American Birkebeiner

Imagine the energy of 1,300 kids, ages 3 to 13, standing on skis awaiting the sound of the starting gun for the Barnebirkie, sponsored by Salomon & Swiss Miss. The excitement – and noise – is exhilarating as each participant anticipates his or her 1-, 3- or 5-kilometer event.

• Bib pick-up and new registration will be at the Hayward National Guard Armory on Main Street (near the Hayward Primary School) from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..
• Swiss Miss hot chocolate and homemade cookies courtesy of the Sons of Norway await every participant in the Celebration Tent near the finish area

Every child is a winner! Every participant receives:

• victory medal
• ski bib

The mementos will help keep race day memories alive for years to come!

Thanks to the Sawyer County Record, for producing this great video of the 2010 Barnebirkie, Barnie Ski Games and the cookies and Swiss Miss hot chocolate in the Birkie Celebration tent.

The Start of the Barnebirkie is behind the Hayward Primary School. The race finishes on Hayward's Main Street.

1K - Children ski from the Race Start behind the Hayward Primary School onto Main Street.

3K - Children ski from the Start to the Hayward Golf Course for one lap, return to the Primary School and then to Main Street.

5K - Same as the 3K except children will ski two laps on the Hayward Golf Course. There is a time limit (TBD) for children to complete the first lap. If that limit is not met then they will not be allowed to start the second lap. They will ski directly to Main Street.

After receiving their medals and refreshments, children will have the opportunity to play games and test their ski skills on a special course set up in the park between People’s Bank of Wisconsin and the post office.

The Barnie Ski Games will include events for all ages and abilities including:

• Chariot Pull - kids on skis will be pulled along with an old bicycle inner tubes as if waterskiing
• Speed Trap - a radar gun will read how fast the kids can ski
• Scooter Ski Relays - test agility, balance and coordination
• Simon Says - challenge the kids to balance on one ski or do a 360 degree turn
• Obstacle Course - check climbing and descending skills

No poles are allowed in the Barnie Ski Games area for safety reasons.

The games are sponsored by Woodland Developments & Realty and Peoples Bank of Wisconsin. Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC) supports the games and elite skiers will be on hand to help with the games, sign bibs and offer skiing tips.

12:30 Start behind the Hayward Primary School with a finish on Main Street