One of the most recognizable sporting events in North America will partner with Marshfield Clinic this year to make sure participants and spectators receive medical attention if need arises.
 
The American Birkebeiner will take place in Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin, on February 25-27th, and nearly two dozen Marshfield Clinic physicians, nurses, licensed athletic trainers, and other medical staff will be there throughout Saturday to serve as an on-site clinic of sorts. Over 10,000 skiers and 15,000 spectators will descend upon these communities located in Northwestern Wisconsin.
 
"We are pleased to welcome Marshfield Clinic as our newest sponsor to the American Birkebeiner events," said Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. "They will serve as presenting sponsor of the Kortelopet as well as....continue reading.

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Raise Funds and Be Eligible for Prizes
Interested in raising money for the Skiers for Cures program? Get started now - click here.

For each $250 raised, the fundraiser will have their name entered in a raffle drawing for great getaways at area resorts and other items including special prizes donated by skiing legend Bjorn Daehlie. More on that soon!

There's nothing like the energy of a team to bring out the best in a group of athletes. The team spirit and camaraderie motivates men and women of all ages and fitness levels. Now there's an outlet for all that energy, training and motivation. The Team Competition is intended to be a fun addition to the American Birkebeiner.

The ABSF and Lake Superior College in Duluth, Minnesota will again present the Team Competition. For 2010 the Team Competition has been expanded to include an Open category for organization, e.g. businesses and club teams of men and women, regardless of age.

Team Divisions Include:

• Juniors
• College
• Open

About the Birkie

From February 25-27, 2010, more than 7,900 fit, colorfully-clad skiers from all walks of life and from around the world will descend upon the Wisconsin northwoods to participate in the 37th anniversary American Birkebeiner, a cross-country ski race that weaves more than 50 kilometers (30 miles) along a hilly, heavily wooded trail from the Telemark Resort near Cable to the finish line on Main Street in downtown Hayward.

For some, it's serious business. The Birkebeiner is part of the Worldloppet, a circuit of 15 Nordic ski races held on four continents. The race attracts a top cadre of professional racers from 19 countries, including past and present Olympians and those competing in the International Ski Federation standings.

For many hundreds of others, though, it's an annual celebration of personal endurance and outdoor enthusiasm. Since its inception in 1973, 'The Birkie' has grown into the largest cross country ski marathon in the nation. While pros may complete the course in about two hours, legions of weekend warriors soldier on in triple that time. Citizen skiers can compete in the full race or sign up for 23 kilometer Kortelopet or one of our many other events.

You don't even have to click into skis to join in on the party. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators line many portions of the route, and it seems all of Hayward is there cheering at the finish line. Equipment demos, citizen sprints, family fun races/tours and other events round out the weekend.

Ski . Run . Live