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CHAMPIONS

American Birkebeiner & Kortelopet - 1973 to Present

See below for a historical listing of American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet Champions. The races are grouped by decade and also include details about the number of race entrants and event highlights.

1973 - 1979

Birkie I – 1973

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 48K

  • Eric Ersson, Sweden 2:48:16
  • Jacque Lindskoog*, USA 4:33:35

Kortelopet 22K

  • Duncan McLean, USA 1:08:33
  • Carol Duffy, USA 1:56:21

Entrants

  • 35 Birkie
  • 19 Kortelopet

Race Summary

  • 35 skiers ski 45 kilometers in the inaugural Birkebeiner – 34 men and one woman.
  • The 22K Citizen’s Race was composed of another 9 men and 10 women.
  • *Jacque Lindskoog was the unofficial winner in the women’s field. Because there was no women’s class, she entered the men’s class.

Birkie II – 1974

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 50K

  • Dave Quinn, USA 2:59:47
  • Jacque Lindskoog*, USA 4:53:30

Kortelopet 24K

  • Duncan McLean, USA 1:06:50
  • Frances Wise, USA 1:35:45

Entrants

  • 98

Race Summary

  • The temperature was a brisk -13F.
  • The number of competitors almost doubled at 98.
  • Busing of participants from Telemark to Hayward and the clothing pick-up became a part of Birkie tradition in the second year.
  • *Jacque Lindskoog was the unofficial winner in the women’s field.
  • Because there was no women’s class, she entered the men’s class.

Birkie III – 1975

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 55K

  • Chris Haines, Anchorage, AK 3:00:34
  • Vigdis Snekkevik+, USA 5:00:57

Kortelopet 27.5K

  • John Moody, USA 2:07:47
  • Linda Strande, USA 2:29:07

Entrants

  • 324

Race Summary

  • The distance was increased to 55K. The course was set with one track and marked with arrows.
  • +This was the first year with an official class for women (even though Jacque Lindskoog, Edina, MN, participated and finished in years I and II).

Birkie IV – 1976

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 53K

  • Audun Kolstad, Norway 2:40:44.14
  • Jana Hlavaty, USA 3:05:31.12

Kortelopet 27.5K

  • Francis Koch, USA 1:39:37.31
  • Bonnie Fuller, USA 2:00:04.97

Entrants

  • 993

Race Summary

  • Nortur becomes the first official race sponsor.
  • USSA and FIS sanction is obtained.
  • Two tracks are set on the course and wax and repair stations are added.

Birkie V – 1977

Race Champions

Birkiebeiner 55K

  • Bjorn Arvnes, Norway 3:00:03.44
  • Berrit Lammedal, Norway 3:29:22.24

Kortelopet 27.5K

  • Bernt Lund, Norway 1:35:46.31
  • Gina Regland, Norway 2:18:04.85

Entrants

  • 2,206

Race Summary

  • The Citizen’s Race becomes known as Kortelopet and is started with the Birkebeiner.
  • Registrations skyrocket from 993 the previous year to 2,006.

Birkie VI – 1978

Race Champions

Birkiebeiner 55K

  • Alfred Kaelin, Norway 3:10:04.35
  • Valborg Ostberg, Norway 3:41:30.66

Kortelopet 26K

  • Kevin Brochman, USA 1:32:46.66
  • Terese Maznio, USA 1:58:10.66

Entrants

  • 2,717

Race Summary

  • Silva/Johnson Wax Associates become the major sponsor.
  • Worldloppet League is formed at Telemark.
  • Area volunteers formally organized.
  • Cut-off times imposed. Bronze Broom award officially presented for first time to one of the last finishers most exemplifying the Birkie spirit.

Birkie VII – 1979

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 55K

  • Arnt Haarstad, Norway 2:47:27.92
  • Judy Rabinowitz, USA 3:10:05.08

Kortelopet 27.5K

  • Kevin Brochman, USA 1:30:38.05
  • Wendy Brown, USA 1:44:20.7

Entrants

  • 4,459

Race Summary

  • The American Birkebeiner joins Worldloppet League and Great American Ski Chase.

1980 - 1989

Birkie VIII – 1980

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 53K

  • Per Notten, Norway 2:24:55.80
  • Gry Oftedal, Norway 2:53:48.2

Kortelopet 24.5K

  • James Read, USA 1:17:15.14
  • Kris Storm, USA 1:25:17.63

Entrants

  • 4,876

Race Summary

  • Birkebeiner trail is widened to 30 feet.
  • First Creamettes pre-race spaghetti feed.
  • End of climb up Mt. Telemark at start.

Birkie IX – 1981

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 48K (8x6km loop) Held February 21, 1981

  • Jean-Paul Pierrat, France 3:09:19.16
  • Marianne Hadler, USA 3:57:32.42

Citizen’s Race Champions

Birkebeiner 55K- Held March 7, 1981

  • Tim Caldwell, USA 2:34:16.9
  • Muriel Gilman, USA 3:22:36.8

Kortelopet 24.5K – Held March 7, 1981

  • Daniel Cronen, USA 1:22:17.8
  • Robin Brown, USA 1:31:03.2

Entrants

  • 6,356

Race Summary

  • As the cross country ski phenomenon begins to reach a national peak, registration surpasses 6,000 for the first time.
  • Unfortunately, high temperatures and rain cause the first-ever postponement of the Birkie. Foreign and elite skiers race eight laps of 6K around Mt. Telemark on original date of the race in temperatures exceeding 60 degrees.
  • The Birkie Citizen’s Race is run two weeks later for citizen skiers after 12″ of snow falls.

Birkie X – 1982

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 55K

  • Ola Hassis, Sweden 2:42:09
  • Gry Oftedal, Norway 3:04:20

Kortelopet 29K

  • Ben Dodge, USA 1:40:53
  • Brenda Bergum, USA 2:10:35

Entrants

  • 6,348

Race Summary

  • The race returns to Hayward start on northwest side of town and down Main Street.
  • Tony Wise establishes Founders Club to honor skiers who had participated in the first 10 Birkies. Members included: Karl Andresen, Fred Constalie, John Gannett, John Holmquist, John Kotar, Dave Landgraf, Jacque Lindskoog, Wayne Lindskoog, Nils Meland, Ernie St. Germaine, Richard W. Scott.

Birkie XI -1983

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 50K

  • Rudi Kapeller, Austria 2:14:14.2
  • Jennifer Caldwell, USA 2:39:42.8

Kortelopet 24K

  • Ben Dodge, USA 1:18:29
  • Kristen Nataas, USA 1:27:14

Entrants

  • 6,800

Race Summary

  • The start is moved to Duffy’s Field due to open water on Lake Hayward 450 truckloads of snow hauled to starting area.
  • The slowest time, 10:00:41, is recorded.

Birkie XII – 1984

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 48K

  • Bengt Hassis, Sweden 2:02:03.2
  • Vigdis Roenning, Norway 2:27:57.7

Kortelopet 24K

  • Bret Bodnar, USA 1:09:27.6
  • Sissel Trondseth, USA 1:24:84.0

Entrants

  • 7,150

Race Summary

  • Lack of snow again forces start on Duffy’s Field.
  • Wave starts are implemented for first time.

Birkie XIII – 1985

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 50K

  • Oddvar Braa, Norway 2:07:35.4
  • Muffy Ritz, USA 2:40:30.3

Kortelopet 25K

  • Craig Jarvinen, USA 1:08:29.9
  • Kjersten Baldwin, Canada 1:15:19.4

Entrants

  • 5,464

Race Summary

  • American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Inc. established to Administer race.
  • Children’s race added to Birkie festivals.
  • Start planned for downtown Hayward but moved to Rosie’s field due to lack of snow.

