Thousand Celebrate 42nd Annual Birkebeiner

Northland Tradition Kicks Off in Hayward

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There was so much excitement and anticipation as hundreds of people waited to see who will cross the finish line.

Sergio Bonaldi from Italy was the first to finish the 42nd annual American Birkebeiner.

“Today is perfect for me for me, very, very, good,” said Binaldi. “My performance today is perfect.”

Not too soon after him skied in women’s finisher Holly Brooks from Anchorage, Alaska.

“I felt good out there,” said Brooks. “I thought maybe today is my day and I was able to take it so it’s great to have an American win on home soil.”

Her technique, “Try to ski as smooth as possible, keep drinking and eating,” said Brooks.

She also never took her eyes off the prize.

“I didn’t dare look back,” said Brooks. “I had no idea where second place was. I couldn’t be happier right now.”

More than 7,000 elite athletes took on the difficult and exhilarating task.

“It’s very good,” Birkie volunteer Eric Maki said. “There’s a lot of international teams here this year.”

The signature event started off in Cable.

“The skate course is 50 kilometers and the classic course is 54 kilometers,” said Maki.

Skiers raced on hilly terrain.

“The trail was gorgeous, its perfect ideal winter conditions,” said Brooks.

For the first time skiers had to glide over a new bridge before they crossed the finish line.

“That was done early to alleviate traffic problems on highway 63 to help with the congestion,” said Maki. “It’s sort of reminiscent of the international bridge that existed at Telemark.”

“The bridge here was great,” said Brooks. “The crowd here on Main Street was fantastic.”

Some of the racers tell FOX 21 they will definitely do the Birkie again next year.