General Info

Camp Benesi & Mt. Ashwabay Present: The Thunderbird Warrior Challenge
50K Trail Run, 25K Trail Run, 10K Trail Run, & a 5K Fun Run with obstacle course.
There will be fun, games, entertainment, and activities throughout the day for the whole family.

June 14, 2025 in Bayfield, Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Northernmost Trail Run and the Only Trail Run With Views of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands

At Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area
32525 Ski Hill Rd, Bayfield WI 54814
715.779.3227 | info@mtashwabay.org

This is a fundraising event. All proceeds will be split between Camp Benesi and Mt. Ashwabay.

Mt. Ashwabay is a non-profit 501c3 ski & recreation area in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Learn more about us and our community goals at mtashwabay.org

Camp Benesi is a non-profit 501c3 recreational getaway for veterans and gold star families who are grieving loss or dealing with the effects of military service.
Learn more about Camp Benesi at campbenesi.com

Offering 10% discount for veterans and first responders. Free admission for active duty.
Use code VETS1ST for veterans and first responders.
Use code ACTIVE for active duty military.
Please have ID at packet pick-up.

The 50K starts at 6:00 am » 25K at 8:00 am » 10K at 8:00 am » and the 5K fun run w/obstacle course starts at 9:00 am.
This is going to be a fun day for the whole family. Food, vendors, entertainment, games, and activities throughout the day. Participants will receive swag!

On-site camping = $20 (primitive/no hook-ups)

Event is rain or shine. No refunds or transfers.

Course Info

The trail runs feature a mix of flowy, rolling trails and technical singletrack, this trail race takes you through a spectacular northwoods mosaic of old growth maple stands and sandy pines, with panoramic vistas of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

This is a looped course with approximately two-thirds of the course on singletrack trail, and the remaining one-third of the course on Mt. Ashwabay's famous cross country ski trails/two track.

Detailed description:
Starting at Bayfield’s iconic Big Top Chautauqua Tent on the slopes of Mt. Ashwabay, runners will head out over gentle rolling ski trails through northern mesic forest of old growth maple and hemlock. The trail winds its way to the Nourse Sugarbush State Natural Area where runners will pass the historic sugar shack, used for generations by the Nourse family. This stunning forest is one of the last remnant stands of old growth sugar maple and hemlock in the Midwest, and presents a living history of human settlement on the south shore. Long diagonal slashes can still be seen on some trees today from hundreds of years of maple sap harvest by the Anishinaabe people.

After passing the sugar shack, runners will face their first substantial climb to the peak of Mt. Ashwabay for a panoramic view of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands before heading back down the back side of our little mountain on moderately-technical singletrack. The trail traverses glacial topography of deep ravines and twisty hills… keep your eyes peeled for pink lady slipper orchids blooming along the side of the trail!

The single-track takes you on a fast, flowy loop before descending back down through sandy pine stands. Runners will then climb back up toward the top of the hill, for a final descent back towards the Big Top Chautauqua Tent.

The 5K Fun Run will be within Mt. Ashwabay's trail system as well with the addition of an obstacle course.

Why Thunderbird Warrior, what's this all about?

The Thunderbird Warrior Challenge is a fundraising collaboration between Camp Benesi and Mt. Ashwabay. Our event honors Camp Benesi’s namesake, Master Sergeant Jonathan J. Dunbar whose Ojibwe name was Waabishkebinesi or White Thunderbird.

Master Sargent Dunbar had a deep love for the Northwoods and Lake Superior. This was his place of peace when he came home after serving overseas. He found a deep peace and healing here that he couldn’t explain, but it helped him recenter and heal.

Camp Benesi was born in his honor, to share that same peace and healing to other Veteran and Gold Star Families.

Gold Star family members are recognized as the immediate family of service members who have died while serving our nation during conflict.

The term "Gold Star family" is a contemporary reference derived from the Service Flag, which was first used by families during World War I. The flag displayed a blue star for each immediate family member serving in the U.S. armed forces during wartime or hostilities. If a service member died, their blue star was replaced with a gold star, signaling the family's sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom. This allowed the community to recognize the ultimate personal cost that the family had paid.

Camp Benesi is a non-profit recreational retreat located in the serene Lake Superior region, dedicated to honoring the memory of Master Sergeant Jonathan Jay Dunbar, who tragically lost his life in Syria on March 30, 2018.

Established by his family and friends, the camp offers veterans and Gold Star families a peaceful environment to heal and connect with others who share similar experiences. Guests are welcomed at no cost, with all expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and activities covered. The camp provides a variety of outdoor activities aimed at fostering relaxation, healing, and community among participants.

By offering this sanctuary, Camp Benesi continues Master Sergeant Dunbar's legacy of service, providing a space for others to find peace amidst grief and trauma.

Mt. Ashwabay Outdoor Recreation Area is dedicated to youth, community, and getting people outdoors. Tucked deep in the serine Northwoods of Bayfield, Wisconsin, overlooking Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands, Mt. Ashwabay is the perfect location for the Thunderbird Warrior Challenge.

Mt. Ashwaby shines in winter with over 45km of some of the best Nordic skiing in the country, downhill runs with postcard views, groomed fat bike & snowshoe trails with plenty of backcountry opportunities, and all of this opens up for hiking & trail running in the summer. Plus over 20 miles of single-track mountain bike trails maintained to perfection by volunteers & CAMBA— it’s heaven for outdoor enthusiasts in any season.

We aim to bring you another event to remember. Thank you for supporting Camp Benesi and Mt. Ashwabay!

Course Maps

Event's current local time: 10:06 AM CT