Birkie Skiers Prepare Ahead of 39th Annual Race

Cable, WI (Northland’s NewsCenter) - Now in its 39th year, the American Birkebeiner race in Northwestern Wisconsin is gearing up to be one of the biggest yet.

More than 9,000 skiers from all across the world will take part in the 32 mile race that stretches from the Telemark Resort near Cable to the finish line in downtown Hayward.

Since its start, “The Birkie” has grown into the largest cross-country ski marathon in the nation.

Ahead of the event, racers say a major part of the race, for them, happens even before they get to the starting line.

“The day before I’m figuring out what skies to run with and eating good and getting a lot of rest,” said Benjamin Lannin.

“I’ve been doing a lot of rollar skiing, there hasn’t been any snow. Most important thing is to keep a smile on my face and ski faster,” said Michael Meissner.

The big event gets underway Saturday morning.