2008 Race Highlights

Birkebeiner 50K Skate

Ivan Babikov, Canada 2:07:08
Evelyn Dong, USA 2:23:43

Birkebeiner 53K Classic

Yuri Kozlov, Russia 2:32:25
Kelly Skillicorn, USA 3:00:43

Kortelopet 23K Skate

Santiago Ocariz, USA 58:27
Jessie Diggins, USA 1:0:35

Kortelopet 23K Classic

Anders Bowman, USA 1:09:20
Staci Gilpin, USA 1:30:04

Entrants

6,709 (Birkebeiner 4,646; Kortelopet 2,063)

Race Summary

The 35th Anniversary American Birkebeiner was officially started at the Welcoming Ceremonies by Ryland Sabien, grandson of race founder, Tony Wise. Skiers were invited to don ski clothing and equipment from the early years of the event and reenact the hill climb of the seventies.

The race started under blue skies and 7 degree temperatures after announcer Ron Hobart welcomed skiers in every language represented at the event.

The second of three new sections of trail specifically created for classic ski competitors was completed and classic skiers had separate wave starts and were recognized with separate results from skate skiers.