Inga and Warriors Application
Could You Be the Next Winners?
Each year, a trio of skiers is selected to portray Prince Haakon’s mother Inga and the Birkebeiner warriors Torstein and Skjervald. The three characters played a pivotal role in Norwegian history. During civil war in 1206, Torstein and Skjervald skied through the mountains and rugged forests of Norway carrying the King’s son, Prince Haakon, to safety.
The skiers reenact the historic flight on wooden skis and in full period costume along the entire Birkie 54K classic race course, serving as Birkie Ambassadors, engaging with skiers and spectators along the way. The dramatic journey culminates when Inga, the baby Prince, Torstein, and Skjervald ski up Main Street amidst cheers from spectators and skiers alike as they make their way to the finish line.
Warriors & Inga Application Now Open for 2025!
Gather your family or friends and apply as a trio – Inga, Torstein, and Skjervald.
The trio may provide a baby to carry down Main St. or the ABSF can provide a baby-doll Prince Haakon if preferred.
The ABSF will supply the Inga and Warrior costumes, though winners can provide their own historically accurate costuming.
- Required Appearances for Birkie Week:
- Opening Ceremonies: Wednesday, Feb. 19
- Barnebirkie & Jr. Birkie: Thursday, Feb. 20
- Giant Ski: Thursday, Feb. 20
- Kortelopet & Prince Haakon Awards: Friday, Feb. 21
- Slumberland American Birkebeiner: Saturday, Feb. 22
Application deadline is January 1, 2025.
Ski the Birkie (or Korte) for Race Credit
Inga, Torstein, and Skjervald will receive Birkie credit for completing the race.
Free Entry
Each member of the winning group will also receive a free Birkie or Korte race entry for the current year or the following year if they have already registered for 2024.
“Portraying Skjervald at the Birkie was a wonderful way to celebrate this spectacular race, this beautiful sport, and my Norwegian heritage. The warm response and connection with fellow skiers and spectators was far more than I expected. I highly recommend others submit their applications to become warriors and Inga – it’s an unforgettable, joyful experience!”
– Steve Long, Duluth, MN (Skjervald)
“The energy and enthusiasm I received throughout the weekend was amazing. Standing at the top of the bridge, with the adorable “Baby Haakon” on my back, looking down Main Street with people cheering and toasts being raised, will forever stand hairs up on my arms. It was a magical moment.”
– Jen Pearson, Duluth, MN (Inga)
“I felt honored to portray Torstein and I loved sharing my enthusiasm for the American Birkebeiner. Skiing up Main Street with the prince, Skjervald and Inga, made for a very memorable day. It was an unforgettable experience.”
– Bruce Derauf, Duluth, MN (Torstein)
Warriors
2024
Todd Sandman and Craig Hokanson, Cumberland, WI
2023
Jim DeRoma, Cable, WI, and Dan DeRoma, Minnetonka, MN
2022
Jon Oestreich, Wausau, WI, and Mike Cavanaugh, Wausau, WI
2020
David Kettula, International Falls, MN, and Vergil Pincknery, Rochester, MN
2019
David Andresen, Ironwood, MI, and William Andresen, Ironwood, MI
2018
Grant Moos, St. Paul, MN, and Marcus Magnuson, Champlin, MN
2017
Scott Smith, Hayward, WI, and Jeremy Smith, Salt Lake City, UT
2016:
Bruce Derauf and Steve Long, Duluth, MN
2015
Jeremiah Menk, St. Paul, MN, and Ben Menk, Minneapolis, MN
2014
Erik Julsrud, Duluth, MN, and Ryan Harden, Carlton, MN
2013
Chris Lawn, Madison, WI, and Tom Lawn, Plymouth, WI
2012
Darald Bothun and Barry Knapp, Rochester, MN
2011
Gale Otterholt and Marv Franson, Eau Claire, WI
2010
David Nelson, Medicine Lake, MN, and Grant Nelson, Duluth, MN
2009
Jeff Cummisford, Waukesha, WI, and Richard Pierce, Verona, WI
2008
Thom Gerst, Coon Rapids, MN, and Gary Gerst, Maple Grove, MN
Inga
2024
Kirsten Sandman, Cumberland, WI, and baby Torin
2023
Jackie DeRoma, Minnetonka, MN
2022
Beth Oestreich, Wausau, WI
2020
Tasha Pinckney, Rochester, MN
2019
Carolyn Andresen Warren, Ironwood, MI
2018
Eleanor Bacso, Duluth, MN, and baby Finn Greeson
2017
Rebecca Ireland, Minneapolis, MN, and baby Reagan Aleksandr
2016
Jen Pearson, Duluth, MN, and baby Aspen Jo
2015
Alison Menk, Minneapolis, MN, and baby Menk
2014
Jennifer Julsrud, Duluth, MN
2013
Lori House, Madison, WI, and baby Keirsten Lawn
2012
Kristin Bothun, Mankato, MN, and baby Nikolai Fornear
2011
Gretchen Lindgren, St. Cloud, MN, with her grandchild Finnley
2010
Josie Nelson, Medicine Lake, MN, and baby Karl
2009
Lyndsey Lewis, Fort Collins, CO, and baby Piercen
2008
Gail Moede Rogall, Madison, WI, and baby Bjorn
