Each year, the Birkie selects a trio of skiers to portray Birkebeiner warriors, Torstein & Skjervald, and Inga, mother of Prince Haakon.  The three characters played a pivotal role in Norwegian history when in 1206, amid civil war, the two Birkebeiner warriors, skied through the mountains and rugged forests of Norway smuggling Prince Haakon, the Norwegian King’s son, to safety, the very legacy of the Birkie race.

The selected skiers reenact the historic flight on wooden skis and in full period costume along the entire Birkie 55K classic cross-country race course, serving as Birkie Ambassadors, engaging with skiers and spectators along the way.  The dramatic journey culminates when Inga, the baby Prince, Torstein, and Skervald, ski up Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street amidst cheers from spectators and skiers alike as they make their way to the finish line.  It is a true celebration of the legacy and tradition of the race.

Registration is open until