51st Birkebeiner Season On the Horizon

HAYWARD, Wis.– Skiers are wasting no time hitting the grooves in Hayward Wisconsin, because the 51st Birkebeiner season is nearing the finish line.

Over a thousand people of all ages participated in the open race.

Wednesday’s main event was an open race. It’s a practice round for the skiers, to get a sneak peek before the real thing.

Alongside the racers, spectators are cheering them on. One of the officials told FOX 21 the weather turned things around last minute.

“Earlier in February, it was still very much up in the air and in question of whether or not we were going to finish and make the full route from Cable to Hayward. And finish on our main street. You know that’s been helped by several different snowfalls here in the last couple weeks that really did save the day,” explained Chris Ruckdaschel, Executive Director of the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce.

The real deal Birkebeiner race kicks off this Saturday.

But before that, downtown Hayward will host events such as the “Barnebirkie” for little kids to race.

The “Parabirkie” plays a part featuring adaptive athletes, as well as the “Barkie Birkie” for the dogs to join in on the fun.