A record number of cross country skiers have registered for the American Birkebeiner in northern Wisconsin later this month. Cherie Morgan, media coordinator for the Birkebeiner/Kortelopet races, says organizers set a cap of 7500 racers to assure a quality event this year. That number was reached last weekend, so the time for registration fees to be received was held open until Wednesday afternoon. With those final entrants, Morgan says they’re expecting 7900, the most skiers ever for the 50 kilometer Birkie and shorter 23 kilometer Kortelopet.
Along with those skiers comes a small army of volunteers: some 2,000 people will man food stations along the course and at the finish in Hayward. Morgan says the course is great condition and with a little help from Mother Nature will remain that way for the 37th annual Birkie on February 27th.
AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:60 MP3) AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:60 MP3)
