By: Alice Rapacz

As I step off the shuttle bus into a bright February morning, it is like something I have never seen before. A vast starting line with giant ribbons hanging across a span of 75 meters. Beyond that, crowds of racers decked out in race suits, buffs, and shiny glasses. They are all getting ready to head off on the journey to Hayward.

I was one of the 12,000 skiers to cross the finish line on Main Street in Hayward, Wisconsin over the weekend of February 19 to 22nd for the 51st annual American Birkebeiner cross country ski race.

But, before getting to Hayward, there were nerves to calm and kilometers to ski. People stand around helping each other put on glitter and fill the space with excitement.

As it gets closer and closer to the race starting, people begin to take off their warmups and head over near the race start. We all get lined up, then, boom! We’re off! The crowd erupts and the skiers emerge from the startline on their journey to Hayward. There are so many people that poles are being stepped on and people are tripping and falling over.

Once we found our rhythm, we were left in the calm and beautiful forest with 28 kilometers ahead of us. The sound of the poles digging into the snow flows as we all move up and down the hills. The thing about the race course is it is not just flat, it’s constantly rolling, with steep ups and sharp turns on the downs.

The quiet breaks when I make it to the first water stop. The crowd lines the course handing out water, energy drinks, and snacks.

The American Birkiebiner weekend started in 1973 and has continued until today. It is a yearly event that many skiers look forward to each year. There are a number of different races such as The Prince Haakon 15k, Korte 29k, and Birkie 50-53k depending on if you’re doing classic or skate. Each race has an eye-catching finish through Main Street Hayward. 

After 15 miles of treacherous climbs and scary descents the course opened up onto frozen Lake Hayward. The lake stretches far ahead as you make your way closer and closer to Main Street Hayward. Fans lined the course as I finally made my way out onto the infamous Main Street. Cow bells ring and the much awaited finish is finally here.

Once the race was finished I was greeted with chocolate milk and warm soup back at the tents. Friends reconnect as they all come into the finish line. No frowns around; all smiles and excitement.

After a day of fun at the Korte, I went to the Birkie race the following day. There were many spots to cheer, such as OO Trailhead, Boedecker rest stop, and Mosquito Brook rest stop, as well as the finish on Main Street Hayward. This was such a fun and exciting weekend, and I am already looking forward to next year.