American Birkebeiner Update

This year, on February 25th through the 27th, more than 7,900 fit, colorfully-clad skiers from all walks of life and from all around the world will descend upon the Hayward-Cable area  to participate in the 37th annual American Birkebeiner.  This is a cross-country ski race that weaves more than 50 kilometers (30 miles) along a hilly, heavily wooded trail from the Telemark Resort near Cable to the finish line on Main Street in downtown Hayward.


For some, it's serious business. The Birkebeiner is part of the Worldloppet, a circuit of 15 Nordic ski races held on four continents. The race attracts a top cadre of professional racers from 19 countries, including past and present Olympians and those competing in the International Ski Federation standings.

For many hundreds of others, though, 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, legions of weekend warriors soldier on in triple that time. Citizen 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 clip into skis to join in on the party. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators line many portions of the route, and it seems all of Hayward is there cheering at the finish line. Equipment demos, citizen sprints, family fun races/tours and other events round out the weekend.

Make sure to attend this world class event.  And stop in the Birkie Celebration Tent at the end of the race, behind Peoples Bank.  I'll be there selling tickets for food and beverages.  The Tent City is operated by three non-profit organizations:  Fishings Has No Boundaries, Habitat for Humanity of Sawyer County, and Hayward Lions.  I hope you will stop by and support us.  See you then!