Hayward mayor Robert Anderson, Tony Wise and Rena, Norway, Mayor Kare Halvorsen dedicate the new public Birkebeiner Trail.

1977 Race Highlights

Birkebeiner 55K

Bjorn Arvnes, Norway 3:00:03
Berrit Lammedal, Norway 3:29:22

Kortelopet 27.5K

Bernt Lund, Norway 1:35:46
Gina Regland, Norway 2:18:04

Entrants

2,206

Race Summary

After several years of proposals, negotiations and grant procurements, the new Birkebeiner Trail was finally ready for skiers. The course through the woods was mapped out by Sven Wiik and adjusted by Marty Hall and Bob Treland to include more vertical climb. Local logging contractors were hired to complete the work.

Registration skyrocketed to 2,206. For the first time, the shorter race, now known as the Kortelopet, started with the Birkebeiner.

On the starting line, nearly 400 Norwegians suddenly surged ahead, leaving almost nine minutes early. All other followed – the race was underway!