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Birkie Trek - Nordic Walk
September 22, 2012
Start Time: 9:00 am - "OO" Trailhead, Seeley
The Birkie Trek is a "Nordic walking" event where use of poles is suggested. The Trek is a non-competitive, un-timed walk on the beautiful American Birkebeiner Trail. The Trail, used in the Winter for the American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Marathon, is mowed, relatively smooth, but hilly and challenging.
Autumn will be a great time to trek on the trail whether you’ve been on it before, or if it’s your first visit. This is intended to be a challenging, but fun event! All participants will receive a great looking Birkie Trail Run & Trek tech T-shirt and a finishers medal.
A "trekking warm-up and stretch" will take place at the start at 8:45, just before beginning your trek. The warm-up will be lead by the "Queen of Nordic Walking", Linda Lemke, from Hoigaards in the Twin Cities.
The Trek is 13.1 miles (21 kilometers) in length. Minimum age for the Birkie Trek is 16. If you don’t feel you’re ready to tackle the trail and its hills you are welcome to register for and Nordic walk the 5K Run/Walk.
Thanks to our Sponsors we will have a limited supply of “loaner” Nordic walking poles for you to use. You just need return them at the end of the trek.
Race Course
The Birkie Trail Run events take place on the famous Birkie Trail. The Birkie Trail offers a challenging race course for trail runners, on a mowed and relatively smooth grass covered surface from start to finish. The trail is free of rocks, roots or other obstacles.
Trail Run & Trek Event Fees
| Event | Until 7/31 | 8/1 to 9/16 | 9/17 to 9/21 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Marathon | $50 | $65 | $80 |
| Half-Marathon | $40 | $55 | $70 |
| 5K Fun Run/Walk | $25 | $35 | $45 |
| 21K Trek | $30 | $45 | $60 |
THERE IS NO RACE-DAY REGISTRATION
FOR THE BIRKIE TRAIL RUN EVENTS!
- Register online through Thursday, Sept. 20
- Register at the Birkie Office in Hayward (across from Marketplace parking lot) on Friday, Sept. 21, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Bag & Bib pick-up is Friday at the Birkie Office, starting at 9:00 am, and Saturday at Telemark, starting at 6:00 am.
Register Online
Fee reflects early pricing, up through 7/31.
Printable Entry Form
Plus ... Check This Out:
Course Map
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Bus to the Start
All Birkie Trek participants must park at Telemark Resort (finish area) and ride a bus to the start of the Trek. Parking is limited at the start area at the "OO" Trail crossing. Buses for the Birkie Trek Start will leave Telemark promptly at 8:15 AM.
There will be NO bus transport back to the start area after you finish your event.
Birkie Trail Trek Stages/Course Description
- Mile markers will be placed on the trail every mile indicating the number of miles remaining to the finish line. Signs will be placed on the trail marking ½ mile and ¼ mile to the finish line.
- Birkie Trek Nordic walkers may encounter Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay and 5K runners and walkers on the trail, especially later in course.
- Aid Stations are located at: Boedecker, Fire Tower, Timber Trail, and 4K from the Finish Line on the Korte Course
OO to Boedecker Road
Birkie Trail Trekkers start at "OO" at 9:00 a.m.
Distance - 2.7 miles/4.3K
Easiest - The shorter length and moderate hills and flats make for the easiest leg of the event.
Boedecker Road to Timber Trail Road
Distance - 5.9 miles/9.5K
Most Difficult - The longest leg with a major climb to the highest point on the course near the top of Fire Tower Hill. This section will be a challenge!
There will be an intermediate water stop at the Fire Tower aid station, 3 miles (4.8K) into this leg.
Timber Trail Road to the Finish
Distance - 4.5 miles/7.3K
Moderate to Easy - Flat and rolling makes it easier as you make the final push to the finish line!