Birkie XIV – 1986

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 55K

  • Anders Blomquist, Sweden 2:53:05.3
  • Muffy Ritz++, USA 3:26:25.1

Kortelopet 29K

  • Scott Anderson, USA 1:36:57.0
  • Ann Jones, USA 1:56:18.0

Entrants

  • 5,500

Race Summary

  • Course finishes down Main Street for second time.
  • Course divided into three tracks on right for classical technique with left half for freestyle.
  • ++Muffy Ritz, Wayzata, MN, repeats as first two-time consecutive women’s Birkie champion. She is the first woman to win consecutive Birkebeiners.

Birkie XV – 1987

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 44K

  • Konrad Hallenbarter, Switzerland 1:54:53.5
  • E.J. Holcomb, USA 2:20:46.4

Kortelopet

  • Luke Bodensteiner, USA 59:30.7
  • Amy Cichanowski, USA 1:16:37.0

Entrants

  • 5,769

Race Summary

  • In a virtual photo finish, Konrad Hallenbarter, Switzerland, edges out Pal Sjultad, Norway, by a scant .2 second margin.
  • A total of .4 seconds separated the top three finishers.
  • New events added: Timex Skiathlon, Komputer Klassic, Sons of Norway Barnebirkie. Ski for Peace exchange program begins.

Birkie XVI – 1988

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 55K

  • Orjan Blomquist, Sweden 2:20:55.2
  • Kelly Kimball, USA 2:52:38.6

Kortelopet 29K

  • John Bauer, USA 1:22:00.2
  • Amy Cichanowski, USA 1:40:36.2

Entrants

  • 5,621

Race Summary

  • Eight Russian skiers participate as part of the Ski for Peace program.
  • In the first year of Soviet participation, Lilia Romaneneko, USSR, finishes 5th among Birkie women.
  • Kortelopet finish line cabins built.

Birkie XVII – 1989

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 55K

  • Orjan Blomquist***, Sweden 2:19:53.8
  • Betsy Youngman, USA 2:34:59.9

Koretlopet 29K

  • Chip Tabor, USA 1:24:16.0
  • Marta Wilson, USA 1:30:07.3

Entrants

  • 6,108

Race Summary

  • ***Orjan Bloomquist, Sweden, becomes first men’s Birkie champion to achieve victory in two consecutive years.

1990 - 1999

Birkie XVIII – 1990

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 55K

  • Manfred Nagl, Austria 2:30:26.0
  • Lynne Cecil, USA 2:51:28.2

Kortelopet 29K

  • Pete Vordenberg, USA 1:24:28.5
  • Amy Cichanowski, USA 1:35:22.7

Entrants

  • 6,270 (Birkebeiner 4119; 2151 Kortelopet)

Race Summary

  • Manfred Nagl, Austria, ekes out victory over 1987 Birkebeiner champion Konrad Hallenbarter by a ski tip or .3 seconds in one of the closest Birkebeiner finishes ever
  • 10K race introduced.

Birkie XIX – 1991

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 46K

  • Manfred Nagl, Austria 2:01:26.5
  • Ingrid Butts, USA 2:15:28.2

Koretlopet 21K

  • Benjamin Husaby, USA 56:01.4
  • Kelly Kimball, USA 1:04:18.1

Entrants

  • 6,269 (Birkebeiner 4,226; Kortelopet 2,043)

Race Summary

  • Race start changed to Rosie’s field on Friday due to lack of snow in open areas. Eight inches of snow falls on race morning resulting in slower course, numerous traffic jams, and delayed arrivals at start.
  • Manfred Nagl repeats as Birkie champ.
  • U.S. Ski Team participates in force and makes strong showing by sweeping top four women’s positions in Birkie and winning men’s Kortelopet.
  • Extremely competitive men’s field saw top nine men finishing within 10 seconds of each other.
  • Team Birkie youth development program begun under the supervision of former Olympic coach Steve Gaskill and 1990 Women’s Birkebeiner champion Lynne Cecil.

Birkie XX – 1992

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 55K

  • Todd Boonstra, USA 2:15:11.6
  • Nina Skeime, Norway 2:26:13.4

Kortelopet 29K

  • Kurt Wulff, USA 1:06:45.8
  • Sara Kylander, USA 1:16:39.0

Entrants

  • 6,373 (Birkebeiner 4,356; Kortelopet 2,017)

Race Summary

  • In commemoration of 20th anniversary, Birkie starts at Telemark and finishes on Main St., Hayward.
  • Race leaders Audun Endestad and Todd Boonstra collide 200 meters from finish. Boonstra, the ultimate winner, is the first American man to win since 1975.

Birkie – 1993

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 55K

  • Manfred Nagl, Austria 2:05:09.9
  • Suzanne King, USA 2:27:47.5

Kortelopet 29K

  • Marc Beitz, USA 1:02:42.1
  • Carrie Jones, USA 1:12:20.2

Entrants

  • 6,358 (Birkebeiner 4,465; Kortelopet 1,893)

Race Summary

  • North to south race direction becomes permanent.
  • Manfred Nagl wins his third Birkebeiner in near perfect snow conditions.

Birkie – 1994

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 52K

  • Tomas Caslavsky, Czech Rep. 2:16:52.6
  • Heike Wezel, Germany 2:36:47.0

Kortelopet 26K

  • Philip Gallagher, USA 1:07:38.2
  • Barbara Jones, USA 1:20:46.5

Entrants

  • 6,632 (Birkebeiner 4,710; Kortelopet 1,922)

Race Summary

  • The first night race, a family fun 10 kilometer event, is added.
  • The International Village in Minong was formed.

Birkie – 1995

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 52K

  • Andre Jungen, Switzerland 2:10:15
  • Maria Theurl, Austria 2:22:59

Kortelopet 26K

  • Curtis Schriener, USA 1:04:16
  • Kara Salmela, USA 1:15:00

Entrants

  • 6,616

Race Summary

  • Despite a low snow winter, the Birkie trail was in great shape.

Birkie – 1996

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 52K

  • Silvano Barco, Italy 2:24:15.0
  • Gudrun Pflueger, Austria 2:41:33.3

Kortelopet 25K

  • Johnny lngdal, USA 1:13:00.7
  • Sally Zack, USA 1:24:29.3

Entrants

  • 7,502 (Birkebeiner 4,583; Kortelopet 2,033)

Race Summary

  • A slow race due to warm weather and 51 degree temperatures.
  • Silvano Barco of Italy dominates the men’s Birkie and Gudrun Pflueger from Austria wins the women’s race.
  • Tony Wise, founder of the American Birkebeiner, passed away in the Spring of 1995.
  • Roger Fredericks, Trail Chief, passed away one week before the Birkie at age 39.

Birkie – 1997

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 52K

  • Mikhail Botwinov, Austria 1:57:51.6
  • Gudrun Pflueger, Austria 2:19:45.5

Kortelopet 25K

  • Andrew Triebold, USA 1:01:54.6
  • Jennifer Douglas, USA 1:07:29.7

Entrants

  • 7,882 (Birkebeiner 5,498; Kortelopet 2,384)

Race Summary

  • American Birkebeiner celebrates 25th anniversary under ideal conditions.
  • Course records for 52K set by winners Mikhail Botwinov and Gudrun Pflueger, both of Austria.*
  • *See men’s record for 50K set in 2010 and women’s record for 51K set in 2005.

