Birkebeinerrennet
Birkebeinerrennet is a cross-country ski race in Norway with start in Rena and finish in Lillehammer . The distance is 54 kilometers, with several hundred meters of difference in altitude to be overcome. The route must be run in the classic style, skating is not allowed. In addition, all participants must bring a backpack weighing a maximum of 3.5 kg, which must contain protective clothing, food and drinks.
The first organized race took place in 1932. It was subsequently part of the cross-country skiing marathon cup from the 1980s onwards and has been part of the Ski Classics racing series since 2011 . The run is very popular in Norway and the starting places are sold out in a matter of minutes. According to tradition, the Birkebeiners brought the king's son Håkon Håkonsson to safety on this route in 1204 .
Route description
The start is at Tingstadjordet approx. 3 km from the center of Rena at 280 m above sea level. After 9 kilometers you reach Skramstadsætra (820 m above sea level ), then with a slight gradient Dambua (760 m above sea level ), after 20 kilometers Raufjellet (880 m above sea level ) and after 34 kilometers the highest point Midtfjellet at 910 m. NN. Via Sjusjøen (41 km, 880 m above sea level) the trail leads over slopes to the finish in Lillehammer (54 km, 490 m above sea level).
20 kilometers of the total of 54 kilometers lead through mountain area above the tree line with open areas. The route is very exposed to wind and weather, so a rucksack is mandatory. The backpack must be carried on the back and must contain wind-protecting clothing, food and drink. The weight of the backpack must be at least 3.5 kilograms when crossing the finish line in Lillehammer. Random checks at the target are carried out.
In 2007 the race had to be stopped for the first time in its 70-year history. A strong storm blew at the highest point of the route, so that the safety of the participants was no longer guaranteed. In 2014 the race was also canceled due to strong winds after it had been postponed an hour. Up to 20 m / s wind was measured on the Raufjell and up to 25 m / s had been predicted, so that the race management decided to stop.
Notice
For many participants, one goal is to achieve what is known as the “Merke”. This award is given to those participants who fall short of a maximum time. To calculate the maximum time, the average time of the five fastest in each class is used and increased by 25 percent.
winner
Men
Women
Other Events
In addition to the cross-country skiing event, the 91 km long mountain bike race Birkebeinerrittet on a similar route in August and the 22 km long cross-country race Birkebeinerløpet in September .
Web links
- http://www.birkebeiner.no/
- http://www.worldloppet.com/
- Film recording of the Birkebeinerrennet 2012 (duration 3:23 h, with English commentary)
- Film recording of the Birkebeinerrennet 2015 (duration 3:40 h, with English commentary)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Topher Sabot: 2011 Norwegian Birkebeiner Sold Out in 18 Minutes. November 2010, accessed on March 16, 2014 .
- ↑ Derfor ble avgjørelsen tatt ( Memento of the original from March 25, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (Norwegian: This is why the decision was made )
