HAYWARD, Wis. (Feb. 9, 2015) – Course changes to the 2015 Birkebeiner will lengthen the classic race to 55 km and the skate race to 51 km. Most of the additional length – 700 meters – comes from relocating the final aid station from Highway 77 down into Hatchery Park. The finish line is also moves one block farther north up Main Street in Hayward, these changes adding one more kilometer to each race.
The International Bridge spanning Highway 63 on Main Street adds no length to the race, but its 17 vertical feet adds a bit of challenge to the final meters of the Birkie.
The Korteloppet ‘s official distance extends from 23 km to 24 km, the race now finishing adjacent to the start line instead of the Telemark Bowl.
With the Birkie finish moved a block up Main, bag pickup and the changing area and will be located at the Hayward Primary School and the final food station inside the Armory.
Bib pickup and the Expo have moved from the Hayward Middle School to the High School next door. Traffic from the south will turn left on Greenwood Avenue off Highway 63, while traffic from the north will turn right on Vermont Avenue, after passing under the International Bridge over Highway 63.
Click HERE for the complete race guide.
Posted February 9, 2015 at 2:03 pm
