RUNNING STORIES: Nebraska Runner comes to the Northwoods for the Birkie Trail Run 5K

In the upcoming months, we’re delighted to share a series of captivating runner stories with you. Our first spotlight falls on Hali and her family, who hail from the heart of Nebraska. Their story is one of resilience, determination, and the joy of running. “I’ve always lived a pretty active lifestyle whether it was swimming, […]

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Lifesaving Drone Technology Debuted at this year’s American Birkebeiner Event 

PRESS RELEASE  Lifesaving Drone Technology Debuted at this year’s American Birkebeiner Event  HAYWARD, WI (March 6, 2024) – As the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation wraps a successful 50th Anniversary Season this weekend with the Fat Bike Birkie, the ABSF medical team in Hayward, Wisconsin celebrated something never before tried in sports: after two cardiac incidents at […]

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American Birkebeiner Celebrates 50 Years by Hosting its Annual Week of Ski Events on Ten Kilometers of Machine-made Snow  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  HAYWARD, WI (February 25, 2024) – Despite the warmest Wisconsin winter on record and less than 16” of natural fallen snow in Sawyer County, Birkie Week 2024 events were enjoyed by nearly 12,000 participants representing all 50 states and 26 countries. This week was made possible by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s capabilities […]

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KARE 11 showcases the Birkie changes for this coming weekend

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ABSF Executive Director Ben Popp chats with WDIO about the changes for this year’s Birkie Week activities

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WI State Legislature declares February 19th – 25th American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  HAYWARD, WI (February 18, 2024) – Last week the WI State Senate adopted Assembly Joint Resolution 104, officially declaring February 19th – 25th American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin.   American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Executive Director Ben Popp commented, “we are honored to be recognized state-wide as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this globally renowned race. […]

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Changes to Birkie Week 2024:  Lapped Courses and Race Distance Changes 

Hayward, WI, February 13, 2024 – As anticipation builds for Birkie Week 2024, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is announcing several updates to this year’s 50th Slumberland American Birkebeiner anniversary celebration event. Birkie Week promises an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike, with the introduction of lapped courses, shortened distances, and the excitement of […]

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Ernie St. Germaine Received 50th Anniversary Custom Skis

On Friday, February 9th, Ernie St. Germaine, the only skier to have skied all 49 American Birkebeiners, picked up his custom skis for his 50th race in just two weeks. Months ago, Erine realized he needed new pair of skis for this year’s race. He stopped by Hayward’s Riverbrook Bike and Ski. Owners Tim Swift […]

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Executive Director Ben Popp discusses a warmer Birkie year on MPR

American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Executive Director Ben Popp chatted with Jenn White on Minnesota Public Radio. Ben discusses the current and forecasted weather conditions as well as the initial Birkie contingency plans. Interviewed live on January 31, 2024.

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Marketing & Communications Director Shawn Connelly talks Birkie 2024 on Civic Media Network

As Birkie week 2024 approaches American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Marketing and Communications Director Shawn Connelly appeared on the Matenaer on the Air show hosted by WUAK 101FM and the Civic Media Network. The Civic Media Network‘s Hayward station 910AM will also be carrying race coverage the week of the Birkie. More details to come as the […]

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