Birkebeinerrennet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Birkebeinerrennet (lit. The Birkebeiner run/race) is a long-distance cross-country ski race (ski marathon) held annually in Norway. It is Norway's race in the Worldloppet Ski Federation.
[edit] Race
The race starts at Rena and ends at Lillehammer, a distance of 54 km.
[edit] History
The run has been held since 1932, and commemorates a trip made by the Birkebeiner loyalists to save the heir to the Norwegian throne, Håkon Håkonsson, in 1206. All participants carry a backpack weighing at least 3,5 kg, symbolizing the weight of the then one-year old heir.
Worldloppet cross-country skiing races |
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Europe: Birkebeinerrennet | Dolomitenlauf | Engadin Skimarathon | Finlandia-hiihto | Jizerská padesátka | König Ludwig Lauf | Marcialonga | Tartu Maraton | La Transjurassienne | Vasaloppet America: American Birkebeiner | Keskinada Loppet | Asia: Sapporo International Ski Marathon | Australia: Kangaroo Hoppet |