The Birdie Derby 5K/10K Run/Walk starts at 8:00 AM on November 26, 2026, in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, giving traveling runners a straightforward morning timeline. Held at 5200 Research Park Dr, the event offers both 5K and 10K distances, accommodating various fitness levels and race goals. Entry fees range from free to $50, making it accessible across different budgets. If you can't make it to Fitchburg in person, the race provides a virtual participation option, allowing you to complete your chosen distance from home. With both running and walking categories available, the Birkie Derby welcomes endurance athletes at all paces.
From the Race Organizer
Join us for Madison’s favorite Thanksgiving tradition — the Birdie Derby 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk! Experience the premier Thanksgiving Day race, known for its energy, community spirit, and top-notch race day experience. What your registration includes: Official Race Bib Birdie Derby Long-Sleeved Shirt OR Lightweight tech hoodie Knit hat! KWIK TRIP GLAZERS! Chocolate milk, bananas, water Yahara Chocolate Birdie Derby Village unlike any other (fun for all) Free Oasis Cafe coffee and hot chocolate before and after the race Free Race Photos Professional Race Timing by Sportstats on an accurately measured course If you have a little one (2-6), they can participate in the Kids Dash, a great way to start the day! It is free with a paid adult registration. Can't make it on race day, and you don't want to miss out on the tradition? Sign up for the virtual Birdie Derby! What your virtual registration includes: Birdie Derby Long-Sleeved Shirt (OR crewneck upgrade) Winter hat! *Your race packet will be mailed the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to the address submitted during registration. To update your address, please log in to your RunSignup account. You can pick up your packet during our normal Packet Pick-Up hours. *Virtual participants do not qualify for any awards. *Virtual participants are eligible to join in-person teams. New for 2026: Virtual registrations received before 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 8th, will have their race shirt and hat shipped to them early. Even if you are on a team. You, your family, and friends can proudly wear your Birdie finery and join the tradition from wherever you are on Thanksgiving Day! Introducing the Birdie Brackets! The clever team names are one of the things that make the Birdie Derby unique. We love custom printing the names on your race shirts. All teams with 5 or more members signed up by the deadline (11:59pm on Sunday, November 8th) are eligible for consideration. Special VIPs will peruse the team names and pick their 8 favorites. These finalists will pair off with head-to-head voting on our social media pages each week. The winning team will be announced on Monday, November 23rd. Besides bragging rights, the winning team will receive 5 VIP parking passes! Also, watch for information on how to submit your own brackets and be entered to win a fabulous prize. G ather your flock and get creative. Any changes to registrations must be completed before Monday, November 23, 2026. No changes from in-person to virtual are accepted after this time. Did you know that the Birdie Derby is the ONLY Thanksgiving race that donates 100% of proceeds? The Birdie Derby supports Active Youth Wisconsin (formerly Tri 4 Schools), a local organization creating accessible opportunities for kids to be active. Your participation funds financial aid for kids to receive shoes, bikes, swim lessons, and more, so they can participate in events and programs that help them recognize the mental and physical benefits of regular movement. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier community! Learn more about Active Youth Wisconsin here . Race website: runthederby.com Race Location: Fitchburg Business Park 5200 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg WI 53711 Pre-Race Packet Pickup Schedule Tuesday, November 24 - 12pm – 7pm Wednesday, November 25 - 7am – 2pm Location: TBA Pick up your race swag early - no need to wait in line on Thanksgiving morning or carry your goodie bag with you while you race! Thanksgiving Day Race Schedule 8:00 am Kids Dash 8:30 am 10K Run Start 8:50 am 5K Run Start 9:00 am 5K Walk Start
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Fitchburg, WI. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for November 26.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Fitchburg, WI.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Birdie Derby 5k/10k Run/Walk 2026 — Fitchburg, WI?
Birdie Derby 5k/10k Run/Walk 2026 — Fitchburg, WI takes place on November 26, 2026. The race is held in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.
Where is Birdie Derby 5k/10k Run/Walk 2026 — Fitchburg, WI held?
Birdie Derby 5k/10k Run/Walk 2026 — Fitchburg, WI is held at 5200 Research Park Dr in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.
Where can I find hotels near Birdie Derby 5k/10k Run/Walk 2026 — Fitchburg, WI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Fitchburg. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
