American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon Open Track
Save the Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024

1-Day, 3-Events, Main Street Finish!

The Open Track experience is back again! Same great events, same race course, inspiring downtown finish, simply with a more relaxed approach.  The Open Track event is for skiers that want to compete against themselves on the famed Birkie Trail.  Limited to the first 1000 people, you will experience less crowding, more open trail, and an opportunity to ski with other registered friends and family. It’s an exciting way to kick-off the beginning of Birkie Week 2024!

2024 Open Track Registration is Open!

Registration Details to Know!

All skiers in the Open Track must be registered – the race course will be closed for all other skiing.

Bibs

There will be no wave assignments or wave starts in the Open Track events.
All participants will wear the same color bib on race day. Bibs will designate which race you are in.
Special bibs, such as Birchlegger, Uberlegger, Korte Skiløper Ti, Tjue, and Tretti bibs will still be given.

2024 Birkie Gear Bag

As part of our ongoing Birkie Green initiative, we’ve partnered with SWIX on the Birkie gear bag!  The reusable Birkie gear bag is available for $60 and only during registration for the Birkie, Korte, Prince Haakon and Fat Bike Birkie.

• During the 2024 registration process, you can claim your own bag for only $60!  The $145 value Birkie gear bag is available during the registration process only.
• Quantities limited! Register for the race and gear bag soon to guarantee a Birkie gear bag!
• Birkie gear bags will be distributed as part of bib pick-up.
• To add-on a Birkie Gear Bag (subject to availability):
  • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
  • Scroll down to your event and click ‘Manage Registration’
  • Click ‘Add Ons’ (along either top or bottom menu)
  • Change your “Birkie Gear Bag” selection

Birkie Gear Bag Features

The Birkie gear bag has large, heavier zippers and plastic clips throughout the bag.

• Reinforced #10 zippers
• Tarpaulin panel on the bottom section for waterproofing and greater durability
• Bottom wet-sealed compartment for Nordic Boot storage (fits up to size 13 Nordic boot)
• Fleeced lined Sports Shield zipped compartment for glasses or visor, with brushed lining to prevent lens scratches and quick, easy access
• Large top-load zippered compartment for warm-up clothing, extra hats, and gloves
• Two zippered side compartments for extra water bottles and accessories
• Inside secured pocket for valuables; mobile phone, keys and wallet pocket
• Main pack body is made from tough 600D PVC backed polyester, internal frame-sheet transfers weight evenly and contours to the wearer’s back
• Padded EVA foam back offers cushioning and breathability over pressure points, and padded shoulder straps and harness system to distribute weight evenly

Completion Credit

Normal completion credit will be awarded for each Open Track event. However, if a skier chooses to register for both the Open Track event and the traditional Birkie, Korte, or Prince Haakon events later in the week, they will receive only 1 credit for that event. The maximum credit is 1-Birkie, 1-Korte, and/or 1-Prince Haakon event for Birkie week 2024. Skiers will not get credit for skiing two Birkies, two Kortes or two Prince Haakons, regardless of technique or day selected.

Worldloppet Credit

Future Wave Placement

Please see individual event pages for specific wave placement details, process and charts.  If you do not have a timed race result to use, you will be placed based on the following chart:

Event Change Request

Participants may request to change their Open Track Event (distance) or to the Birkie, Korte, or Prince Haakon at any time until 11:59pm CST on January 16, 2024.  Event availability/wave placement is subject to availability at time of request. If the wave that you qualify for is full, you will be assigned to the next wave with space available. (Participants may no longer transfer to the Birkie or Korte once they are full.)  A change fee of $25 will be applied. You will receive an updated e-mail confirmation reflecting the change once the change has been made. If you do NOT receive an updated e-mail confirmation within 10 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.  In an effort to create an environment with reduced on-trail passing, consistent race flow, reduced congestion in aid stations, and the safest possible environment for all skiers, we are unable to downgrade a skier to a wave that is slower than the wave they qualify for (and outside of the wave options provided in the Race Day Selection emails).

To change your event:

• Login to your RunSignUp profile.
• Scroll down to your event and click “Manage Registration”
• Click on “Transfer Event” (along either top or bottom menu)
• Select the event you want to transfer to and complete the registration

The race is run according to the rules and regulations of the FIS and any special requirements stated in the entry form, Birch Scroll, this web site, www.birkie.com and participant race instructions. Offenses against any of these rules may lead to disqualification for current or future events and the forfeiture of any and all awards.

All participants in the Birkebeiner Open Track must be 18 years of age by February 21, 2024. Kortelopet and Prince Haakon Open Track skiers must be 13 years of age by February 21, 2024. There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancellation. Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races.

