Birkebeinerrennet (lit. The Birkebeiner run/race) is a long-distance cross-country ski race (ski marathon) held annually in Norway. It is Norway's race in the Worldloppet Ski Federation.

Race

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The race starts at Rena and ends at Lillehammer, a distance of 54 km.

History

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The run has been held since 1932, and commemorates a trip made by the Birkebeiner loyalists to save the heir to the Norwegian throne, Håkon Håkonsson, in 1206. All participants carry a backpack weighing at least 3,5 kg, symbolizing the weight of the then one-year old heir.

External links

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• Official homepage (in Norwegian)
• English version of the official homepage
• Pictures from the 2006 race (from Aftenposten.no)

Birkebeinerrennet | Birkebeinerrennet

Cross-country skiing