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Greetings from the American Birkebeiner!
Dear Friends -
Summer is upon us here in the Northland, but Birkie Fever is already starting to set in. As runner's, hikers, families, and teams register for the Birkie Trail Run & Trek events on September 21, and the SWIX Birkie/Korte/Haakon ski races continue to fill, planning is in full swing here at the foundation. Trails are being repaired after heavy spring rains, and race day infrastructure is being worked on by the race staff. What makes it even more exciting is we are able to welcome on board our new Title Sponsor of the Birkie ski events - SWIX! The passion, dedication, and support they bring will help us create an even better race-day experience for participants.
I was out for a walk on the Birkie trail last weekend with my family, and it was great to see so many out enjoying the day--from all over the Midwest, and even Utah and California. I'd encourage you to come experience the trail with no snow on it if you haven't before. It is great training and a wonderful venue to witness the great northwoods outdoors. I have even come across three black bears enjoying it as well--we didn't stop to chat.
We have begun work on a new trailhead, Birkie Ridge, in partnership with Sawyer County as well. It is just north of Seeley (about 10 miles north of Hayward) and when complete in early September will have a parking lot right off hwy 63 (easy access!!!), a 3K connector trail up to the main Birkie Trail (at approximately 15K), as well as a loop to total 5K of new trail. We are already dreaming up some fun ideas on a new summer event we can host here ... stay tuned for more on that front!
Lastly, I'd like to urge you to consider becoming a member of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (Click Here for more info). Being a member allows you, among other things, to participate in the annual meeting (Aug 10th) and vote for the board of directors. It takes a passionate community of members like you to help ensure the legacy and excellence of the Birkie continues for years to come.
I can always be reached at ben.popp@birkie.com, don't hesitate to drop me a line if there is anything I can help you with.
Get Out & Go!
Ben Popp
Executive Director
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
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Swix Named Title Sponsor of
American Birkebeiner Ski Events
HAYWARD, Wisconsin (July 10, 2013) - The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is proud to announce a two-year commitment from Swix Sport USA as title sponsor of the American Birkebeiner cross country ski events, starting February 20-23, 2014, and including sole title sponsorship of the American Birkebeiner's 50K Skate Race on February 22. The American Birkebeiner is ... Keep Reading.
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(Swix Corner will be a monthly feasture with ski tips, training, more!) Message from Swix President:
It is difficult to put into words the excitement I am feeling as the new Title Sponsor of one of the greatest Nordic ski event in the world. I first fell in love with the American Birkebeiner as a member of the Atomic and Fischer Factory Ski Teams in the 1990's and now as a supplier to the industry my passion has only grown. Since I have been involved with the Birkie for almost 25 years and working at the Expo for past 17, I probably ... Keep Reading.
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September 21
Sign Up now and SAVE!
Early Bird Special in Effect Until 7/3
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For First 1,100 People to Sign up ...
... Make sure you get this fantastic mesh hat from Swix. Be one of the first 1,100 people to sign up for the Birkie Trail Run & Trek events on September 21. Because of our new title sponsorship with Swix for the Birkie ski events, we were also lucky enough to get these technical hats, just in time for the trail run event in September! Check it out. These hats are perfect for fall running and trekking. Plus, it has our new Birkie trail run logo on it!
Get a Piece of Birkie History!
. First Official Piece of Swix-Birkie Technical Apparel
. First Apparel with Our NEW Birkie Trail Events Logo
Sign Up by July 31 ... and save some $$ too!
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Getting You Ready for Our Trail Marathon and More!
Here is the same great training plan we post each year to help you get ready for the Birkie trail marathon, half marathon, and Nordic Trek. Enjoy!!
How to Train for the Birkie Trail Marathon & Half Marathon on Sept. 21
By Matt Ostrander
This is Part One of a three-part series. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced trail runner, this series covers training strategy for a distance run on the Birkie Trail. Click Here for PART ONE.
Training to Nordic Walk the Birkie Trek Event on Sept. 21
By Linda Lemke
The Birkie Nordic Trek/Walk on September 22 follows the same 13.1 mile course as the half marathon event. Follow Linda's advice to enjoy your day to the fullest. Click Here for PART ONE.
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At the Halfway Point!  5,000+ Skiers Registered for 2014 Birkie, Korte, Haakon
With a total cap of 10,300 participants for the 41st annual Birkie on February 22, 2014 ... we are almost halfway there!
CLICK HERE FOR ALL 2104
_________________________________________________________________ Skier Confirmation: Email confirmations may take about two weeks. If you have not received an email, please check Skier Confirmation Online. If your confirmation does not appear, and it's been more than two weeks since you registered, please contact the Birkie at registration@birkie.com or 715-634-5025. Thanks.
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Keep In Mind ...
This new "Dates / Deadlines" section is a good place to keep track of information about applications, contests, and related Birkie opportunities.  _ JULY 15 - 19:
VOTE for Your
Favorite T-Shirt Design
Vote for your favorite design for the 2014 Official Birkie T-Shirt you will be able to get online
and at this year's Birkie
Expo, Feb. 20-21, 2014. Last year more than 7,000 votes were cast! Click HERE to Vote!
_ JULY 31 
Last day of Early Bird Special Fees
for Birkie Trail Run & Trek Events. Plus,
make sure you get one of these awesome SWIX hats! See feature above. CLICK HERE for ALL 5 Events.

_ AUGUST 23:
Get Funding for Youth & Adult Skier
Development Programs
Application deadline - AUGUST 23
_ SEPTEMBER 21
11th Annual - Birkie Trail Run & Trek
5 Big Events: 
Marathon ... to 5K
"Hammer Those Hills ...
Or, Savor the Day!"
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Get recognized and rewarded for being part of American Birkebeiner Events ... All Year!
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Chris Campbell New Birkie Trail Manager
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation welcomes Chris Campbell as its new, full-time Trail Manager of the Birkie Trail. Campbell will be taking over the position from Bill Pierce who has now has moved on to full-time coaching. Campbell has already been a valued part of the Birkie grooming crew each winter for six years.
Campbell's dedication and increasing experience on the Birkie Trail staff has been key to the Birkie Trails being developed and groomed so well during early- and late-season skiing, some lower-snow conditions, and during ... Keep Reading.
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 Get Birkie news, announcements, photos, registration openings, and more ... as it happens!
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Stay in Great Birkie Shape AND Get Ready for Upcoming Birkie Events!
Thanks to our sponsors who host group outings and training sessions:

- Free Clinics - New Moon Ski & Bike:
From Mountain Biking Basics and Single Track Skills, to bike maintenance and repair. Check out New Moon Ski & Bike in Hayward, WI.
- Trek / Walking Groups - Out There:
Join the Out There Shop of Rice Lake, WI, on the Birkie Trail  for group walk / runs to gear up for the Birkie Trail Run & Trek, Sept. 21.
- Nordic Summer Camp - Gear West:
Plus, if you are training for the Birkie Trail Marathon or Half Marathon (Sept. 21) and live in or near the  Twin Cities, MN, check with Gear West about group training runs. Jan Guenther, owner of Gear West XC Ski and Run, holds the women's Birkie Trail Marathon course record!
Get updates and reminders on Birkie Facebook
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American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
Our ABSF Board Members are a diverse group of professionals who each has a deep connection to and experience with the Birkie. See their stories. What they do behind the scenes contributes to your Birkie experience. Click Here to get to know the Birkie Board. ___________________________________________________________________ |
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American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race--the legendary American Birkebeiner--sponsored by SWIX, the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 88-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars. Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the Birkie is now an outdoor sports mecca, a series of great races, a fitness destination, and a Lifestyle.
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