1976 Race Highlights

Birkebeiner 53K

Audun Kolstad, Norway 2:40:44
Jana Hlavaty, USA 3:05:31

Citizen’s Race 27.5K

Frances Koch, USA 1:39:37
Bonnie Fuller, USA 2:00:04

Entrants

993

Race Summary

The American Birkebeiner became officially sanctioned by USSA and FIS. Race bibs said Nor Tur across the top (first official sponsor) and, for the first time, American Birkebeiner on the bottom. A new medallion was introduced and remains the official first time participant medal today. Pins denoting years skied as well as 25% Club pins were added to the awards.

For the first time, the race started at Telemark Resort with skiers climbing up and over the ski hill, and finished at Lumberjack Bowl in Hayward. There were separate starts for the elite and citizen skiers. The “Citizen’s Race” also turned around, starting south of Seeley and finishing at the Lumberjack Bowl. Wax and repair stations were added on the course.

Through the efforts of Tony Wise and for the first time, 15 members of SAS, a Norwegian Ski Club, participated in the Birkebeiner. Several elite Norwegian skiers attended, including the winner, Audun Solstad.

Carl Hanson, the man who urged Tony Wise to develop a cross country ski race, presented a new award to the top woman skier from Hayward. Carol Duffy had won the first woman’s event in 1973 and returned to ski the full Birkebeiner in 1976. The Carl Hanson trophy was presented to Carol by Carl himself, a proud moment!