Thunderbird Warrior Challenge

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.

Date: June 13, 2026

Location: Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area, 32525 Ski Hill Rd, Bayfield WI 54814

Contact: 715.779.3227 | [email protected]

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

Discounts: 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.

Start Times:

• 50K: 6:00 am
• 25K: 8:00 am
• 10K: 8:00 am
• 5K fun run w/obstacle course: 9:00 am

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.

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

About the Name

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.

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. Guests are welcomed at no cost, with all expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and activities covered.

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

Event Details

Registration closes: Fri, Jun 12 @ 11:59PM CT