Birkie XXVI – 1998

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 25K

  • Carl Swenson, USA 50:08
  • Jennifer Douglas, USA 56:56

Kortelopet 25K

  • Andy Weddle, USA 55:15
  • Morgan Hogue, USA 1:02.50

Entrants

  • 7,097 (Birkebeiner 5,295; Kortelopet 1,802)

Race Summary

  • The year of the El Nino brought many challenges: Barnebirkie becomes a foot race; Elite Sprints held on roller skis; Birkie starts at Cable Airport; and Birkie shortened to 25 km finish at 00.

Birkie – 1999

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 52K

  • Johann Muhlegg, Germany 2:03:06.9
  • Laura McCabe, USA 2:22:59.1

Kortelopet 25K

  • Joshua Tesch, USA 1:00:06.4
  • Christa Farrand Case, USA 1:13:04.4

Entrants

  • 6,942 (Birkebeiner 5,228; Kortelopet 1,714)

Race Summary

  • Telemark Resort closes its doors after filing for bankruptcy. Festivities are moved to LCO Casino, and a full race takes place.
  • Birkebeiner champions Johann Muhlegg, Germany, and Laura McCabe, USA, glide to the finish. Kortelopet champions Joshua Tesch and Christa Farrand Case, both of the USA, lead Kortelopet participants to the OO finish line.

2000 - 2009

Birkie – 2000

Race Champions

  • Birkebeiner Mother Nature+++ Only cancellation
  • Kortelopet Mother Nature+++ in race history

Entrants

  • 6,335 (Birkebeiner 4,838; Kortelopet 1,497)

Race Summary

  • +++Mother Nature dealt a blow to Birkie 2000 when unseasonably warm temperatures and rain forced the first cancellation in race history.
  • Two other Worldloppet races, the Austrian Dolomitenlauf and the Estonian Tartu Marathon, were also cancelled because of unseasonably warm weather. The German Konig Ludwig Lauf race was skied in the rain.
  • During Birkie 2000, several events did take place including Salomon Elite Sprints, Hayward Chamber of Commerce/Madshus Citizen Sprints, Junior Birkie and Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie.

Birkie – 2001

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 51K

  • Gianantonio Zanetel, Italy 2:32:53.5
  • Nadezhada Slessareva, Russia 2:48:20.7

Kortelopet 23K

  • Colin Mahood, USA 1:10:20.8
  • Coreen Woodbury , USA 1:23:02.7

Entrants

  • 6,550 (Birkebeiner 4,858; Kortelopet 1,692)

Race Summary

  • Mother Nature sent the “Birkie Blizzard” dropping 8 inches of new snow from midnight til midmorning on race day. Although a challenging day because of the heavy accumulation, few were deterred from participation in either the 51K Birkie or 23K Kortelopet race.
  • The top three skiers averaged 17 miles/hour on a slow course with Gianantonio Zanetel of Italy and Nadezhada Slessareva of Russia capturing the 2001 Birkie champion titles.
  • The new Kortelopet course was well received by skiers and spectators. Skiers started at Cable Union Airport, split to a course of their own at 9K, and finished at Telemark Resort.

Birkie – 2002

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 46.7K

  • Maurizio Pozzi, Italy 1:57:09.2
  • Jeannie Wall, USA 2:24:14.6

Kortelopet 23K

  • Bryan Cook, USA 59:34.8
  • Jordan Seethaler, USA 1:05:50.8

Entrants

  • 5,903 (Birkebeiner 4,050; Kortelopet 1,454)

Race Summary

  • Mother Nature sent the “miracle” of Birkie 2002 – 8” of new snow just four days before race day. Skiers responded to new conditions; 600 new registrations were accepted in just three days.
  • Maurizio Pozzi, Italy, captured the Birkie title followed by Stephane Passeron, France. Third went to Olympic athlete Carl Swenson, who left the winter games in Salt Lake City to ski the Birkie. Jeannie Wall, Bozeman, Montana, captured the Birkie title in the female class followed by Brooke Baughman, Ketchum, Idaho, and Unni Odegard, Boulder, Colorado.

Birkie – 2003

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 51K

  • Gianantonio Zanetel, Italy 2:10:57.6
  • Lara Peyrot, Italy 2:24:21.8

Kortelopet 23K

  • Garret Heath, USA 1:03:57.6
  • Sonne Nordgren, USA 1:14:09.2

Entrants

  • 5,625 (Birkebeiner 4,273, Kortelopet 1,640)

Race Summary

  • Cold temperatures and light overnight snowfall improved race course conditions for the elite and citizen skiers who braved the elements to participate in the 30th anniversary races.
  • The Italians once again dominated the podium. 2001 Birkie champion Gianantonio Zanetel recaptured the championship title for the 51K race in the men’s division while his teammate Lara Peyrot claimed the winner’s podium in the women’s division.
  • In addition to ski events for all ages and abilities, hot air balloons, Native American and Norwegian dancers, opening and closing ceremonies, and a candlelight portrayal of the escape of the two Birkebeiners with Baby Prince Haakon were among the many activities that took place during the three days of Birkie 30th anniversary festivities.

Birkie – 2004

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 51K

  • Gianantonio Zanetel, Italy 2:11:09.8
  • Lara Peyrot, Italy 2:23:31.0

Kortelopet 23K

  • Andy Liebner, USA 1:03:06.5
  • Sonne Nordgren, USA 1:09:04.6

Entrants

  • 6,047 (Birkebeiner 4,176; Kortelopet 1,871)

Race Summary

  • In a head to head sprint down Main Street in Hayward, Italian Gianantonio Zanetel proved himself grand champion of the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race for a second year in a row. He finished just one second ahead of Stanislav Rezac, Czech Republic. The top seven male finishers, including American Marc Gilbertson, crossed the finish line within 10 seconds.
  • In the women’s field, Italian Lara Peyrot also claimed the title of Birkie champ for the second year in a row.
  • Under gray skies and 25-degree temps, Martha Fullmer sent 6,043 skiers on their way for the 2004 American Birkebeiner. Martha was the honorary starter for the 31st annual event which was dedicated to her husband, longtime Birkie supporter, skier and Founder of Silent Sports Magazine Greg Marr, who died in Dec. 2003 as he was skiing near his home town.

XXXII – 2005

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 51K

  • Marco Cattaneo, Italy 2:03:14.6
  • Lara Peyrot, Italy 2:15:30.7**

Kortelopet 23K

  • Ben Fick, USA 58:33.4
  • Maria Stuber, USA 1:05:21.6

Entrants

  • All Races: 8,454
  • Subaru American Birkebeiner 51K: 4,405
  • Johnson Bank Kortelopet 23K: 1,963
  • Johnson Bank Prince Haakon 12K: 160
  • Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie: 1,300
  • Century Tel Junior Birkie: 238
  • Salomon Elite Sprints: 32
  • Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints: 63
  • Cheqtel Communications 10K: 191

Race Summary

  • The race started under blue skies and minus 4-degree temps (Fahrenheit).
  • For the fifth year in a row, an Italian man captured the Birkie Champion title. Marco Cattaneo skied to victory in 2:03:14. Teammate Laura Peyrot claimed the woman’s Champion title for the third year in a row and **set a 51K course record in the with a time of 2:15:30. The previous course record set by Gudren Pfueger, Austria, in 1997.
  • Sven Wiik, an 84-year old Swede who laid out the Birkie trails more than 30 years ago, sent Birkie and Korte skiers on their way before he jumped into a wave to ski the race with participants from 19 foreign nations and 45 U.S states, including Hawaii, New Mexico and Kentucky.
  • The Governor Doyle “Putting Wisconsin on the Map” award was presented to the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation by Jim Holperin, Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The award honors the Birkie as a ski mecca that brings skiers from around the world to northern Wisconsin.

