From February 22-24, more than 7,000 fit, colorfully-clad skiers from all walks
of life and from around the world descended upon the Wisconsin northwoods to participate
in the American Birkebeiner, a cross-country ski race that weaves 51 kilometers
(31.7 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 was serious business. The Birkebeiner is part of the Worldloppet, a
circuit of 14 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.
It was also serious business for 80 special participants. They collected $33,000
for the fight against breast cancer and donations are still coming in. The funds
will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Affiliates of Minnesota and Wisconsin
as designated by the donors.
If you are interested in developing or participating in a Milwaukee "Ski for the
Cure" contingency in the 2008, contact Gail Sklodowska at 414-719-6791. Let's make
it 35 from Milwaukee for the 35th anniversary of the 2008 American Birkebeiner.
Don't worry, you don't have to be a pro. Legions of weekend warriors take as much
time as they need to complete the course. Skiers can compete in the full race or
sign up for 23- or 12-kilometer options. You don't even have to ski 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,
sprints, family fun races/tours and other events round out the weekend.
Pictured at left: Mary Krook, Duluth, Minnesota, a 60-year-old breast cancer survivor
raced her first race and raised funds for the new Ski for the Cure® program.
She stopped by the Komen booth in 2006 to visit with volunteers Christine Rader, Ann Kreeger
and Gail Sklodowska.
To learn more about the Birkie, log onto www.birkie.com or look for TV coverage by the Discover Wisconsin
program.