NCTRaces: Bird Sanctuary

The NCTRaces: Bird Sanctuary event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Solon Springs, Wisconsin. This race takes place within the Douglas County Wildlife Area, a unique brush prairie habitat known locally as "The Bird Sanctuary." The course is composed entirely of the North Country Trail, featuring nearly 100% single-track paths through open fields, timber sections, and wetlands. Because this area is typically the first in the region to clear of snow, it serves as a premier springtime trail event for the local running community.

Race Distance	Start Time	Participant Limit
20k	10:00 AM	75 Runners
10k	10:30 AM	75 Runners

Solon Springs is a village in Douglas County, Wisconsin, with a population of approximately 600 residents. The demographic profile of Douglas County is approximately 91.2% White, 2.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian. The median annual household income in the county is roughly $62,500. Geographically, the Bird Sanctuary is a managed wildlife area consisting of rolling hills and glacial topography. The mid-April climate in northern Wisconsin is characterized by average lows of 1°C (33°F) and highs of 12°C (53°F). While the trails are often clear of snow by race day, runners should prepare for soft ground and potential mud common during the spring thaw. The 10k course is an out-and-back route toward the Highway 53 Trailhead, while the 20k consists of two distinct out-and-back sections that cover the full expanse of the sanctuary. Both courses utilize "water only" aid stations at the trailheads. The race headquarters and start/finish line are located at 13038 S. Bird Rd., where limited R.V. camping sites are available by request. Registration closes on the Thursday prior to the race, and due to the strictly enforced 150-person total limit, early entry is recommended. The top performance for the 20k was established in 2024 by Owen Dickenson with a time of 1:16:50.