Birkie – 2006

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 51K

  • Marco Cattaneo, Italy 2:08:56.8
  • Anna Santer, Italy 2:24:05.9

Kortelopet 23K

  • Bill Bowler Jr., USA 1:04:39.2
  • Natasha Naryshkina, USA 1:12.07.2

Entrants

  • All Races: 8,969
  • Subaru American Birkebeiner 51K: 4,672
  • State Bank of Drummond/Cable Chamber Kortelopet 23K: 2,108
  • Johnson Bank Prince Haakon 12K: 206
  • Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie: 1,250
  • Century Tel Junior Birkie: 320
  • Salomon Elite Sprints: 35
  • Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints: 74
  • Cheqtel Communications 5K/10K: 304

Race Summary

  • In a show of camaraderie Marco Cattaneo and teammate Roberto DeZolt linked hands and attempted to cross the finish line at the exact same time. When Cattaneo’s foot crossed the finish line half an inch ahead of DeZolt’s, FIS Technical Delegate Brian Keeble ruled that Cattaneo was the victor. Both finished with a time of 2:08:56.8. Italian Pier Luigi Costantin skied to a thirdplace finish in 2:09:36.
  • In the women’s field, Italian Anna Santer claimed victory with a time of 2:24:05.9, trailed by teammates Lara Peyrot with a second place finish time of 2:24:06, and Cristina Paluselli with a third place finish time of 2:24:13.
  • At the start line, under blue skies and 4-degree temps (Fahrenheit), Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle welcomed skiers, recognized long-time Birkie volunteer Rex Schultz with an Honorary Starter commendation, and sent 6,768 skiers from 19 foreign nations and 45 U.S. states, including New Mexico, Hawaii, and Arizona, on their way for the 2006 Subaru American Birkebeiner.
  • Longtime Birkie skiers Jim and Tom Vanden Brook skied the 51K race dressed as the traditional Viking soldiers who rescued Baby Prince Haakon 800 years ago.
  • 82 skiers participated in the new Ski for the Cure program to raise $38,000 in the fight against breast cancer.

Birkie – 2007

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 25K

  • Zack Simons, USA 1:09:05.4
  • Kate Whitcomb, USA 1:18:02

Kortelopet 18K

  • Race skied as an “Open Track”, only Birkebeiner Elite Skiers were timed.

Entrants

  • All Races: 8,608
  • Subaru American Birkebeiner 25K: 4,599
  • State Bank of Drummond/Cable Chamber Kortelopet 18K: 2,001
  • Johnson Bank Prince Haakon 12K: 191
  • Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie: 1,207
  • Century Tel Junior Birkie: 214
  • Salomon Elite Sprints: 12 women, 23 men
  • Sun Flour Market Citizen Sprints: 78
  • Cheqtel Communications 5K/10K: 283

Race Summary

  • Zack Simons, Park City, Utah, and Kate Whitcomb, Ketchum, Idaho, skied to victory at the 25-kilometer Subaru American Birkebeiner in Cable and Seeley. Zack captured the 34th annual Birkie championship title in 1:09:05.4 and Whitcomb claimed victory with a time of 1:18:02.
  • Patrick Weaver, Bend, Oregon, skied to a second-place finish in 1:09:08.2 followed by Eli Enman, Huntington, Vermont, with a third-place time of 1:09:09.9
  • In the women’s field, Whitcomb was trailed by Martina Stursova, originally from the Czech Republic and now living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who took second with a time of 1:18:08.9. Abigail Larson, Salt Lake City, Utah, finished third with a time of 1:18:09.8.
  • Mother Nature, an unruly player in all 2007 race decisions, didn’t cooperate with officials when it came to sending sufficient snow for a full race. For the second time in its 34-year history, the Birkebeiner was shortened to a 25-kilometer race, this time for 265 elite skiers only.
  • 6,708 Birkie and Kortelopet skiers participated in an untimed, non-competitive, ‘open-track’ event with Birkie skiers finishing at Highway OO and Kortelopet skiers finishing a shortened 18K race at Telemark Resort.
  • 191 Prince Haakon skiers started and finished their 8K race at Telemark Resort.
  • 1,207 Barnebirkie skiers started under bright blue skies on Lake Hayward and finished on Hayward’s Main Street.
  • Phillip Schaefer, 30-year Birkie skier, and son Michael, 10-year Birkie skier strided along the 25K race dressed as the traditional Birkebeiner soldiers who rescued Baby Prince Haakon 800 years ago.
  • Mark Ernst, 30-year Birkie skier from Green Bay, WI was selected as the Honorary Starter in recognition of his contributions as a competitor, supporter and ambassador for the Birkie.

Birkie – 2008

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 50K Free Technique

  • Ivan Babikov, Canada 2:07:08.9
  • Evelyn Dong, USA 2:23:43.4

Birkebeiner 53K Classic Technique

  • Yuri Kozlov, Russia 2:32:25.2
  • Kelly Skillicorn, USA 3:00:43.3

Kortelopet 23K Free Technique

  • Santiago Ocariz, USA 58:27.3
  • Jessie Diggins, USA 1:05:35.3

Kortelopet 23K Classic Technique

  • Anders Bowman, USA 1:09:20.7
  • Staci Gilpin, USA 1:30:04.8

Entrants

  • All Races: 8,563
  • Subaru American Birkebeiner 50K FT & 53K CT: 4,646
  • State Bank of Drummond/Cable Chamber of Commerce Kortelopet 23K: 2,063
  • Johnson Bank Prince Haakon 12K: 239
  • Swiss Miss/Salomon Barnebirkie: 1,127
  • CenturyTel Junior Birkie: 26
  • CXC Elite Sprints: 23
  • Citizen Sprints presented by SunFlour Market, Outdoor Ventures, Northshore Promotional Group: 53
  • Cheqtel Communications 5K/10K: 38

Race Summary

  • Ivan Babikov, Canmore, Alberta, Canada, and Evelyn Dong, Bend, Oregon, were the Champions of the 50-kilometer Subaru American Birkebeiner in Cable-Hayward, Wisconsin. Babikov captured the Free Technique Title in 2:07:08.9 and Dong claimed victory for Female Free Technique skiers with a time of 2:23:43.4.
  • The Champion of the 53K Classic Technique American Birkebeiner was Yuri Kozlov, Russia with a winning time of 2:32:25.2. The Women’s 53K Classic American Birkebeiner Champion title was awarded to Kelli Skillicorn, Winona, Minnesota, with a time of 3:00:43.3.
  • The race for second in the 50K Free Technique Birkie was an intense one with Zack Simons, Park City, Utah narrowly beating Adam Swank, Duluth, Minnesota. Zack finished in 2:07:08.9 and Adam finished in 2:07:47.7. In the women’s race Kristina Strandberg, Bend, Oregon, captured second in a time of 2:24:22.7 and Sarah Konrad, Laramie, Wyoming took third with a time of 2:24:23.9.
  • The 50K Classic Technique Birkie awarded second place in the men’s race to Shawn Miller, Duluth, Minnesota with a time of 2:36:57.0 and third place to Grant Nelson, Duluth, MN, with a finishing time of 2:42:08.3. Kerrie Fabius, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, claimed second place for the women skiing classic technique with a time of 3:03:29.0 and third place to Josie Nelson, Medicine Lake, Minnesota, crossed the finish line in 3:08:18.5.
  • The 35th Anniversary events were officially started with the lighting of the torch at the Welcoming Ceremonies by the grandson of Tony Wise, creator of the American Birkebeiner. Ryland Sabien lit the torch wearing his late grandfather’s sweater.
  • In honor of the 35th Anniversary several skiers reenacted the hill climb up Mt. Telemark skiing in traditional ski clothing and skis.
  • Skiers started the 35th Anniversary American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet under clear skies and a cool 7°F. Race announcer Ron Hobart welcomed skiers and recognized the 2008 Honary Starter a 19 year Birkie skier, skier of 5 Kortelopets, 75 year old retired Hayward teacher and survivor of non-hodgkins lymphoma, Barb Klippel received the honors. Just two weeks prior to the 2008 events Barb suffered an injury and it looked like she would not be able to complete her 19th Birkie. Dedicated Birkie skiers and friends weren’t about to let that happen. They escorted Barb down the trail and helped ensure her safety until she reached Hayward’s Main Street and completed the event to a cheering crowd.
  • Three skiers continue to ski every Birkie as they have done since 1973, John Kotar, Ernie St. Germaine and Dave Landgraf all completed their 35th Birkie.
  • During the summer and fall of 2007 the American Birkebeiner Classic Trail was expanded to 15.5 kilometers. The 2008 Classic Skiers used this expanded trail and expressed great appreciation for the separate course and quality trail.
  • Thom Gerst and his brother Gary Gerst were selected to represent Torstein and Skervald the soldiers who skied Baby Prince Haakon to safety 800 years ago. Gail Moede Rogall was selected as the first women to represent Inga, the mother of the Prince. Her son Bjorn was the honorary Prince. All wore traditional costume and skis.

