Barnebirkie course changed

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation recently announced changes to the Salomon/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie scheduled for Feb. 25.

“All children skiing the Barnebirkie will start behind the Hayward Primary School,” said Shellie Milford, director of race operations. “We made the decision to move the Barnie race start to offer a better race course for skiers and spectators.”

The Barnebirkie is for skiers ages three to thirteen. The youngest skiers participating in the one-kilometer event will ski across school property until they connect with Main Street. They will then venture to the Barnie finish area located in front of Peoples Bank on Main Street.

Skiers completing the three and five kilometer events will ski from the Hayward Primary School to the Hayward Golf and Tennis Club property. They will then ski one or two laps, return to the primary school and then ski to the finish area.

“We believe these changes will offer all of the athletes a better event,” Milford said. “Athletes will enjoy a great course with rolling terrain and great scenery.

“The new location also offers spectators better viewing opportunities. Spectators can watch athletes at the start, see them along the golf course, and then a short walk will get them to Main Street to see the finish.”

Barnebirkie bib pick-up and new registration takes place at the Hayward National Guard Armory starting from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 25. The registration fee for the Barnie is $5.

Tags: northland outdoors, cross country skiing, sports, superior, barnebirkie, birkebeiner, outdoors, hayward