2013 Race Highlights

Birkebeiner 50K Skate

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

Birkebeiner 54K Classic

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

Kortelopet 23K Skate

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

Kortelopet 23K Classic

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

Entrants

8,111 (Birkebeiner Skate 3,957; Birkebeiner Classic 1,798; Kortelopet Skate 1,323; Kortelopet Classic 1,033)

Race Summary

The 40th Anniversary of the American Birkebeiner brough back several early Birkie legends. Sam (Eric) Ersson, winner of the first Birkebeiner race, returned to light the torch for the Welcoming Ceremonies and ski the Birkie on Saturday. Also welcomed back was the “Voice of the Birkie” from its early years, Peter Graves.

Another celebration was the “Nikkerbeiner” event, a retro fun 5K event where skiers wore their knickers, wool socks, wooden skis and bamboo poles.

Nearly 10 inches of snow fell throughout the day and evening on Friday. Groomers worked overnight to create the best skiing conditions possible, sometimes pushing the snow off the trail.