Birkie – 2009

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 50K Skate Technique

  • Matthew Liebsch, USA 2:11:47
  • Rebecca Dussault, USA 2:26:39

Birkebeiner 54K Classic Technique

  • Gus Kaeding, USA 3:00:27
  • Martina Stursova, Czech Republic 3:26:16

Kortelopet 23K Skate Technique

  • Spencer Lacy, USA 1:03:20
  • Jessie Diggins, USA 1:10:30

Kortelopet 23K Classic Technique

  • Bob Gerten, USA 1:15:03
  • Anne Hart, USA 1:31:55

Entrants

  • All Races: 9064
  • Becker Law American Birkebeiner 50K Skate: 3584
  • Subaru American Birkebeiner 54K Classic: 1365
  • Premier Physical Medicine & Wellness Clinic Kortelopet 23K Skate & Classic: 2244 (Skate 1246; Classic 998)
  • Johnson Bank Prince Haakon: 212
  • CenturyTel Junior Birkie: 293
  • Salomon/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie: 954
  • CXC Elite Sprints: 19
  • Cheqtel Communications 5K/10K: 393

Race Summary

  • Matthew Liebsch of Maple Grove, Minnesota, and Rebecca Dussault of Gunnison, Colorado, skied to victory at the 36th anniversary American Birkebeiner Skate Race sponsored by Becker Law. Liebsch captured the championship title after skiing 50 kilometers to a Main Street finish in Hayward, Wisc. in 2:11:47.9. Dussault captured the women’s championship title with a time of 2:26:39.5.
  • The Champion of the 54K Subaru Classic was Gus Kaeding of Marquette, Michigan, with a winning time of 3:00:27.8. The Women’s 54K Classic Subaru American Birkebeiner Champion title was awarded to Martina Stursova of the Czech Republic, with a time of 3:26:16.3.
  • Bryan Cook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, skied to a second-place finish in the 50K Birkie Skate with a time of 2:12:30.7 followed by Dan Roycroft, Alberta, Canada, with a third-place time of 2:12:35.2.
  • The women’s Birkie 50K Skate race was a photo finish with Dussault barely edging out second place finisher Holly Brooks, Anchorage, Alaska. Dussault and Brooks collapsed at the line, after giving it their all in the race up Main Street. Brooks had a time of 2:26:39.6 followed by Swedish-born Kristina Strandberg now living in Bend, Oregon, skiing to a third-place finish with a time of 2:26:49.7.
  • Like the women’s skate the men’s Birkie 54K Classic race was also a photo finish with race Champion Gus Kaeding, barely beating World Champion and Olympic record holder Bjorn Daehlie of Norway. Daehlie’s second place time was 3:00:27.9. In third place was Geir Strandbakke, Norway finishing in 3:00:56.
  • Placing second in the women’s 54K Classic Birkie division, Hilary Patzer, St. Paul, Minnesota, finished in 3:33:03, and Kelly Skillicorn, Winona, Minn., placed third in 3:33:30.9.
  • Temperatures for the 36th Anniversary American Birkebeiner hovered around 17 degrees fahrenheit at the race start and then climbed as 19 waves of skiers left the starting gates.
  • Honorary Starter Sheila Wise, the wife of the late Tony Wise, creator of the American Birkebeiner and Telemark Resort, sent 7,193 skiers on their way in the second largest field of skiers in race history.
  • Three skiers continue to ski every Birkie as they have done since 1973, John Kotar, Ernie St. Germaine and Dave Landgraf all completed their 36th Birkie.
  • The summer and fall of 2008 saw the completion of the Birkie Classic Trail. The 27K Classic Trail takes skiers from the start line just past the Cty. Hwy OO crossing at the Birkie half way point. The new trail received rave reviews by both recreational skiers and event participants.
  • Richard Pierce and his best friend Jeff Cummisford, both of Wisconsin, portrayed the Norwegian warriors who rescued the infant prince on a trecherous cross country trek in the middle of a 13th-century civil war. On the trail with them was Richard’s daughter Lyndsey Lewis from Fort Collins, Colorado, who represented Inga, the mother of the Prince. Her son Piercen was the honorary Prince. All wore traditional costumes and skied on wooden skis.

2010 - Present

Birkie – 2010

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 50K Skate Technique

  • Fabio Santus, ITA 1:56:58.6***
  • Rebecca Dussault, USA 2:16:18.3***

Birkebeiner 54K Classic Technique

  • Juergen Uhl, USA 2:28:39.4****
  • Audrey Weber, USA 2:51:34.0****

Kortelopet 23K Skate Technique

  • Scott Johanik, USA 57.18.0
  • Dana Roach, USA 1:06:50.7

Kortelopet 23K Classic Technique

  • William Brown (Jake), USA 1:05:10.7
  • Kelly Skillicorn, USA 1:11:32.2

Entrants

  • All Races: 10234
  • Becker Law American Birkebeiner 50K Skate: 3978
  • Subaru American Birkebeiner 54K Classic: 1585
  • Marshfield Clinic Kortelopet 23K Skate & Classic: 2493 (Skate 1372; Classic 1121)
  • State Bank of Drummond Prince Haakon: 323
  • CenturyLink Junior Birkie: 326
  • Salomon/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie: 1025
  • Johnson Bank Elite Sprints: 23
  • Cheqtel Communications 5K/10K: 431
  • Johnson Bank Citizen Sprints: 50

