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
We are looking forward to the 41st race on March 6, 2027!
Thank you to all of our competitors, spectators, volunteers and sponsors in making the 40th Anniversary Pepsi Challenge/Great River Energy Rush at Giants Ridge a huge success!
FRIENDS OF THE PEPSI CHALLENGE/GREAT RIVER ENERGY RUSH RACES/GIANTS RIDGE 8K – February 28th, 2026
FOOD
Pepsi Bottling Group – Gr Rapids, Super One Stores –Biwabik & Virginia, and Giants Ridge Food & Beverage Crew.
PRIZES
Pepsi Bottling Group-Gr Rapids, Rossignol, Giants Ridge, ERCCCI-Pepsi Board, Great River Energy, FITS Socks, Honey Stinger and REX Wax.
ORGANIZATIONS
Pepsi Bottling Group-Gr Rapids, Great River Energy, Giants Ridge, Rossignol, Lakehead Constructors, Inc., FITS Socks, WDIO - Duluth, Minnesota Power, Road Machinery & Supplies Co., Honey Stinger, Giants Ridge Food & Beverage Crew, REX Wax, Todd Roswold & Giants Ridge Grooming & Maintenance Staff, Clothing Tent Crew, Feed Stations Coordinator, Biwabik Area Civic Assoc., Ranger Snowmobile Club, Ashlee Larson & Biwabik Ambulance & Fire Depts., Lakeland Fire Dept., Jennifer Larson, Jen & Gary Crotteau, and their BSA Troop 116 & Troop 129, Giants Ridge Ski Patrol, Laskiainen, Hoyt Lakes, Aurora, & Biwabik Queens & Their Courts, Vivid Design, E R Shopper, Aurora Fire Dept., Palo Fire Dept., Town of White, Friday & Saturday work crews, Start & Finish crews, Ashlee & Tina Berts & Registration Crew, Gregg Debevec, Timing Ladies, Jerry & Jon Announcers, Giants Ridge Golf Maintenance Crew, John Filander, Tim Salo, Mt Hosts & Nordic Volunteers, Our Local Friends & Relatives, Parents & skiers on the ME/VA/E-G/MI-B Nordic Ski Team, and our banquet crew– Jan, Sherry, Deb, & Kathy.
THANK YOU TO THE ORGANIZATIONS LISTED ABOVE AND THE AWESOME VOLUNTEERS THAT HELPED MAKE THE 2026 PEPSI CHALLENGE/GREAT RIVER ENERGY RUSH/GIANTS RIDGE RACES A SUCCESS!
Today at Giants Ridge Chalet Cam
February 25, 2026 Beautiful, Cool Afternoon Trail Views. We are a GO for Saturday! We look forward to seeing you!
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
2026 Registration Form
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Course Maps 2025 & 2026
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at http://www.pepsichallengeskirace.com.
Place
6329 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708
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