News from the ABSF If you're a member of the media, visit our Birkie Week Media Page.
RUNNING STORIES: Hayward Local Shares Her Running Journey
Josie, a Hayward, WI, local, shares her running story with the Birkie: “‘Athlete’ was one of the last things I would have called myself prior to tenth grade. I struggled in phy ed and had never participated in an organized sport. That year, however, a neighbor encouraged me to join the cross-country running team. I […]
Team Birkie Announces 2024-25 Marathon Team
(MINNEAPOLIS, MN) – Team Birkie’s Marathon Team gets a boost for the 2024-25 season from three new, highly experienced ski racers. Abigail Drach, Nicole (Schneider) Eliasson, Vivian (Hett) Johnson and Maxwell Turnberg, will join Team Birkie Marathon Team returners, Delany Fitzpatrick, Sam Holt, and Jenna and Zach Nelson. All four newcomers are Twin Cities natives, […]
Team Birkie Announces New Coaching Staff and Structure
Ensrud named Head Coach, Salmela moves to High Performance Manager. (MINNEAPOLIS, MN) – Former Team Birkie skier, Julie Ensrud, has been named Head Coach of Team Birkie. Ensrud raced two seasons for Team Birkie after a distinguished NCAA skiing career at Northern Michigan University and the University of New Mexico. The Saltnes, Norway, native comes […]
RUNNING STORIES: From Colorado to Wisconsin: Brian’s Birkie Trail Run Adventure
In our ongoing Birkie Trail Run Story series, we’re excited to share Brian’s journey. Hailing from Colorado, he brings a unique perspective to his Birkie experience. Read on for his story: “I am so excited to come out to Wisconsin. I have heard that the Birkie Nordic Ski race is iconic with a rich history. […]
Cable/Seeley Voted the Best Gravel Biking destination by The Nxrth!
“The home to a ton of amazing off road events all year long and hundreds of miles of gravel and singletrack, the Cable area is only going to continue to grow as an adventure cycling destination. With the development around Mt. Telemark Village and the Birkie’s continued investment in the trails and events, expect this […]
RUNNING STORIES: Hayward local plans to return for the Birkie Trail Run
It’s time to hear from our first Local Birkie Trail Run Story! Matt resides in our very own Hayward WI. He shares his running journey below! “I first ran the Birkie Trail Run my first year of living in Hayward. I was invited to join the New Moon Men’s Relay Team. It was the week […]
RUNNING STORIES: Virginia Runner plans to come back to the Northwoods for the Birkie Trail Run 1/2 Marathon
Joining us from Virginia, Jean and her family will share time in Hayward, WI. Without knowing, I reached out to Jean and Hali, and turns out they are mother and daughter! What a fun connection. Below is her story: “In 2020, we were living in Duluth, my hubby was working out of town, and our […]
Icebug Birkie Trail Run selected to host USAFT Marathon Trail Championship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2024 HAYWARD, WI – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is proud to announce its selection as the host venue for the United States of America Track and Field (USATF) MUT (Mountain Ultra Trail) Marathon Trail Championship as part of the Icebug Birkie Trail Run event on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. The […]
RUNNING STORIES: Nebraska Runner comes to the Northwoods for the Birkie Trail Run 5K
In the upcoming months, we’re delighted to share a series of captivating runner stories with you. Our first spotlight falls on Hali and her family, who hail from the heart of Nebraska. Their story is one of resilience, determination, and the joy of running. “I’ve always lived a pretty active lifestyle whether it was swimming, […]
Lifesaving Drone Technology Debuted at this year’s American Birkebeiner Event
PRESS RELEASE Lifesaving Drone Technology Debuted at this year’s American Birkebeiner Event HAYWARD, WI (March 6, 2024) – As the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation wraps a successful 50th Anniversary Season this weekend with the Fat Bike Birkie, the ABSF medical team in Hayward, Wisconsin celebrated something never before tried in sports: after two cardiac incidents at […]
American Birkebeiner Celebrates 50 Years by Hosting its Annual Week of Ski Events on Ten Kilometers of Machine-made Snow
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HAYWARD, WI (February 25, 2024) – Despite the warmest Wisconsin winter on record and less than 16” of natural fallen snow in Sawyer County, Birkie Week 2024 events were enjoyed by nearly 12,000 participants representing all 50 states and 26 countries. This week was made possible by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s capabilities […]
WI State Legislature declares February 19th – 25th American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HAYWARD, WI (February 18, 2024) – Last week the WI State Senate adopted Assembly Joint Resolution 104, officially declaring February 19th – 25th American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin. American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Executive Director Ben Popp commented, “we are honored to be recognized state-wide as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this globally renowned race. […]
Changes to Birkie Week 2024: Lapped Courses and Race Distance Changes
Hayward, WI, February 13, 2024 – As anticipation builds for Birkie Week 2024, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is announcing several updates to this year’s 50th Slumberland American Birkebeiner anniversary celebration event. Birkie Week promises an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike, with the introduction of lapped courses, shortened distances, and the excitement of […]
Ernie St. Germaine Received 50th Anniversary Custom Skis
On Friday, February 9th, Ernie St. Germaine, the only skier to have skied all 49 American Birkebeiners, picked up his custom skis for his 50th race in just two weeks. Months ago, Erine realized he needed new pair of skis for this year’s race. He stopped by Hayward’s Riverbrook Bike and Ski. Owners Tim Swift […]
Executive Director Ben Popp discusses a warmer Birkie year on MPR
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Executive Director Ben Popp chatted with Jenn White on Minnesota Public Radio. Ben discusses the current and forecasted weather conditions as well as the initial Birkie contingency plans. Interviewed live on January 31, 2024.
Marketing & Communications Director Shawn Connelly talks Birkie 2024 on Civic Media Network
As Birkie week 2024 approaches American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Marketing and Communications Director Shawn Connelly appeared on the Matenaer on the Air show hosted by WUAK 101FM and the Civic Media Network. The Civic Media Network‘s Hayward station 910AM will also be carrying race coverage the week of the Birkie. More details to come as the […]
Trio Selected to Portray Historic Inga & Warriors During Birkie Week 2024 Celebration
Hayward, Wisc. (January 25, 2024) – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation proudly announces the selection of Kirsten Sandman, Todd Sandman, and Craig Hokanson, to portray the iconic figures of Inga & the Warriors during the 50th-anniversary Birkie celebration, February 21–24, 2024. The trio hails from the Cumberland Area Timberland Hills ski area in Barron County, […]
Executive Director Ben Popp discusses Birkie contingency plans on WCCO
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Executive Director Ben Popp appeared on WCCO-Minneapolis to discuss the 50th Anniversary American Birkebeiner week-long ski event and celebration coming this February 20th – 25th. He sheds light on the history of the event and the potential contingency plans in the event the weather doesn’t cooperate.
