The following press release was provided by ATRA member Birkie Trail Run Festival and recaps the event held this past weekend. Photographs provided by ©American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation®/Kelly Randolph.
The 2023 Icebug Birkie Trail Run, which took place on Saturday, September 23, 2023, in Hayward, Wisconsin, proved to be an unforgettable experience despite the rainy conditions. Runners from across the midwest gathered to test their mettle on the challenging trails of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), and their determination shone brightly through the light rain.
On course at the Icebug Birkie Trail Run. Photo: ©American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation®/Kelly Randolph
Throughout the day, participants were treated to a unique blend of natural beauty as the fall colors were on full display, creating a stunning backdrop for the event. Despite the wet course, warm temperatures and high spirits prevailed among the runners, making the 2023 Icebug Birkie Trail Run a remarkable success.
Icebug Birkie Trail Run Results
Marathon – Women’s
Josie Nelson – 4:05:50
Anna Curtis – 4:27:00
Amber Hardwig – 4:36:03
Marathon – Men’s
Evan Wetzel – 3:27:31
Sam Holt – 3:53:06
Chris Ploenzki – 4:22:23
Half Marathon – Women’s
Kristen Monahan – 1:49:50
Margie Nelson – 1:57:03
Rosa Bixler – 1:57:22
Half Marathon – Men’s
Jeffrey Quednow – 1:33:30
Ben Lewer – 1:34:13
Jacob Lockner – 1:40:40
Enjoying the race. Photo: ©American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation®/Kelly Randolph
5k – Women’s
Erin Schmitt – 23:47
Elsie Myers – 24:40
Katie Langer – 26:23
5k – Men’s
Devon Byers – 20:40
Liam Langer – 20:44
Davis Rolstad – 22:26
3-Person Marathon Relay Champions
Women’s – TCSC-1
Men’s – Ty’s Orange Snack
Co-Ed – Street Operations
Women’s Masters – Gopher It, Team of 3
Men’s Masters – Team AARP
Co-Ed Masters – Old Speed Goats
6-Person Marathon Relay Champions
Women’s – We Love Hills
Men’s – Full Moon
Co-Ed – 99 Bananas
Women’s Masters – Seeley Striders
Men’s Masters – Slabahdabahdeux
Co-Ed Masters – Nelson Lake JV Squad
Fall colors highlight the course. Photo: ©American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation®/Kelly Randolph
Race Director Kristy Maki, expressed her gratitude to all the participants, volunteers, and sponsors who made the event possible. “Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the trail run was a testament to the resilience and determination of our running community. We were thrilled to see so many passionate runners take on this challenging course and experience the breathtaking beauty of the fall season in this region.”
The Icebug Birkie Trail Run has become an annual tradition, drawing runners of all levels and ages who seek a unique and memorable race experience. The event promotes fitness, outdoor exploration, and a sense of camaraderie among participants.
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, which hosts the Icebug Birkie Trail Run, is dedicated to supporting healthy, active lifestyles and the preservation of natural landscapes for future generations. They would also like to extend their gratitude to the numerous sponsors that made this event possible.
Title Sponsor: Icebug – Swedish Traction Footwear
Presenting Sponsors:
Carlson, MD – Presenting Sponsor of the Marathon
Vibes Bakery – Presenting Sponsor of the Marathon Relay
Anderson Maple Syrup – Presenting Sponsor of the Half Marathon
LEKI Poles – Presenting Sponsor of the Nordic Trek
Kemps – Presenting Sponsor of the 5k Run/Walk
Hayward Area Memorial Hospital – Presenting Sponsor of the Kids 1K and Dive for the Dirt obstacle course
Supporting Sponsors:
Athletic Brewing Company – Official NA Beer of the Birkie
Backroads Coffee – Official Coffee of of the Birkie
Ariens – Official sno-thro and lawn care equipment of the Birkie
UnTapped – Official Fuel & Hydration of Year-Round Birkie Events
FITS Socks
Fluid Health and Fitness
Lynn’s Custom Meats and Catering
Timber Ford and Timber Marine
For more information about the event and the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, please visit www.birkie.com or contact Blair Flickinger, Marketing Director, at [email protected].
Andy Wacker winning the 2020 USATF Half Marathon Trail.Championship.
Editor’s Note: Enjoy Trail Running Meets Cross Country Skiing written by Richard Bolt, an article on the 2020 USATF Half Marathon Trail Running Championships, and an article from the 2022 USATF Half Marathon Trail Running Championships.
