Prince Haakon 15K
Save the Date: Friday, February 23, 2024
The Prince Haakon event is named after the baby prince who started it all! Be a part of the Birkie week fun and excitement! You’ll ski through the forest on the amazing Birkie Trail, glide across frozen Lake Hayward, ski over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge as you make your way to the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street! #Birkie2024
- The ideal event for first-time racers and skiers looking for a shorter event
- Is open to both skate and classic technique skiers age 13 and older
- Check out the new Open Track version for a more relaxed event!
Registration
2024 Prince Haakon Registration is Open!
| May 1 through June 29 | June 30 through September 7 | September 8 through November 2 | November 3 until close | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Haakon Registration Fee | $185 | $195 | $205 | $220 |
| U20 Prince Haakon (born after 2/24/2004) | $125 | $125 | $135 | $145 |
Registration Details to Know!
All participants must be 13 years of age or older on race day in order to register for the Prince Haakon.
Please register under the same name every year (exact spelling) in order to keep track of your previous race finishes. If you are unsure of the name you registered under previously, please call the Birkie office at 715-634-5025 or email registration@birkie.com.
- To update personal info (email, address, etc) for this event at any time:
- Login to your RunSignUp profile.
- Scroll down to your event and click “Manage Registration”
- Click on “Participant Info” (along either top or bottom menu)
Skiers interested in skiing the Prince Haakon on Friday, the Birkie on Saturday, and the Open Track Korte on Wednesday can register for all races!
U20 Skiers
As part of the ABSF’s efforts to promote youth development in the sport, we will be offering a U20 (born in 2003 – 2008) 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. Next Wave Insurance offers Regsaver so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in the case injury, illness, or another covered peril occurs.* Please see policy for complete list of covered perils at www.registrationsaver.com/birkie. Limitations and exclusions apply. Next Wave Insurance, CA License #: OF00755.
Learn More About RegSaver Registration Protection!
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
Event Change Request
Participants may request to change from the Prince Haakon to the American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, or Open Track (if available) at any time until 11:59pm CST on January 16, 2024. 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 made. If you do NOT receive an updated e-mail confirmation within 10 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.
- 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
Bib Pickup and Event Week Schedule
Pre-Race Bib Pickup:
Bib Number Email Confirmations will be sent out the week before Birkie Week
Thursday, February 22
- Location: Birkie Expo, Hayward High School
- Times:
- Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- You will pick up your bib and Birkie Gear Bag or Plastic Bag (if you ordered one). You will not receive both types of bags.
- Expo Preview
Race Day, Friday, February 23, Bib Pickup:
- Location: Start Area
- Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- There will be NO BIRKIE GEAR BAG PICKUP at the start. Plastic bags will be given to all those picking up bibs at the start. If you ordered a Birkie Gear Bag and are unable to pick up your bag following your race at the Birkie Expo between 12pm-8pm, you can have your Birkie Gear Bag mailed to you. Deadline to claim your 2024 Birkie Bag is March 31, 2024. Bags will be mailed in April 2024.
Schedule
Race Day Schedule
- U20 Boys start at 1:15 pm
- U20 Girls start at 1:20 pm
- Mass start at 1:25 pm
- Relaxed start between 1:25 and 1:35 pm
- 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.
Race Policies
The race is run according to the rules and regulations of the Federation of International Skiing (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 Prince Haakon must be 13 years of age by February 23, 2024. There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancelation. Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races.
Clothing Bag Procedures: policies for using the clothing transport from the start to the finish.
Trash Penalty
A trash penalty is now in place for all Birkie events. Any participant, coach, or support crew caught throwing waste on the trail or into the woods between aid stations could be assessed a 15 minute penalty. There will be “Last Chance” garbage disposal areas as you leave each aid stations at all races. Violators should be reported by bib number via email at birkie@birkie.com or to a volunteer at the next aid station. Read more in the Participant rules above.
Cut-Off Times
Participants must complete their race by 5 pm. Cut-off times for races will be strictly followed for the safety of participants and volunteers. Participants not following guidance from Medical Staff and Race Chiefs will risk penalty and possible ineligibility for future Birkie Events.
How to Get to the Start
Bus service runs continuously to the start from the skier parking lot at Birkie Ridge and the new, smaller Prince Haakon (P.H.) Farm Lot. Buses will pick up skiers and spectators and shuttle directly to the start from 11:30 am – 1:45 pm. Please allow 30 minutes to bus to the start from Birkie Ridge and 10 minutes to bus to the start from the P.H. Farm Lot. There is no parking at the start.
Buses from the Finish in downtown Hayward will bring you back to the Birkie Ridge parking lot from 12:30 – 5:00 pm and the P.H. Farm Lot from 2:30 – 5:00 pm.
Course Information
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
| Location | Aid Available | from Start | Cut-off Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | Water | 0 | -- |
| Fish Hatchery | Water, Nuun, GU gel, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 7K | 3:35 PM |
| Finish Line | Celebration Zone and Soup Tent! | 15K | 5:00 PM |
Results
View Prince Haakon Results »
Awards
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.
Spectators
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!
Where to Watch
Finish Line – Main Street, Hayward
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.
Transportation
Parking/Busing
Prince Haakon Skiers will be bused to the start area using the same bus system as the Birkie/Korte skiers. Specific details will be available in the Event Guide. There is NO parking at the Prince Haakon start.
Lodging & Services
For lodging information, see our Lodging page.
Camp Birkie Childcare
Find more information and registration details HERE!
Sponsors
Click Here to Meet Our Sponsors
Future Event Dates
Save the Date:
2025: February 19 – 22
