American Birkiebeiner Ski Race

The very first American Birkebeiner, was named from the protective birchbark leggings worn by 13th century skiers who were fighters in the Norwegian civil war. They smuggled the illegitimate son of Norway's King to safety. Today's event started in 1973,and is one event in a series of eight International Ski Federation races and one in a group of many international ski marathons on the Worldloppet circuit.

The Birkie has a reputation of attracting skiers of many different ability levels. Cross country skiing has become very popular in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Many of the skiers come from these three areas.In addition to the professional skiers, the race day includes the shorter Kortelopet, a race geared more toward recreational skiers. Each year the race is attended by approximately 6,000 to 8,000 skiers and about 15000 spectators

The event of 2012 represents thirty nine years of the this event in which more than 200,000 men and women have raced in the American Birkiebeiner and its sister event the Kortelopet.

There have been several other thousand take part in the shorter races and other events in the area.

Fall is fast approaching are you training for this event? Break out the roller blades and get started

You can start by heading to the Telemark Resort in Cable, Wisconsin for the pre birkie activities. ( Resort may still be closed) This is where you will find the many ski events and activities such as booths, displays of cross country equipment, and cool t-shirts, hats and other things to buy if things go as planned.

The Birkebeiner is part of the Worldloppet, a circuit of Nordic ski races held on four continents. The race attracts a top group of professional racers from up to 19 countries around the world, including past and present Olympians and many that compete in the International Ski Federation standings.

For many others, it's an annual celebration of personal endurance and outdoor enthusiasm. Since its inception in 1973 the Birkie has grown into the largest cross country ski marathon in the nation. While pros may complete the course in about two hours, some of the weekend warriors come in about triple that time.. Local skiers can compete in the full race or sign up for 23 kilometer Kortelopet or one of our many other events.

You don't even have to ski to join in on the party. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators line many positions on the route, and it seems all of Hayward and surrounding area's are there cheering at the finish line.

If you have a friend who is competing, take lots of photos. You may have some idea of your friend's estimated finish time so, leave in time from Telemark Lodge to drive back south on route 63 to Hayward. If you wish to catch them at the halfway point, turn east on Double O at Sealy,Wisconsin. Be sure to cheer everyone on and take your camera because some do the Birkie dressed in costumes.

You should want to visit Hayward, Wisconsin, so as to catch the finish line. Both before and after the race there are many activities.

While in town you can visit many of the local business establishments. Try some taffy from a local candy shop, shopping, dining, or just make some new friends.

Have a wonderful time in our winter land during this wonderful event.

Keep in shape for the 2013 racing season

See the best training information available at http://www.birkie.com/

Barnebirkie - 1,2.5 or 5 k races for kids 3-13 years old.
EliteSprints - competition down main street for men and women elite skiers.
Junior Birkie - 3.5 freestyle race for 10-18 year old - race divided by age and gender.
Skijoring Demonstration
Citizens Sprints - race against friends
5k/10k Family Fun Ski
50k Birkie Skate Race
23k Kortelopet - approx. 2500 skiers
Birkie Sit Ski - 3k for skiers that have overcome obstacles.
12k Prince Haakon - non-competitive event.

Parking can be a problem so plan on walking. There are a few places that are set aside for cars only. You should plan to walk a few blocks to Main Street, where the finish line is. There is a parking lot in the downtown area with limited space. Main street parking will not be available during the event.

Our normal population is around 2150 people so 15,000 to 20,000 people stretch our ability to park everyone close to the downtown area. Well worth the walk to see the colors, and excitement at the finish.