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2026 40th AnnualPepsi Challenge 50K/Great River Energy Rush 25K/Giants Ridge 8K Nordic Ski Races at Giants Ridge

Sat February 28, 2026
Countdown to Race Day

Description

 

Come join us for the 40th Annual Pepsi Challenge Cup 50K Freestyle & Classic, Great River Energy Rush 25K Freestyle & Classic, and Giants Ridge 8K Cross Country Ski Races on February 28, 2026, at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Minnesota. Giants Ridge offers 60 kilometers of impeccably groomed, world-class Nordic trails, hosting events like the World Cup, Olympic Trials, National Collegiate Finals, U.S. National Championships, and High School Championships. Our family-friendly events are perfect for skiers of all skill levels. The Pepsi Challenge Cup Race is part of the American Ski Marathon Series and a Birkie Qualifier. Join us on Minnesota's Iron Range for an exciting late-winter cross-country ski experience!

We are also seeking volunteers and welcome input from anyone interested in enhancing the quality of our event. Please email pepsichallenge@giantsridge.com with your availability to volunteer or share your feedback.

Trail Conditions at Giants Ridge

What a day!!! Thank you for visiting us for the 39th Annual Pepsi Challenge/Great River Energy Rush at Giants Ridge. See you on February 28, 2026, for #40!

2/25/25 A beautiful day on the Biwabik Spur and Loop track on the fairway!

 

2/21/25 Friday evening on the on the 1.2K Silver Trail. Superb Perfection!

 

 

2026 Race Fees

Pepsi Challenge Cup 50K & Great River Energy Rush 25K Race Fees
$75.00   25K & 50K to October 31
$85.00   25K & 50K November 1 to November 30
$90.00   25K & 50K December 1 to December 31
$100.00  25K & 50K January 1 to February 15
$110.00  25K & 50K February 16 to February 28
*Youth rate 13-21yo 25K & 16-21yo 50K $70.00.
          Giants Ridge 8K Race Fees
$40.00   8K race 18 years of age & under 
$55.00  to February 15 8K race Over 18 years of age.
$60.00 February 16 to February 28 Over 18 years of age.
 
$15.00   Guest luncheon tickets available only in advance      by February 24, 2025! 
 
US Funds Only!   Make checks payable to: ERCCCI
No Refunds. Credit Cards online only(fee based). 
Online: www.pepsichallengeskirace.com
 
By Mail:
 East Range Cross Country Challenges, Inc.
 PO Box 505
 Biwabik, MN 55708
Internet race information (entry forms):  www.pepsichallengeskirace.com
e-mail:  pepsichallenge@giantsridge.com
ERCCCI Headquarters: 1-800-688-7669 ext. 8072

 

2025 Registration Form

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

PDF

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Race Course Maps 2025

    Snow is in the air at Giants Ridge!!!

 

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

PDF

Race Website

Additional race information can be found at http://www.pepsichallengeskirace.com.

Place

Giants Ridge
6329 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

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