Community brings the energy and excitement ahead of Birkebeiner race

HAYWARD, Wis.– A day before the big Birkebeiner race out in Cable and Hayward, the Kortelopet is in full swing, and there’s still plenty to be excited about.

“it’s really cool to see everybody who comes out and, like, supports people and like, the community and like, yeah, just so many people skiing by,” said Ingrid Haaland, a Kortelopet racer.

At first glance, one would think this kind of atmosphere is only saved for the main event.

“It looks so fun when you’re cheering. I’m like, that makes me want to do it and just be a part of this community,” said Addie Corbett, a Kortelopet racer.

But for the entire weekend, no matter the race, the high energy is always happening.

One of the spectators, Dawn Ritcher, is here for her son. She said, she wasted no time getting on the sidelines.

“I was here before anybody got here, really, and so it’s gotten more and more crowded and more and more excited, but I’ve been ringing the cow bell ever since I got here,” said Ritcher.

As for the racers, they have their own fun to look forward to separate from the competition.

“Every year we, like, stay in a cabin together with our families and just make a fun weekend of it. Tomorrow we’ll cheer all day together for all of our friends, coaches, teammates,” said Corbett.

Ritcher said, she has traditions of her own every time the Birkie rolls around.

“My other tradition is I take my grandkids for the rest of the weekend so the adult children can have fun. That’s my tradition, I cheer and then I take the children,” beamed Ritcher.

In true Midwest fashion, visitors near and far are being welcomed like family.

” I think it’s just a community thing. And the fact that we have this amazing race with people from all over the world in the Northwest Wisconsin, I just I think that’s awesome,” said Ritcher.