Friday, February 20, 2026
Skate 15K Race / Classic 15K Race
Hayward, WI, USA
Watch the video below for registration information from Event Director Kristy Maki. Also included is a tutorial to walk you through the improved registration process. Jump to that section of the video here
The Prince Haakon 15km is named after the baby prince who started it all! Skiers race 15km through the forest on the Birkie Trail, glide across frozen Lake Hayward, and ski over the infamous American Birkebeiner International Bridge towards the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street. #Birkie2026
| May 1 through June 26 | June 27 through September 11 | September 12 through October 23 | October 24 or until full | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Haakon Registration Fee | $220 | $230 | $240 | $245 |
| U20 Prince Haakon (born after 2/21/2006) | $135 | $145 | $155 | $160 |
As part of the ABSF’s efforts to promote youth development in the sport, we will be offering a U20 (born in 2006 – 2013) age class wave for the Prince Haakon. U20 athletes will be the first off the starting line!
Protect your registration! Get reimbursed up to 100% on your registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons. Protecht offers refund protection so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in the case of injury, illness, or other unexpected events. Protecht can be purchased during your initial registration or up to five days after registration is completed.
Birkie Gear Bags are a part of race day that will last years into the future. Don’t miss the special offer on the 2026 Birkie Gear Bag »
Participants may request to change from the Prince Haakon to the American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, or Open Track at any time until 11:59pm CST on January 13, 2026 unless an event is full (see allowed transfers below). 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 American Birkebeiner or Kortelopet 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 approved. If you do NOT receive an updated e-mail confirmation within 10 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.
To change your event:
| Event you are registered for currently | Eligible for a transfer request to this event |
|---|---|
| Birkie Skate | Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track* |
| Birkie Classic | Birkie Skate, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track* |
| Korte Skate | Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track* |
| Korte Classic | Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Prince Haakon, Open Track* |
| Prince Haakon | Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Open Track* |
| Open Track | Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic. Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon & between Open Track distances* |
| *subject to wave availability |
Ineligible event change requests will be reversed and refunded minus processing fees if requested.
All start times will be recorded when you ski through the start tower. Winners will be based on chip time and not based on the first to cross the finish line.
Prince Haakon 15K skiers will depart from the start area near Phipps Road, north of Hayward, WI. The first 2-kilometers of the course are 14′ wide with one classic track and one skate lane. The remainder of the course is shared with Kortelopet skiers and is 30′ wide with two classic tracks and two skating lanes. Prince Haakon skiers will ski across Lake Hayward and over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge as they make their way toward the finish line on Hayward’s snow covered Main Street. Cheering crowds and the ringing of cowbells will greet them on Main Street.
Click the image above for PDF map.
Aid Stations and Cut-off times are still in the works for 2026! Stay tuned for further information and announcements.
There is no parking at the Prince Haakon Start! All participants must shuttle in from the Birkie Ridge Parking Lot.
| Continuous Shuttle Service To & From | Continuous Shuttle Service To & From | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Birkie Ridge Parking Lot | Prince Haakon Start | 11:30am - 1:45pm |
| Recovery Zone Bus Stop | Birkie Ridge Parking Lot | 12:30pm - 5:30pm |
All Prince Haakon finishers will receive a medal when they cross the finish line!
The top three overall women and men will be recognized in a ceremony in the Celebration Plaza at 3:00 pm on Friday. Winners are based on overall, chip time, not the first to cross the finish line. There is no technique distinction in the awards.
Skiers, whether elite or citizen, count on spectators to cheer them on as they set their sights on the finish line. Just when they think they’re fading, spectators provide an emotional lift that encourages them along their way. Catch Birkie Fever!
Join the celebration at the Frandsen Bank & Trust Celebration Plaza on Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. The first Prince Haakon finishers are welcomed with the ringing of the church bells as they come off of Lake Hayward on to Main Street at approximately 2:00 pm. Good viewing is possible along the length of Main Street.
Parking is available at designated parking lots with shuttle service throughout the day. There is limited street parking with in the downtown area, respect the parking direction signs and utilize the parking lots.
For skier and spectator safety, there are no pedestrian crossings on Main Street. Please use the access under the International Bridge for travel to the other side of the street.
