Birkie Fever Brings the World to Hayward, WI

Hayward, Wisconsin is a small village in the heart of the Wisconsin Northwoods. It's a quiet place without much cause to draw the attention of anyone other than outdoor enthusiasts, snowmobilers, hunters and fishermen. However, once a year, Hayward is flooded with elite competitors who fly in from around the globe to compete in North America's greatest Cross-Country ski race, the American Birkebeiner!

The American Birkebeiner is a 50km Cross-Country ski race that winds through the majestic setting of the Wisconsin Northwoods. Started in 1973 by legendary promoter Tony Wise, the Birkebeiner or "Birkie" as it is called, has become a global phenomenon. Although the first race boasted less than 40 intrepid souls, the race directors for the 2011 edition expect no less than 8,000 participants. These participants come from virtually all the 50 States and a plethora of foreign countries making Hayward, WI the "in" international destination of the weekend!

The "Birkie" is the crown jewel of the Northwoods amateur skiing circuit. Throughout the winter, there is no shortage of marathon distance ski events in cities like Mora, MN, Biwabik MN, Calumet MI, and elsewhere. Cross-Country skiers are similar to marathon runners in their preparation and dedication to the sport. In fact, many Cross-Country skiers use running marathons as training for their strict yearly training program.

But although all the other marathon ski events are magnificent fun, for spectators, nothing compares to the "Birkie." If you've never witnessed a Cross-Country ski race, this weekend's American Birkebeiner is a must-see event!

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and take their place along Main Street Hayward to cheer in the competitors. The winners will be arriving at approximately 10:30 AM, although their time could be faster or slower depending on the snow conditions. But even if you don't arrive early enough to catch the dramatic sprint to crown a champion, there is plenty of fun to be had watching the thousands of amateur participants arrive.

Generally the skiers stick around Main Street long into the afternoon exchanging race stories with friends and family and enjoying a few beers as the skiers continue to file by. Late February is generally fairly mild for a winter day in Wisconsin, and if it's a sunny day, the party can last long into the evening! It's sort of like a Northern Wisconsin Mardi Gras, it's not to be missed!

So if you have nothing to do this weekend, pack up the kids and head up to Hayward, WI to watch the greatest Cross-Country ski race of North America. The American Birkebeiner is an international festival that brings the spirit of the Olympics to the Northwoods. Who knows, perhaps after a hearty day of cheering in thousands of Cross-Country athletes, you'll find yourself gripped by an intense desire to buy some skis and join the party!

Around Hayward, the focused insanity that causes people to sign up to compete in marathon length distance events in sub-freezing temperatures is known as "Birkie Fever!" It's also common knowledge that once the fever is upon you, it's never cured!

See you in Hayward!