1982 Race Highlights

Birkebeiner 55K

Ola Hassic, Sweden 2:42:09
Gary Oftedal, Norway 3:04:20

Kortelopet 29K

Ben Dodge, USA 1:40:53
Brenda Bergum, USA 2:10:35

Entrants

6,463

Race Summary

1982 marked the 10th anniversary of the American Birkebeiner with over 6,000 skiers registered for the Birkebeiner and Kortelopet.

For the first time since 1975 the race start returned to Hayward beginning on the northwest side of town and proceeding down Main Street across Lake Hayward. Nine thousand cubic yards of snow were laid down on Main Street to accommodate the many thousands of participating skiers.

Jack Rabbit Johanssen (106 years old) was the guest of honor for the 10th anniversary activities. During the start, he stood with Tony Wise on the Balcony of the Walker Hotel as the skiers passed by, waving his cane high in the air.

Tony established the “Founders” club to honor the 11 skiers who had participated in the first 10 American Birkebeiner races. They included Karl Andresen, Fred Constalie, John Gannett, John Holmqvist, John Kotar, Dave Landgraf, Jacque Lindskoog, Wayne Lindskoog, Nils Meland, Ernie St Germaine and Richard Scott.