Race Summary

  • ***Italian skier Fabio Santus broke the 50K Birkie Skate presented by Becker Law course record with a time of 1:56:58.6 in the 37th annual American Birkebeiner held Saturday, February 27th. Rebecca Dussault the returning champion defended her title by winning the Women’s Skate division with a time of 2:16:18.3 (the women’s 50K Skate record.)
  • Tad Elliot, Durango, Colorado, skied to a second-place finish in 1:57:06.7 followed by Christopher Cook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, with a third-place time of 1:58:41.
  • First time Birkie skiers Tazlina Mannix and Brooke Gosling battled for their positions with Mannix of Anchorage, Alaska, capturing the second place finish with a time of 2:16:49.2 and Gosling of Canmore, Alberta, Canada, taking third with a time of 2:16:57.
  • ****In its third year the Birkie Classic presented by Subaru showed course records for both the men’s and women’s races. The 54K Classic Champion is Juergen Uhl of South Burlington, Vermont, with a time of 2:28:39.4. Audrey Weber of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, captured the women’s title in a time of 2:51:34.
  • The second place time in the men’s classic of 2:32:30.7 was skied by Jesse Smith of Traverse City, Michigan. In third place was Shawn Miller, Duluth, Minnesota finishing in 2:33:16.3.
  • Repeating her second place finish from 2009, Hilary Patzer, St. Paul, Minnesota, finished in 2:53:07.4, while Kerrie Fabius, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada skiing in her first Birkie finished in 2:53:31.3.
  • Skiers from 19 foreign nations, including Andora, Estonia and Russia, and 47 U.S states, including Hawaii, North Carolina and Alaska, had great conditions for the 37th anniversary event.
  • Honorary Starter, Wisconsin Governor James Doyle, welcomed the largest field of skiers ever in the American Birkebeiner’s 37-year history. He sent over 8,055 skiers on their way beginning at 8:00 a.m.
  • Temps hovered around 10 degrees at the start, then climbed as 21 waves of skiers left the starting gates.
  • Three skiers continue to ski every Birkie as they have done since 1973, John Kotar, Ernie St. Germaine and Dave Landgraf all completed their 37th Birkie.
  • Brothers David and Grant Nelson assumed the roles Torstein and Skervald, the Birkebeiner warriors who rescued the infant Prince Haakon. The brothers made their own wooden skis for the event. David’s wife Josie portrayed Inga the mother of Prince Haakon and their son Karl served as Prince Haakon in the re-encactment. All wore traditional costumes and skied on wooden skis.

Birkie – 2011

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 50K Skate Technique

  • Tore Gunderson, NOR 2:00:32
  • Caitlin Compton, USA 2:16:07***

Birkebeiner 54K Classic Technique

  • Juergen Uhl, USA 2:29:26
  • Jennie Bender, USA 2:50:53****

Kortelopet 23K Skate Technique

  • Ben Hugus, USA 57:14
  • Summer Ellefson, USA 1:06:41

Kortelopet 23K Classic Technique

  • Paul Schommer, USA 1:01:39
  • Nora Gillbertson, USA 1:13:17

Entrants

  • All Races 11,173
  • American Birkebeiner 50K Skate: 4237
  • Becker Law Birkebeiner 54K Classic: 1820
  • Marshfield Clinic Kortelopet 23K Skate & Classic: 2779 (Skate 1488; Classic 1291)
  • State Bank of Drummond Prince Haakon: 380
  • CenturyLink Junior Birkie: 334
  • Swiss Miss/Johnson Bank Barnebirkie: 1015
  • Medica Foundation Elite Sprints: 23
  • Hayward Area Memorial Hospital 5K/10K Family Fun Event: 415
  • Leinenkugel’s/Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce Giant Ski: 120
  • Dr. Tim’s Barkie Barkie: 50

Race Summary

  • Norwegian Tore Martin Gundersen won the 50K Birkie Skate with a time of 2:00:32.8 in the 38th annual American Birkebeiner held Saturday, February 26, 2011. ***Caitlin Compton broke the Women’s 50K Skate course record and took first place with a winning time of 2:15:26.0.
  • Benoit Chauvet, Saint Gervais, France, skied to a second-place finish in 2:00:35.5 followed by Andrey Tyuterev of St. Petersburg, Russia, with a third-place time of 2:00:52.6.
  • The second and third place women also skied a fast race with all three of the top women breaking the 50K Women’s Course Record set by Rebecca Dussault in 2010. Second place was captured by Morgan Smyth of Park City, Utah with a finish with a time of 2:15: 28.2 and former Birkie Champion, Evelyn Dong, of Bend, Oregon, took third place honors in a time of 2:15:34.3.
  • In its fourth year the Birkie Classic presented by Becker Law saw the return of the 2010 Classic Champion Juergen Uhl of Burlington, Vermont. Uhl maintained his championship status by skiing the 54K Classic event in a time of 2:28:47.8 just 8.4 seconds slower than his 2010 time. ****Jennie Bender of Minneapolis, Minnesota, captured the women’s title setting a new course record in a time of 2:50:09.3.
  • The second place time in the men’s classic of 2:29:50.6 was skied by Karl Nygren of Prior Lake, Minnesota. In third place was Eric Wolcott, Hayward, Wisconsin, finishing in 2:30:15.9.
  • No strangers to the Birkie Classic podium, Kerrie Fabius of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, and Hilary Patzer of St. Paul, Minnesota took second and third today in today’s 54K event. Fabius finished in 2:57:10.4 and Patzer finished in 2:58:58.3.
  • Skiers from 19 foreign nations, including Latvia, Israel and Denmark, and 47 U.S states, including Hawaii, North Carolina and Alaska, had great conditions for the 38th anniversary event.
  • Honorary Starter, John Schmitt, the voice of Birkie for 19 years welcomed the largest field of skiers ever in the American Birkebeiner’s 38-year history. He sent over 8,850 skiers on their way beginning at 8:00 a.m.
  • Temps hovered around 10 degrees below zero at the start as 21 waves of skiers left the starting gates.
  • Long time friends Gale Otterholt and Marv Franson assumed the roles Torstein and Skervald, the Birkebeiner warriors who rescued the infant Prince Haakon (H?-ken). Otterholt a retired pharmacist and college professor and has completed 33 Birkies and also from Eau Claire, Franson, a retired Dean and Electronics Instructor, has skied 34 Birkies.
  • Long time Birkie skier and friend of the Warriors, Gretchen Lindgren, dressed as Inga from Varteig, mother of Prince Haakon, while her grandchild Finnley assumed the role of the cherished prince.
  • All wore traditional costumes and skied on wooden skis.

Birkie – 2012

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 50K Skate Technique

  • Tad Elliott, USA 2:04:48
  • Holly Brooks, USA 2:18:53

Birkebeiner 54K Classic Technique

  • David Chamberlain, USA 2:51:15
  • Carolyn Ocariz, USA 3:03:10

Kortelopet 23K Skate Technique

  • Ryan Davis, USA 1:02:02
  • Alayna Sonnesyn, USA 1:06:33

Kortelopet 23K Classic Technique

  • Geoff Ash, USA 1:09:30
  • Nora Gilbertson, 1:20:14

Entrants

  • All Races 9,500
  • American Birkebeiner 50K Skate: 4237
  • Becker Law Birkebeiner 54K Classic: 1820
  • Marshfield Clinic Kortelopet 23K Skate & Classic: 2779 (Skate 1488; Classic 1291)
  • Prince Haakon: 380
  • CenturyLink Junior Birkie: 334
  • Swiss Miss/Johnson Bank Barnebirkie: 980
  • FITS Sock & Helly Hansen Elite Sprints: 23
  • Hayward Area Memorial Hospital 5K/10K Family Fun Event: 340
  • Verizon & Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce Giant Ski: 120
  • Dr. Tim’s Barkie Barkie: 56 teams

