1978 Race Highlights

Birkebeiner – 55K

Alfred Kaelin, Switzerland 3:10:04
Valborg Ostberg, Norway

Kortelopet – 26K

Kevin Brochman, USA 1:32:46
Terese Maznio, USA 1:58:10

Entrants

2717

Race Summary

Registration numbers continued to increase. SILVA (skis), a company owned by the SC Johnson corporation, became the major sponsor.

Representatives from nine nations gathered at Telemark to discuss the formation of a series of ski races that became the World Loppet League (now named the Worldloppet). The League was formally chartered at a meeting in Sweden in June.

Race cut-off times were imposed for the first time at 12K, 26K and 41K. There were now 11 Birkebeiner classes with only two for women.

The Bronze Broom Award, given to one of the last skiers across the finish line who most exemplified the Birkie spirit, was officially presented for the first time.