Skiers must ski the distance they have registered for- no participant in the American Birkebeiner can ski the Kortelopet or Prince Haakon without officially changing their race entry (see above for how to request an Event change).  Participants who complete a technique for which they are not registered (for example – ski the skate course when they registered for classic) will be credited for completing the race but will not be given a finish time, will not be eligible for awards, and will not be included in the official results.

ABSF Participant Rules

Birkie Wax Policy

Experience the American Birkebeiner Skate (50K) and Classic (55K) races at a more relaxed pace.  All participants must be registered for the American Birkebeiner Open Track Event and must follow all participant rules.

Bib and Gear Bag Pick-up:

In the Celebration Tent on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm and Wednesday, February 21 from 6:30-10:00 am.

Getting to the Start:

You have options!

1. Participants may bus from the Spectator Lot in the city of Hayward to the start line.  Buses will leave the Spectator Lot between 7:15-8:00 am on Wednesday.
2. Get dropped off at the Start!  A special bonus of the Open Track!
3. Park at the Start!  No parking pass needed for the Open Track on Wednesday! (Please note:  buses will NOT return to the start from the finish line.  Make sure you have a plan in place to get back to your car.)

Start Window:

8:00-9:00 am at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable.

Finish Window:

12:00-5:00 pm at the Main Street Finish.

Baggage:

Drop your baggage at the designated location at the start from 7:45 am- 9:00 am.  Bags will be waiting for you at the finish line!

Finish Line:

You made it!  After receiving your ski ties and finisher medal/pin, recharge with Kemps chocolate milk and energy drink.  Pick up your drop bag (if you have one) and meet your friends in the Celebration Zone to celebrate!  Busses will run 12:00pm-5:30pm to return to the Spectator Lot.

Experience the Kortelopet race at a more relaxed pace.  All participants must be registered for the Kortelopet Open Track Event and must follow all participant rules.

Bib and Gear Bag Pick-up:

In the Celebration Tent on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm and Wednesday, February 21 from 6:30-10:00 am.

Getting to the Start:

You have options!

1. Participants may bus from the Spectator Lot in the city of Hayward to the start line.  Buses will leave the Spectator Lot between 10:00-10:30 am on Wednesday.
2. Get dropped off at the Start!  A special bonus of the Open Track!
3. Park at the Start!  No parking pass needed for the Open Track on Wednesday! (Please note:  buses will NOT return to the start from the finish line.  Make sure you have a plan in place to get back to your car.)

Start Window:

11:00-11:45 am at the Kortelopet Start at the OO Trailhead

Finish Window:

12:00-5:00 pm at the Main Street Finish

Baggage:

Drop your baggage at the designated location at the start from 10:45-11:45 am.  Bags will be waiting for you at the finish line!

Finish Line:

You made it!  After receiving your ski ties and finisher medal/pin, recharge with Kemps chocolate milk and energy drink.  Pick up your drop bag (if you have one) and meet your friends in the Celebration Zone to celebrate! Busses will run 12:00pm-5:30pm to return to the Spectator Lot.

Experience the Prince Haakon race at a more relaxed pace.  All participants must be registered for the Prince Haakon Open Track Event and must follow all participant rules.

Bib and Gear Bag Pick-up:

In the Celebration Tent on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm and Wednesday, February 21 from 6:30-10:00 am.

Getting to the Start:

Participants must bus from the Spectator Lot in the city of Hayward to the start line.  Buses will leave the Spectator Lot between 10:00-10:30 am on Wednesday.

Start Window:

11:00-11:30 am at the Prince Haakon Start

Finish Window:

12:00-5:00 pm at the Main Street Finish

Baggage:

Drop your baggage at the designated location at the start from 10:45-11:30 am.  Bags will be waiting for you at the finish line!

Finish Line:

You made it!  After receiving your ski ties and finisher medal/pin, recharge with Kemps chocolate milk and energy drink.  Pick up your drop bag (if you have one) and meet your friends in the Celebration Zone to celebrate! Busses will run 12:00pm-5:30pm to return to the Spectator Lot.

See below for aid station times and information.

Open Track skiers will ski the same courses as the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon events later in the week. Skiers will start at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Kortelopet Stadium, or Prince Haakon Stadium, respectively, then they’ll ski down the Birkie Trail, over frozen Lake Hayward, and across the American Birkebeiner International Bridge to the finish on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street. American Birkebeiner classic skiers must use the classic course.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own hydration vessels to fill at the self-serve aid stations.

Since this is an Open Track, or more relaxed event, no overall or age group awards will be offered in the Open Track events, however you can qualify for your Birkie or Korte decade award.

Save the Date:

2025: February 19