HAWYARD, Wis. -- Runners eager for a fall fitness challenge are invited to enter the 5th Annual American Birkebeiner Trail Run coming up on Saturday, September 22, 2007 in Hayward, Wis. Last year more than 100 runners participated on a crisp, colorful fall morning, and organizers are expecting even higher numbers this year.

Executive Director Ned Zuelsdorff said the format for the American Birkebeiner Trail Run has been significantly changed for 2007.

“The event will now include a 26.2 mile Marathon Relay, an individual 13.1 mile Half Marathon, and a 5K Fun Run,” he said. “All events will take place on the hilly Birkie Trail at one of the most beautiful times of the year in the Cable – Hayward area.”

Zuelsdorff said the 26.2 mile Marathon Relay will include categories for 3- and 6-person Open, Women’s and Mixed teams. All team members must be at least 16 years of age on Race Day, and teams will be handicapped based on participant ages and genders. The relay begins at 9 a.m. at the Cable Rod & Gun Club, near Cable and ends at Hatchery Creek Park.

Water, energy products and medical support will be available on the course, but Marathon Relay teams will be responsible for transporting team members to specified relay exchange points using a single vehicle. The drive route includes sand and gravel forest roads and higher clearance vehicles are recommended.

Zuelsdorff said the individual 13.1 mile Half Marathon, beginning at 10 a.m., includes men’s and women’s divisions and 10-year age classes. All half-marathon runners must be at least 16 years of age on race day. Runners will start at the Highway “OO” trailhead for the Birkie trail and cross the finish line at Hatchery Creek Park east of Hayward off Highway 77.

A third event, the 5K Fun Run, is open to anyone age 12 or older on race day and will take place beginning at 11 a.m. Runners will start and finish at Hatchery Creek Park.

In addition to a great day on the trail, there will be lots of goodies for participants including a great T-shirt, 10-year increment age class awards, post race food, beverages and door prizes.

Zuelsdorff said the 2007 Birkie Trail Run will kick off celebrations for the 35th anniversary of the American Birkebeiner cross country ski races and events in Cable and Hayward, Wis. from Thursday, Feb. 21 to Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008.

”Doing a running event on the Birkie Trail is a great way for skiers to train for 35th anniversary cross country ski races and events,” Zuelsdorff said. ”Birkie participants tell us this is the way they start getting back into the zone for the ski season. It’ll be a great day on the trail, and we encourage folks to be part of this fun event at a great time of the year at a fantastic site.”

To register for the Birkie Marathon Relay, Half Marathon or 5K Trail Run, click here or call 715/634-5025. To find out more about Birkie 2008 and 35th anniversary races and events, log on to www.birkie.com or call 715/634-5025.

Birkie 2008 is sponsored by Subaru, State Bank of Drummond, Cable Chamber of Commerce, Johnson Bank, Sawyer County Record and Superior Publishing, and other businesses throughout the region and country.

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