"Adapting to Nature: 50th Annual Birkie Makes Major Changes Amid Snowless Winter"
The 50th anniversary American Birkebeiner Nordic ski race will feature major changes due to nearly nonexistent snow conditions, with the event now taking place on a 10-kilometer loop around the Cable, Wisconsin trailhead instead of the traditional finish in downtown Hayward. The 50-kilometer distance will be reserved for elite professional and Super Tour racers, while other waves for skate and classic will be cut to three loops of the 10K track. Additionally, the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon support races have been shortened, and participants will not be allowed to warm up or test wax before their races. Finish times in 2024 will not count toward race placement in next year's event, and there will be no refunds, deferrals, or transfers.
