American Birkebeiner
Register Online!Birkie Fever - Photos, Songs and Multimedia
"I started my Birkebeiner career way back at race 3, 1976, the first time it became 55 km. No practice at all, just some wooden general touring skis, cable bindings, and a friend saying that this would be a really neat thing to do. I have done all races since, but dropped out in mid-race in 1983. In 2005 my doctor gave me 5 bypasses in my heart, a considerable rebuild. The surgeon gave me 6 weeks to recover my heart strength before the bypasses—a rare choice, but she based it on my training before the big race. After bypass surgery—due to her strategy—I set numerous records at the hospital for getting well soon. The Birkie keeps me going in physical strength and in spirit, a good thing for a now 65-year-old person."
~ Allen Anway, Superior, Wisconsin
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Survey Results
A big thank you goes out to everyone we participated in our recent surveys. Click on the links below to review the results of the latest surveys.We are pursuing having more buses available to get you to the start line on race day. Check out the December Carpe Skiem for more information on new options. We are using the results of the Cross-Training Survey to find and work with sponsors and others who can help meet your training needs. Thanks for the great response!
Bjorn Daehlie Leads Birkie® Skiers for Cures
It is official, Bjorn Daehlie, the Norwegian cross-country skiing legend of the 90's will ski the 2009 Birkie as an Ambassador for Multiple Sclerosis Research. Despite retiring from the Nordic race circuit in 1999, at only 32 years of age, Bjorn Daehlie has always remained close to the Nordic skiing world. He is proud of almost always ending up “on page 1 of the placement list” as he likes to emphasize, adding that “it’s important for me to stay close to the Nordic skiing world, which gave me the opportunity to be what I am”. The list of his skiing awards is huge:
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Eight Olympic golds
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Four Olympic silvers
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Six time World Cup Champion
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47 World Cup competition golds
Bjorn’s mother has suffered from MS for several years and raising needed funds for MS Research is important to him. MS will be the sole focus of our 2009 Birkie Skiers for Cures effort.
Persons raising the highest amount of donations will have the opportunity to meet, have lunch and ski with Bjorn during Birkie week. This was all made possible through the efforts of Birchlegger Ian Duncan, a neuroscientist at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, whose research involves the repair of the nervous system in MS patients.
Photo: Bjorn is pictured with his mother and neuroscientist Dr. Ian Duncan.
Join the Movement with Bjorn!
Click here to learn more about Birkie® Skiers for Cures and the MS Society.
American Birkebeiner Newsletter Carpe Skiem!
Carpe Skiem! is the American Birkebeiner's monthly Ezine. We give you the latest news, happenings, training tips and a Birkie Fever story in every issue. Stay informed by signing up here.
If you are on our mailing list and have been receiving the Carpe Skiem! there is no need to sign up again. If you were on our list and are no longer receiving information please email media@birkie.com so we can make sure you don't miss another issue!
Welcome to the Birkie®!
Welcome to the 36th annual American Birkebeiner, a citizen’s cross country ski race with something for everybody! The magic unfolds February 19-21, 2009 when 9,000 fit, colorfully-clad skiers from all walks of life and from around the world descend on northern Wisconsin to ski some of the most beautiful and challenging trails in the world.
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It’s a Winter Wonderland.
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It’s 3 days of excitement, camaraderie and challenge for everyone from ages 3 to 93.
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It’s an annual celebration of fitness, personal endurance and outdoor enthusiasm.
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It’s a cultural experience bursting with languages from 19 countries.
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It’s Birkie Fever.
Find out more. Check out the site and discover why skiers from around the world are hooked. Sign up forCarpe Skiem, a monthly ezine that will show you how to get and stay fit. Read current and past issues of Carpe Skiem, by clickinghere. And do join us for the Greatest Show on Snow. The American Birkebeiner. February 19-21, 2009. Take the challenge; ski the adventure; LIVE the Birkie!
Latest Birkie News
Bjorn Daehlie Will Ski 2009 Birkie Classic Race
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 - Cherie MorganHAYWARD, Wis., November 11, 2008 – Bjorn Daehlie, the most accomplished cross country skier of all time, has announced his intent to ski the 2009 Birkie Classic. Bjorn will ski the 54 Kilometer race and...
Birkie® Searches for Two Tough Skiers to Re-Enact
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 - by Cherie MorganHAYWARD, Wis., September 23, 2008 – The Board of Directors for the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is searching for two tough cross country skiers to dress as Birkebeiner warriors and trek 54 kilometers...
Participants of Birkie Trail Run, Relay and Trek Are Ready for Saturday
Monday, September 15th, 2008 - by Cherie MorganHAYWARD, Wis., September 15, 2008 -- Runners, Nordic walkers and fitness walkers are ready to embark on a journey along the beautiful American Birkebeiner Trail on Saturday, September 20, 2008. ...
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Hosts 6th Annual American Birkebeiner Trail Run, Relay & Trek
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 - Cherie MorganRunners eager for a fall fitness challenge are invited to enter the 6th Annual American Birkebeiner Trail Run, Relay and Trek coming up on Saturday, September 20, 2008 in Hayward, Wis. Last year more than...
American Birkebeiner Holds Trail Work Day on Classic Trail Expansion
Thursday, July 10th, 2008 - Cherie MorganHAYWARD, Wisc., July 10, 2008 – Construction of the final 11K segment of the American Birkebeiner Classic Trail continues to progress on schedule which will allow it to be ready for the 2009 Birkie cross...
Read more news articles...
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- February 21, 2009
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