media using the hashtag #BirkieFever.

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Extra Information for Relay Teams Relay exchanges may only be made at the aid stations as identified on the course map. The exchanges are executed by the passing of a pink slap bracelet which will be given to the team leader at bib pick-up. All members of the relay team will be given a bib with the same number, the runner of the final leg must wear the bib with the affixed timing chip.

Exchange zones:  3-Person relay teams must have 2 to 3 runners and may exchange at any of the 5 marathon aid stations.  6-Person relay teams must have 4 to 6 runners and may exchange at any of the 5 marathon aid stations.

Relay Team Driving Route Please exit on the north end of the parking area, opposite from where you entered the lot, and follow the blue directional arrows to the aid stations/exchange zones. Maps and directions are available at both pre-race and race day bib pick-up. Please note, access to the Fire Tower aid station is on a rough road and requires a high clearance vehicle. Parking is limited at the aid stations. Please be careful of runners crossing the road! Please note that no pets are allowed on the trail at any time.

For the Nordic Trekkers Out There Shop, Presenting Sponsor of the Birkie Nordic Trek event, will have a limited supply of trekking poles available for loan on race day. The poles will be available at the start/finish area tent on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, email Out There Shop at info@outthereshop or call 715-234-4505.

Trail Race for the Kids Birkie Ambassadors, elite athletes, will be hosting the kid’s activities at Birkie Ridge Trailhead at 11:30am. Activities include warm-ups, a free 1K race for kids ages 12 and under, followed by donut holes and chocolate milk.

CXC Experience Zone Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC Skiing) will be on hand with their experiential vehicle featuring a range of sports including: mountain biking; biathlon; ski jumping; adaptive sport; Ski-Ergs; and an agility course; allowing visitors to try their hand at any number of activities. The CXC Experience will be open Friday, September 30 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm and Saturday, October 1 from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

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Celebrate the Run with Two Post-Race Parties

Post-Race BBQ & Dance – in the Big Tent! Post-race festivities begin in the big tent at 11:00am with picnic-style fixin’s and cold beverages provided by the Corner Deli. Participants will receive 1 meal and 1 post-race beverage using their bib as their ticket; you must have your bib with you to claim your meal and beverage. Spectators can purchase a meal for $5.00 and beverages are available to all for a small fee.

Dance your cool down! You can work off lactic acid by dancing to the live music of Boomchucks in the big tent after the race!

Saturday Night Celebration at Rivers Eatery! The post-race festivities continue at Rivers Eatery in Cable at 7:00pm on Saturday night. One of the finest hangouts on the trails, Rivers is known for good pizza, good beer, and good people. Share your stories and enjoy live music at the after party. The celebration continues with the Ultra 100K Champion awards ceremony at 8:00pm.

Awards An overall marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon and 5K awards ceremony will take place at 12:00pm on the stage in the post-race celebration area outside of the event tent. Age-group awards for the marathon, half-marathon and 5K will follow. Please join us in congratulating the winners for each race event and category! Please note, you must be present to receive your award.

Marathon Prizes will be awarded to the overall top three male and female finishers in the marathon division.  First place male and female - $700 courtesy of CARLSON MD, Presenting Sponsor of the Birkie Trail Run & Trek marathon event.  Second male and female - $350 courtesy of CARLSON MD  Third place male and female - $150 courtesy of CARLSON MD  First place male and female, will receive a certificate for a pair of Salomon trail- running shoes, courtesy of Salomon, Title Sponsor of the Birkie Trail Run & Trek

Half-Marathon and 5K  First place overall, male and female, in the half-marathon, and 5K races will receive a certificate for a pair of Salomon trail running shoes, courtesy of Salomon, Title Sponsor of the Birkie Trail Run & Trek.  Second and third place, overall male and female, in the half-marathon and 5K will receive a gift certificate to the Birkie Store.

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Relay Marathon Each team member of the overall winners of the 3- and 6-person marathon relay teams will be awarded either a certificate for a pair of Salomon shoes or a Salomon Hydration Pack, courtesy of Salomon, title sponsor of the Birkie Trail Run & Trek. Relays are awarded in the following categories:  Open Men  Open Women  Open Mixed  40+ Men  40+ Women  40+ Mixed

Age Group Age group awards will be presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place runners, male and female, and will receive a special award courtesy of Hydro Flask, presenting sponsor of the Birkie Trail Run & Trek half-marathon. Age group class award categories:  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+

If You Need Assistance on Race Day If you have any questions, please see any of the following on race day:  Race chief - blue bibs  Volunteers – orange bibs  Bike Patrol and EMT staff – identified by their uniforms  Medical Staff – in the identified medical tent

Where to Stay Lodging options are available from the regional tourism offices. Camping is available at Birkie Ridge Trailhead. You can pitch your tent or park your camper within sight of the start/finish! Camping is available at Birkie Ridge on Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st, for a $10 per night. There will be portable toilets, water, and a community fire pit available. No generators or pets are allowed at the campground.  Pre-register until Thursday, September 29 at 11:00pm  Check-in and register on site from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday and at bib pick-up on Saturday. Check-out is by noon on Sunday  Visit www.birkie.com/run/events/birkie-trail-run to register for Camping at Birkie Ridge Trailhead

Please call 715-634-5025 or email us at [email protected] with any questions!

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Have a great race and thanks for participating in the Birkie Trail Run & Trek 2016!

Good luck!

With special thanks to our amazing sponsors without whom the Birkie Trail Run & Trek would not be possible!

Salomon – Title Sponsor Birkie Trail Run & Trek CARLSON MD - Presenting Sponsor Marathon FITS - Presenting Sponsor Marathon Relay Hydro Flask - Presenting Sponsor Half-Marathon HydraPak - Presenting Sponsor 100K Ultra Out There Shop - Presenting Sponsor Nordic Trek Corner Deli - Presenting Sponsor 5K, Post-Race BBQ & Beverage GU – Official Energy NUUN – Official Hydration

Along with our other fine sponsors!

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