Barnebirkie 2016

Kids Version of the American Birkebeiner

Called the race of 1,000 smiles and 2,000 rosy cheeks, the kids leg of the American Birkebeiner, the Barnebirkie faced a little rain but that couldn’t stop participants from skiing away with a good time.

“I don’t really know why but it just seems really fun and rewarding when you’re done,” said relay champion Olympia.

While the rain came down and made for a slower track, it couldn’t stop the excitement. “I liked it,” said adaptive skier Brenden Ojibway.

With that many skiers, the race got a little packed at the beginning but then the skiers spread out as everyone found their pace. “I’ve only skied once this winter and feel pretty confident,” said Nina Gourley, a skier from Shoreview, Minnesota.

Each skier raced for a medal but maybe more importantly hot cocoa and cookies at the finish line. “It’s fun and I get to ski,”said Liv, a skier from St. Paul, Minnesota.

For some there’s nothing like a sibling rivalry for two brothers from Bennett, Wisconsin. “It’s a great opportunity for little kids to get a chance to ski in a race,” they said.

Many of the kids have been skiing since they could walk or since the time skis were put on their strollers and all have dreams of the big Birkie.

“I know definitely I will keep doing this race,” said Nina.