1978 Hayward-Cable Wisconsin American Birkebeiner Skiing Festival 3" Pin Button The American Birkebeiner, or Birkie,
is the largest cross country skiing race in North America. It
debuted in 1973.The Birkie's two premier events are the 50 km
(31 mi) skate and the 55 km (34 mi) classic races
between the towns of Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin. Each year
more than 10,000 skiers participate in the Birkie, including the full-distances
races, a 29 km (18 mi) Kortelopet race and a 15 km
(9.3 mi) Prince Haakon race.