2026 NCTRaces: Bird Sanctuary

The 2026 NCTRaces: Bird Sanctuary takes place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Douglas County Wildlife Area (The Bird Sanctuary) located at 13038 S. Bird Rd., Gordon, Wisconsin. Participants can expect a trail running event featuring 10k and 20k distances on the North Country Trail, with a course through open prairie, timbered sections, ponds, and wildflowers. For this date in Solon Springs, Wisconsin, historical weather data indicates typical spring conditions with average high temperatures around 55°F (13°C) and lows near 35°F (2°C), with a moderate chance of precipitation; runners should prepare for variable weather including potential mud or wet trails.

What event name and date should participants know?

The event is called NCTRaces: Bird Sanctuary and is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026.

What locations and venues are involved?

The event takes place at the Douglas County Wildlife Area, known as The Bird Sanctuary, with the address 13038 S. Bird Rd., Gordon, Wisconsin 54838, in the United States.

What distances are available for this event?

• →10k race starting at 10:30 AM
• →20k race starting at 10:00 AM

What is the event format and course type?

The event is a trail race with 100% North Country Trail and 99.9% single-track terrain, featuring out-and-back courses through open prairie and timbered sections with rolling hills.

What is the event schedule for Friday, April 17?

• →4:00–6:30 PM: Packet pick-up and registration
• →6:30 PM: Unofficial Beer Mile

What is the event schedule for Saturday, April 18?

• →8:00–10:00 AM: Packet pick-up and registration
• →10:00 AM: 20k start
• →10:30 AM: 10k start

What is included in registration for the event?

Registration includes participation in the chosen distance, access to aid stations with water at designated trailheads, and support for the Brule-St. Croix chapter of the North Country Trail Association through charitable proceeds.

Are there any participant limits for the event?

Yes, the participant limit is 75 runners per distance for both the 10k and 20k races.

What are the course details for the 10k distance?

The 10k is an out-and-back course from race headquarters to the Hwy. 53 Trailhead turnaround, with roughly half the course in open prairie and half in timbered sections; terrain includes rolling hills with one or two steeper climbs and is suitable for first-time trail runners or competitive participants.

What are the course details for the 20k distance?

The 20k consists of two out-and-back sections: first from HQ to the Hwy. 53 Trailhead (northeast corner) and back, then from HQ to Twin Bridges Rd. (southwest corner) and back; terrain is rolling hills and flats, making it runnable and fast while scenic.

What facilities and amenities are available at the event?

A few RV sites are available at the start/finish area upon request; aid stations provide water at the Hwy. 53 Trailhead and Twin Bridges Rd. locations.

What weather considerations should participants be aware of?

Based on typical April conditions in Solon Springs, expect spring weather with temperatures ranging from 35°F to 55°F, potential for precipitation, and muddy or wet trail conditions; runners should dress in layers and prepare for variable conditions.

Are there awards or prizes for the event?

The event supports the Brule-St. Croix chapter of the North Country Trail Association through charitable contributions; specific awards or prizes are not detailed in the event information.