1980 Race Highlights

Birkebeiner 53K

Per Notten, Norway 2:24:55
Gry Oftedal, Norway 2:53:48

Kortelopet 24.5K

James Read, USA 1:17:15
Kris Storm, USA 1:25:17

Entrants

4,876

Race Summary

Due to the increasing numbers of skiers on the Birkebeiner trail, the course was widened to 30 feet in both Bayfield and Sawyer Counties during the summer of 1979.

Local skiers, Carol and Tom Duffy, were among the first to complete the World Loppet series wearing bibs numbered 1 and 2. Five skiers completed the series that day.

The year marked the end of the climb up and over Mt Telemark with skiers enjoying a course 50 feet wide for the first 10 kilometers. The finish area changed from one chute to three, better accommodating skiers crossing the finish line.

The first official Creamettes spaghetti feed took place in the Namakagon room and for the first time, registration was held in the Red Arrow Room.

A group of 20 National Ski Patrollers joined the medical support staff for the first time.