While not the longest race in the Pro Tour, Birkebeinerrennet boasts one of the most challenging and demanding courses. Covering 54 kilometers, this traditional Grand Classics event presents skiers with a formidable endurance test. 

The stage starts with a long uphill stretch, with only a relatively brief downhill segment, to the mountaintop at Raudfjellet (Iconic Climb). Then, Pro Team athletes will face the second challenging uphill starting at 28km, and after 40km of “mountain skiing,” skiers reach Sjusjøen. 

Finally, as they approach the latter part of the course, skiers can savor the excitement of speed as they descend towards the finish line at the Olympic stadium, located a few kilometers away from the heart of Lillehammer city.

The historic race between Rena and Lillehammer is always exciting, with never-ending climbs, stunning scenery, and a fast finish down from Sjusjøen. It’s a proper classic finishing to the Grand Classics events of Season XV.

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Like Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet is one of the world’s most iconic long-distance ski races, steeped in a rich historical legacy filled with tales of courage and adventure. The saga dates to the harsh times of the 13th century, when two brave soldiers, known as birkebeiners, undertook a daring mission to rescue a young prince, defying the harsh forces of nature as they traversed treacherous mountain terrain. 

This young prince, Haakon, would eventually ascend to the throne as King. As a tribute to both the prince and his courageous rescuers, every participant in Birkebeinerrennet must carry a 3.5-kilogram backpack, symbolizing the prince’s weight.

Also Read – Skiing through history: The saga of Birkebeinerrennet

Birkebeinerrennet – Course Map & Profile

Birkebeinerrennet – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 12

• Date: March 16, 2024 (postponed to Sunday, March 17, 2024)
• Distance: 54km Classic Technique
• Place: Rena-Lillehammer, Norway
• Start Time: Men 7:45 CET / Women 8:00 CET
• Number of SC Climbs: 2
  • Raudfjellet: 20km (Iconic Climb)
  • Midtfjellet: 34km
• Number of SC Sprints: 0 
• Website: Birkebeinerrennet 
• Live Center: Birkebeinerrennet
• SC Play: Birkebeinerrennet

More information about Birkebeinerrennet can be found HERE and HERE

Birkebeinerrennet – Video Highlights Season XIV

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. The season started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 9, 2023, and will end in Norway with the 100km Ski Classics Grand Finale Janteloppet on April 13, 2024.

Next up is Birkebeinerrennet on Saturday, March 16. The 54-kilometer long-distance skiing race in classic technique marks the 12th Ski Classics stage and the final Grand Classics event, Season XV.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 13km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 35km 
• Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
• Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 60km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 13km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 17, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
• Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
• Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com

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