The American Birkebeiner Delivers Another Memorable Year

The American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest cross-country ski race, was held February 18-22. Spanning 50 km for skaters and 55 km for classic skiers, approximately 12,000 participants raced in this year’s event with 40,000

 Last week snow was abundant but temperatures in the 50’s and rain threw organizers a curveball. The rain flooded Lake Hayward, causing American Birkebeiner organizers to adjust the race schedule. Ben Popp and team changed logistics, start times, and locations to protect the trail and ensure safety. Wednesday’s Open Track moved to Thursday, while other events were relocated. Officials noted that flexibility is crucial as Midwest winters have become more unpredictable.

Despite the adjustments, race day conditions held up well, and thousands of skiers streamed down Main Street in Hayward to cheering crowds — one of the event’s most iconic moments.

50-Kilometer Skate Technique (Main Birkie) Men 

1. Luke Jager (USA) — 1:50:44.95 (course record) 
2. Michael Earnhart (USA) — 1:50:45.41 
3. Benjamin Dohlby (USA) — 1:50:45.72 

Women 

1. Alayna Sonnesyn (USA) — 2:08:09.61 (Tying Five-time winner Caitlan Gregg)
2. Anna-Maria Dietze (GER) — 2:08:09.97 
3. Emma Reeder (USA) — 2:08:12.56 

53-Kilometer Classic Technique (Main Birkie) Men 

1. Fabian Stocek (CZE) — 2:13:36 
2. Petr Kolaja (CZE) — 2:17:30 
3. Sam Holt (USA) — 2:19:25 

Women 

1. Hannah Rudd (USA) — 2:47:10 
2. Nel Hanson (USA) — 2:50:15 
3. Laura Cattaneo (USA) — 2:57:55 

Donovan Van Critters of Hanover, NH won the Korte Skate in 1:08; Josephine Ryan of Duluth, MN led with 1:21. Claire Swanson Zimmerman, MN, took the Korte Classic in 1:30, and Henry Aldrich of Woodbury, MN claimed male honors at 1:22.