NORTH END CLASSIC – A GREAT DAY FOR RACING!

CABLE, WIS. (February 9, 2026) The 2026 North End Classic was run on Sunday, February 8 under some of the best conditions the race has ever experienced. With 170 racers participating, it was also one of the most well attended events in many years. “The stars truly aligned for this year’s event,” commented race organizer Ron Bergin. “Not only did we have plentiful snow that allowed us to prepare an excellent racecourse, but race day weather was perfect for cross country ski racing and these factors no doubt combined to bolster turnout.”

As usual, there was a solid level of competition with younger and more mature racers vying for top honors. Mitchell Campbell of Minneapolis reigned over the field with a dominant performance in the men’s 25km race with a time of 1:12:03. Second place honors went to Tyler Kobilarcsik of Duluth with a time of 1:13:05.9 just edging out third place finisher Jacob Dean of Minneapolis by a scant .2 second, who finished at 1:13:06.1. In the women’s 25km race, Ketzel Levens of Duluth turned in an equally dominant performance finishing first at 1:26:26. Erica Wagner of Duluth followed in second place at 1:28:47 and Jena Hauch of St. Paul, third, at 1:34:07.

Competition was particularly keen among the 12.5 km field with two of the top three finishing spots overall among all competitors taken by female racers. Simon Peterson of Minneapolis blazed through the course with a time of 43:50.5 taking top honors. Second to Peterson among the men came Rich Hoban (66) of Stillwater who finished at 48:31. Veteran local racer, Mike Mandli (74) of Hayward, grabbed third with a time of 48.46. Rocking the 12.5 km course in a time of 46:14, Gabriella Haire of Minneapolis took the top spot of the women’s podium. Her time was also the second fastest time in the entire field. Fifteen-year-old Hanna Wilkinson of Minneapolis placed second among the women at 47:32 and third overall. Rounding out the women’s top three was Jenna Nelson of Bloomington, Minn., with a time of 49:41.

Complete results can be viewed at www.webscorer.com or https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=420837. Race photos by Kelly Randolph can be viewed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OnceInABlueMoonStudioKellyRandolph.

The North End Classic is many racers’ favorite race of the season, with its winding and scenic racecourse. The event is supported by a team of over 50 volunteers and utilizes trails on the Bayfield County Forest.

The North End Classic is also grateful for the generous support of many area businesses. 2026 North End Classic sponsors include: Presenting Sponsor: Tamarack Health; Event Sponsors: Borah Teamwear, Rivers Eatery; Platinum Sponsors: Cable Area Chamber of Commerce, Andry Rasmussen & Sons, Essentia Health Pharmacy, Northland Ag & Turf, Norvado, Startline Inn; Gold Sponsor: New Moon Bike Shop; Silver Sponsors: Velo Café, McKinney Realty, Cable Chiropractic Clinic, Coop’s Pizza; Bronze Sponsors: Advance Printing, Cable Lumber & Home, Cresthill Resort, Northern Native Plantscapes, Rondeau's, Town of Namakagon, Bayfield County Tourism.

For further information, call (715)381-8744 or email nesc@cheqnet.net.