American Birkebeiner

A timing “chip” or transponder sensor wire has been installed about 300 meters out from the start line. Your official race time (“chip time”) will start when you cross that buried wire, rather than when your wave starts (“gun time”). The location of the wire will be marked with large vertical banners.

If you are late for your wave start, you can start with any subsequent wave of your technique and not be penalized as your official time will begin when you cross the sensor wire (“chip time”).  However, we strongly encourage you to start with your wave in order to maintain consistency in wave sizes and to allow for the best possible flow of skiers.

Overall winners of the Birkie® Skate race will be the first six men and first six women crossing the finish line, regardless of their “chip” time, assuming no violation of race rules. The official finish time for these skiers will be their “gun time”. They will be eligible for the award purse, but ineligible for age class awards.

Overall winners of the Birkie® Classic race will be the first three men and first three women crossing the finish line, regardless of their “chip time”, assuming no violation of race rules. The official time for these skiers will be their “gun time”. They will receive awards, but will be ineligible for age class awards.

Overall winners of the Kortelopet Skate and Classic races will be based on their “chip time”. The top male and female finishers in each race will receive awards, but be ineligible for age class awards.

Overall winners of the Prince Haakon 12K will be based on their “chip time”. The top male and female finisher of the race will receive an award. There are no age classes in the 12K, and no separate award for classic vs. skate skiers.

All age class awards will be based on official “chip” times.

Any skier in the Birkie® or Kortelopet race starting ahead of their assigned wave will be disqualified and not receive a finish time, or credit for completing the race.

• The first wave to start the Birkie and Kortelopet will be Classic Wave 1 at 8:00 a.m. which includes the Classic Elite skiers
• The second wave to start will be Classic Wave 2 at 8:10 a.m.
• The Elite Men will start at 8:25 a.m., Elite Women at 8:27 a.m.
• Classic Wave 3 will start at 8:30 a.m.
• Skate Wave 1 skiers will start at 8:35 a.m.
• There will be alternating starts of Classic and Skate waves.
• Skiers in Waves Two and back should enter the "pre-staging" pen from the rear entry gate and subsequently move forward as directed by race officials as each preceding wave starts.

Please note: Classic tracks will be set across the entire start area. All skiers are required to double pole for the first 100 meters.

• Tracks will be set across the entire 180' start line and all skiers must stride or double pole for the first 100 meters.
• There will be nine sets of classic tracks continuing on the LEFT side of the start through the timing wire area at 300 meters and to the point where the Classic Course leaves the Skate Course at 600 meters.  Classic tracks will gradually reduce to three sets until "OO" where they will reduce to two sets of tracks.
• Skate skiers must double pole for the first 100 meters from the start line. After that point, skate skiers will cross the start time wire (at 300 meters) and should stay to the RIGHT where the Classic Trail separates and goes left. This point will be clearly marked with a large sign.

The Prince Haakon 12K will again start at the Cable Union Airport following the final wave at the Birkie and Kortelopet start line at 10:15 a.m.