Race Summary

  • Tad Elliott won the 50K Birkie Skate with a time of 2:04:48 in the 39th annual American Birkebeiner held Saturday, February 25, 2012. *** Holly Brooks won the Women’s 50K Skate course record and took first place with a winning time of 2:18:53:2.
  • Matt Liebsch, Orono, MN, USA skied to a second-place finish in 2:05:02, followed by Brian Greg, Minneapolis, MN, USA, in 2:05:03.
  • The second and third place women also skied a fast race, with 2011 champion, Caitlin Compton Gregg, taking second place right alongside Brooks in 2:18:53:7. Jenny Bender captured third place in 2:21:46, after setting the women’s course record in the classic race in 2011.
  • In its fifth year, the Birkie 54K Classic presented by Becker Law was the scene of a close finish on Main Street, Hayward. David Chamblerlain claimed first place in 2:51:15, just ahead of world-reknowned Vegard Ulvang of Norway who finished a close second in 2:51:17. ****Carolyn Ocariz of Hayward, WI, took first place in her Birkie Classic debut, finishing in 3:03:10.
  • Skiers from 21 foreign nations, including Latvia, Israel and Denmark, and 48 U.S states, including South Carolina and Southern California, had great conditions for the 40th anniversary event.
  • Laura Landgraf lighted the official Birkie Torch at the Welcome Ceremony in honor of her husband and beloved Birkie Founder Dave Landraf. She also spoke before the start of the race, welcoming the largest field of skiers ever in the American Birkebeiner’s 39-year history, sending over 9,500 skiers on their way beginning at 8:00 a.m.
  • Temps hovered around 10 above zero at the start as 21 waves of skiers left the starting gates. The day turned sunny about an hour after the first wave, and temperatures reached the low 20’s by early afternoon. It was as close to perfect as it gets for skiers and for spectators alike, a welcome turnaround after last year’s frigid conditions
  • Long-time friends Darald Bothun and Barry Knapp assumed the roles Torstein and Skervald in the re-enactment of the Birkebeiner warrior rescue of the infant Prince Haakon.
  • Kristin Bothun, Darald’s daughter dressed as Inga from Varteig, mother of Prince Haakon and skied the full Birkie.
  • All wore traditional costumes and skied on wooden skis.

Birkie – 2013

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 50K Skate Technique

  • Sergio Bonaldi, Italy 2:09:18
  • Caitlin Gregg, USA 2:28:56

Birkebeiner 54K Classic Technique

  • Doug Debold, USA 2:50:57
  • Ingrid Saupstad, Norway 3:17:21

Kortelopet 23K Skate Technique

  • Luke Brown, USA 1:02:43
  • Alayna K Sonnesyn, USA 1:08:59

Kortelopet 23K Classic Technique

  • Andrew J. Egger, USA 1:13:06
  • Nicole Bathe, 1:20:58

Entrants

  • All Races 10,300
  • American Birkebeiner 50K Skate: 3,957
  • Becker Law Birkebeiner 54K Classic: 1,798
  • Marshfield Clinic Kortelopet 23K Skate & Classic: 2,356 (Skate 1,323, Classic 1,033)
  • Prince Haakon: 415
  • CenturyLink Junior Birkie: 299
  • Swiss Miss/Johnson Bank Barnebirkie: 892
  • FITS Sock & Helly Hansen Elite Sprints: 32
  • Hayward Area Memorial Hospital 5K/10K Family Fun Event: 243
  • Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce Giant Ski: 34 teams
  • Dr. Tim’s Barkie Barkie: 61 teams

Race Summary

  • Sergio Bonaldi of Italy won the 50K Birkie Skate with a time of 2:09:18:1 in the 40th annual American Birkebeiner held Saturday, February 23, 2012. *** Caitlin Gregg, USA, won the Women’s 50K with a winning time of 2:28:56.
  • Fabio Santus, Italy, 2010 Birkie Champion and Birkie course record holder (1:56), Bonaldi’s teammate, took second in a photo finish beyond the hundreth of a second, otherwise with the same time as Bonaldi, 2:09:18:1. Alan Martinelli, Italy, also a teammate, helped create a full spread at the finish line in 2:09:18:4.
  • The second place, Tatjanna Mannima, Estonia, woman crossed in a photo finish with Gregg with a time of 2:28:57. Caitlin Patterson, USA, captured a face third place in 2:28:58.
  • In its sixth year, the Birkie 54K Classic presented by Becker Law was the scene of close finishes. Doug Debold, USA, took first in 2:50:57. Jacob Boyce, USA, finished a close second in 2:51:02, and, David Chamberlain, USA, 2012 Birkie Classic Champion, took third in 2:51:05. **** Ingrid Saupstad, Norway,a college student, took first place in the women’s Birkie Classic in 3:17:21. Claire Luby, USA, took second in 3:18:06, and Kim Rudd, USA, took third in 3:22:06.
  • Skiers from 21 foreign nations, including Latvia, Israel and Denmark, and 48 U.S states, including South Carolina and California, participated in the events.
  • Sam Ersson, the winner of the first American Birkebeiner in 1973, traveled back to the Birkie from Sweden to light the official Birkie Torch at the Welcome Ceremony on Thursday evening.
  • Temps hovered around 10 above zero at the start as 21 waves of skiers left the starting gates. Nearly 10 inches of snow fell throughout the day and evening on Friday, the day before the event. The snow was groomed throughout the night and was pushed off the trail in some sections to create the best skiing conditions possible.
  • A group of family and friends took on the roles of the Birkie Warriors, Torstein and Skervald, and Inga in the re-enactment of the Birkebeiner warrior rescue of the infant Prince Haakon.
  • Tom Lawn and Chirs Lawn, father and son, were the warriors. Lori House was Inga. The warriors wore traditional birch bark leggings, helmets, and wool tunics. Inga wore a long wool dress and cape. All skied the entire Birkie on wooden skis.

Birkie – 2014

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 50K Skate Technique

  • Tom Reichelt, Germany 2:14:29
  • Caitlin Gregg, USA 2:40:57

Birkebeiner 54K Classic Technique

  • Santiago Ocariz, USA 3:01:00
  • Natalja Naryshkina, USA 3:26:00

Kortelopet 23K Skate Technique

  • Ian Torchia, USA 1:10:28
  • Alayna K Sonnesyn, USA 1:21:18

Kortelopet 23K Classic Technique

  • Keaton Long, USA 1:14:11
  • Hilary Patzer, USA 1:29:26

Entrants

  • All Races 10,839
  • SWIX American Birkebeiner 50K Skate: 4,806
  • SWIX Birkebeiner 54K Classic: 2,319
  • Marshfield Clinic Kortelopet 23K Skate & Classic: 3,155 (Skate 1,789, Classic 1,366)
  • Prince Haakon: 556
  • Gear West Junior Birkie: 90+ (no official results due to weather)
  • Swiss Miss/Johnson Bank Barnebirkie: 647
  • FITS Sock Elite Sprints: 35
  • Hayward Area Memorial Hospital 5K/10K Family Fun Event: 157
  • Out There Nikkerbeiner: 59
  • Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce Giant Ski: 34 teams
  • Barkie Barkie: 80 teams

Race Summary

  •    Tom Reichelt of Germany won the 50K Birkie Skate with a time of 2:14:29 in the 41st annual American Birkebeiner held Saturday, February 22, 2014. *** Caitlin Gregg, USA, won the Women’s 50K with a winning time of 2:40:57.
  •    Simone Paredi, Italy, took second with 2:14:30 – one one-hundredth of a second ahead of 2013 top finisher Sergio Bonaldi, Italy who finished third with 3:14:30.
  • The second place woman, Antonella Confortola Wyatt, Italy, crossed the finish line 2:24:13. Rosie Brennan, USA, captured third place in 2:43:02.
  • In its seventh year, the Birkie 54K Classic presented by was the scene of close finishes. Santi Ocariz, USA, took first in 3:01:00. Nils Koons, NZL, finished a close second in 3:01:06, and, Eivind Opsahl, NOR, took third at 3:01:06. ****Natalja Naryskhina, USA, took first place in the women’s Birkie Classic in 3:26:00.Elaine Nelson, USA, took second in 3:27:49, and Brooke Adams, USA, took third in 3:32:22.
  • Skiers from 23 foreign nations, including Latvia, Israel and New Zealand, and 44 U.S states, including New Jersey and California, participated in the events.
  • Matriarch – Oldest Female of the Birkebeiner was Jacque Lindskoog and the Patriarch – Oldest Male, was Reno Deprey.  The Matriarch for the Kortelopet was Patricia Kaald and the Patriarch of the 2014 Kortelopet was John McKenzie.
  • Ritva Koukku-Ronde, the Finnish Ambassador to the United States, was the Honorary Starter of the 2014 American Birkebeiner.
  • Temps hovered around 10 below zero at the start as 21 waves of skiers left the starting gates. Nearly 18 inches of snow fell throughout the day on Thursday and into Friday, the day before the event. The snow was groomed throughout the night and was pushed off the trail in some sections to create the best skiing conditions possible. Due to such large, heavy amounts of snow, some events like the Junior Birkie needed to be moved to another location for easier access.
  • A group of family and friends took on the roles of the Birkie Warriors, Torstein and Skervald, and Inga in the re-enactment of the Birkebeiner warrior rescue of the infant Prince Haakon.
  • Ryan Harden & Erik Juslrud, were the warriors. Erik’s wife, Jen Julsrud was Inga. The warriors wore traditional birch bark leggings, helmets, and wool tunics. Inga wore a long wool dress and cape. All skied the entire Birkie on wooden skis.

