NCTRaces: Bird Sanctuary

NCTRaces: Bird Sanctuary 10k, 20k

100% North Country Trail, 99.9% Single-Track

NCTRaces: Bird Sanctuary are held in the Douglas County Wildlife Area locally termed The Bird Sanctuary. The Bird Sanctuary is managed as a brush prairie habitat with miles of open fields, wildflowers, ponds, and widespread views. The North Country Trail crosses through the Bird Sanctuary from the northeast corner to the southwest corner. It is often the first section of trail in the area clear of snow in the Spring, and as a result, is a great place to run.

There are a few R.V. sites available at the Headquarters/Start/Finish Area. Contact the Race Director for information and requests.

The distances offered at NCTRaces: Bird Sanctuary are 10k and 20k. Check out the other sub pages for more info.

10k
2025 will be the second year for this race and distance. The 10k is an out and back course from the race Headquarters area. The turnaround area will be a "water only" aid station at the Hwy. 53 Trailhead. The course is half (or a little more) in the open prairie of the Bird Sanctuary, and the rest is in timber that is still designated as the Bird Sanctuary but sees more cover and trees. This can be a great first trail race or first 10k distance. The hills are mostly rolling, with one or two that are a little steeper. It could also be an opportunity for a seasoned trail runner to run competitively as the trail is not super technical, and mostly rolling hills. For the runners more like me, this 10k is a great course to get in some views and enjoy the scenery or the wildlife prairie and timber sections.

20k
2025 will also be the second year for this race and the 20k distance. The 20k will have the opportunity to see the entire Bird Sanctuary (brush prairie managed area). The 20k, like the 10k, has the perfect combination of rolling hills and flats to make the course easy to accomplish but also giving the opportunity to run fast.

The 20k consists of two out and back sections. The first section heads northeast to the Hwy. 53 Trailhead (water only aid station), and then back to the Start/Finish/Headquarters Area (the 10k course). 20kers will loop through the Headquarters and then head southwest to the other corner of the Bird Sanctuary at Twin Bridges Rd. (another water only aid station). They will then run back to the Headquarters and Finish Line.