The Thanksgiving Day Birdie Derby race begins in Fitchburg

FITCHBURG, Wis. (WMTV) – Formerly known as the Berbee Derby, the newly named Birdie Derby race is preparing for its first 10K run on Thanksgiving.

For twenty years the race was known as the Berbee Derby, named after Jim Berbee. When Berbee handed over control of the race to Tri 4 Schools, a name change came with it. But racers can expect the same experience as in years past.

“They decided to pass the torch to a new nonprofit, so we thought we would keep with the tradition and still have the Derby, but bring the birdie for our Thanksgiving turkey,” race director Amanda Marek said.

The race starts on November 28th at 8:00 a.m. It starts with the Kids Dash at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 10K start at 8:30 a.m. Runners also have the option to run the 5K route instead, with the race starting at 8:50 a.m. You can find the full schedule for the day here.

This year the Birdie Derby will support Tri 4 Schools. A nonprofit organization focused on supporting children’s health and well-being inside and outside the classroom and building positive relationships with physical activity.

“I’ve been involved with the Berbee Derby for a long time, so it’s super exciting to now be the race director of the Birdie Derby and I’ve always liked that we are the race that supports the community,” Marek said.

If you’d like to log in on Thanksgiving morning, you can! Runners can register here.

For more information, visit Birdie Derby Tri 4 Schools online.

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