Birkie – 2015

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 51K Skate Technique

  • Sergio Bonaldi, ITA 2:12:21.1
  • Holly Brooks, USA 2:34:51.8

Birkebeiner 55K Classic Technique

  • Ole Christian Mork, NOR 2:54:22
  • Natalia Naryshkima, USA 3:13:20

Kortelopet 24K Skate Technique

  • Daniel Peterson, USA 1:10:10
  • Hannah Bettendorf, USA 1:21:19

Kortelopet 24K Classic Technique

  • Mackinley Fitzpatrick, USA 1:18:50
  • Erin Moening, USA 1:30:53

Entrants

  • All Races 10,446
  • SWIX American Birkebeiner 51K Skate: 4,420
  • SWIX Birkebeiner 55K Classic: 2,399
  • Marshfield Clinic Kortelopet 24K Skate & Classic: 3,117 (Skate 1,697; Classic 1,420)
  • Prince Haakon 13K: 510
  • Gear West Junior Birkie: 335
  • Swiss Miss/Johnson Bank Barnebirkie:869
  • FITS Sock & Madshus Elite Sprints: Event changed due to weather
  • Hayward Area Memorial Hospital 5K/10K Family Fun Event: 175
  • Out There Nikkerbeiner: 64
  • Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce Giant Ski: 16 teams
  • Barkie Barkie: 83 teams

Race Summary

  •    2013 Birkie Champion, Sergio Benaldi, Italy won the 51K Birkie Skate with a time of 2:12:21.1 in the 42nd annual American Birkebeiner held Saturday, February 21, 2015. *** Holly Brooks, USA, 2012 Birkie Skate champion, won the Women’s 51K with the winning time of 2:34:51.8.
  •    Christophe Perrillat-Collomb, France took second with 2:12:21.6 with fellow country-man Benoit Chauvet, France who finished third with 2:12:22.
  • The second place woman, Aurelie Dabudyk, France crossed the finish line 2:35:19.9. Tatjana Mannima, Estonia, captured third place in 2:31:56.7.
  • In its eighth year, the Birkie 54K Classic presented by was the scene of close finishes. Ole Christian mork, Norway took first in 2:54:22.1. Torin Koos, USA finished a close second in 2:54:30.9, and, Thomas Seidel, USA took third at 2:54:36.8. ****Natalja Naryskhina, USA, took first place in the women’s Birkie Classic for the second year in a row, in 3:19:20.2.  Josie Nelson, USA, took second in 3:23:05.2, and Kelly Skillicorn, USA, 2010 Kortelopet Classic champion took third in 3:23:11.2.
  • Skiers from 17 foreign nations, including Czech Republic, Great Britain and Slovenia, and 48 U.S states, including Hawaii and Arizonia participated in the events.
  • Matriarch – Oldest Female of the Birkebeiner was Jacque Lindskoog and the Patriarch – Oldest Male, was Reno Deprey.  The Matriarch for the Kortelopet was Patricia Kaald and the Patriarch of the 2015 Kortelopet was Per Ostigaard.
  • Shellie Milford, the retiring Director of Race Operations for the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, was the Honorary Starter of the 2015 American Birkebeiner.
  • The 2015 Birkebeiner brought back the tradition of the International Bridge. This time the bridge was installed in downtown Hayward and not Telemark Resort, where the original bridge was introduced.  After crossing Hayward Lake, skiers climbed up the ten percent grade on the bridges east side, over two lanes of traffic on State Highway 63 and down the western slope with just enough “oomph” from a twenty percent grade to assist them up to the finish line one block further west up Main Street to Fourth Street.
  • Temps hovered around 15 above zero at the start as 21 waves of skiers left the starting gates, which was a welcome warming trend from the below-zero temperatures in the days preceding the Birkie-week events.  A dusting of two to three inches of fresh-powdery snow fell throughout the morning as the first waves departed at the start the event. The snow was groomed the night before and into the wee hours of the morning to create the best skiing conditions possible.
  • A group of family and friends took on the roles of the Birkie Warriors, Torstein and Skervald, and Inga in the re-enactment of the Birkebeiner warrior rescue of the infant Prince Haakon.
  • Brothers, Jeramiah Menk and Ben Menk, were the warriors. Ben’s wife, Alison Menk was Inga. The warriors wore traditional birch bark leggings, helmets, and wool tunics. Inga wore a long wool dress and cape. All skied the entire Birkie on wooden skis.

 

2016 Race Highlights

Race Champions

Birkebeiner 51K Skate

  • David Norris, USA 2:05:35
  • Caitlin Gregg, USA 2:22:44

Birkebeiner 54K Classic

  • Welly Ramsey, USA 2:48:59
  • Deedra Irwin, USA 3:11:58

Kortelopet 23K Skate

  • Anders Sonnesyn, USA 1:01:46
  • Abigail Drach, USA 1:06:25

Kortelopet 23K Classic

  • Mackinley Fitzpatrick, 1:10:15
  • Erin Moening, USA 1:24:06

Entrants

  • 10,102 (Birkebeiner Skate, 4557; Birkebeiner Classic, 2486; Kortelopet Skate, 1625; Kortelopet Classic, 1434)

Race Summary

  • Thursday’s Elite Sprints took advantage of the International Bridge spanning Hwy 63 to Main Street in Hayward as part of the course. The Barkie Birkie Skijor and Giant Ski enjoyed large crowds of enthusiastic spectators along Main Street. Kikkan Randall, four-time Olympian and World Champion, was the Welcoming Ceremonies Torch Lighter and Honorary Starter of the race on Saturday morning.
  • Friday’s rain resulted in a somewhat slushy day of events. New for 2016, all of the Friday events started on Lake Hayward, with the Junior Birkie, Barnebirkie, Birkie Adaptive Ski. and the Nikkerbeiner continuing onto land and up and over the International Bridge crossing Hwy 63.
  • Race day Saturday brought comfortable temperatures and good race conditions thanks to the efforts of the stellar grooming crew. Classical skiers were challenged to find the right wax for the day.
  • The Norwegian feature film, BIRKEBEINERNE (given the name The Last King for the US distribution) had it North American premiere at the Park Theater in Hayward over the weekend to a packed house for each showing.

 

2017 Race Highlights

For only the second time in 46-years, the American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet races were canceled for lack of snow due to unseasonably warm weather and rain. In their place, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation hosted Birkie Fest, a celebration of Nordic Sports, at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead. An estimated 10,000 people took place in the celebration that included a 5K loop, music, food, Birkie Brew-Ski, and fun. A true illustration of Birkie Fever at its best.