Pre-Birkie Skiers Click Here for Course Map

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The "Best Birkebeiner Prep Race in the Midwest" is even better! The Hayward Lions Club is holding its 28th consecutive Cross Country Ski Race and the word is out. The Pre-Birkie is the one to do! Great course, great donuts, great sweatshirt, great cause and great people! Last year we tried on a new 42km marathon for size and the boot fit! The course was beautiful, (and grueling) and by the number of entries, just about one half of you, told us you wanted to have this longer race. Soooo we're going to do it again! And now the American Birkebeiner has classified the Pre-Birkie as THE race for wave placement in both the Birkie and the Kortelopet. Pre-Birkie times can be used for wave placement whether or not you have done the Birkie before. However please be aware that because the Pre-Birkie is a "freestyle" race, Pre-Birkie times used for wave placement are applicable only to the American Birkebeiner skate race.

So this year, once again our racers will have a choice of our traditional 26km free style half marathon or a NEW 42km free style marathon and all on the world famous American Birkebeiner ski trail. Click Here for Course Map.

We had a great turnout last year and because of your support the Hayward Lions were able to accomplish all of its humanitarian and civic missions. The Lions really appreciate your participation in our Pre-Birkie race. We really strive to repay your support by delivering a great fun race each year.

If you've had the pleasure of doing this race before, you know what I mean. If you are new, you're in for a GREAT experience!

As usual the course will be groomed for both "classic" and "skating" styles with food stations about every six kilometers on the trail with two additional food stations added for the 42km race. There will be our traditional doughnut feed at the finish where you will also receive a super nice Lions Pre-Birkie Sweatshirt.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in 26 classes and special awards for the top man and woman racer.

American Birkebeiner Start Placement Criteria
The Pre-Birkie is a qualifying race for up to wave 4 of the Kortelopet and now the NEW 42km Pre-Birkie Marathon is a qualifying race for wave placement in the American Birkebeiner this year. (Skate race only) The American Birkebeiner will start in waves based on best percent back from 2008, 09 & 10. Please call the Birkie office at (715) 634-5025 or visit their web site at www.birkie.com for detailed information.

Race Course Changes (a possibility)
Last year was a "good" snow year. However, most of you know we have experienced several winters in the recent past with below average snowfall and as a result we had to move our course from the south end of the Birkebeiner trail to the north end. This could happen again so please “stay tuned” to what is announced on this website and our hot line at 715-634-6456.

If a change in the course must be made, it will be announced about 2 weeks before the race.

Think Snow!

Early Sign-up Cut-Off Dates

Fill out the printable MAIL-IN REGISTRATION FORM and send it with $50.00 by December 15th, 2009, $60.00 by January 15th, 2010 or $70.00 to the Race Date.
Or REGISTER ONLINE NOW

Send completed registration form and fees to:

Hayward Lions Club Pre-Birkie
P.O. Box 306
Hayward, WI 54843

Late Sign-up

Late sign-up and bib pick-up at the Moose Lodge on Friday, February 12th, 2010 from 4:30pm until 9:30pm. Please note that this year, registration begins one-half hour before the spaghetti feed and ends one-half hour after they stop serving!

Pre-Birkie Registration

Bib pick-up for those who have signed up prior to the race weekend will be at the Hayward Moose Lodge on Beal Avenue (#1 on map) on Friday evening.  Late registrations will be accepted until 9:30 A.M. on race day at the Moose Lodge. The Moose members will again be serving coffee, rolls, etc. for a nominal fee.  Many of our restaurants will be open very early Saturday before the race, serving a full range of breakfasts. Remember to make your motel reservations early if you are planning to stay in town!
 

2010 Schedule of Events
Friday, February 12th
4:30-9:00pm	CARBO LOAD SPAGHETTI FEED at the Moose Lodge on Beal Ave.
4:30-9:30pm	REGISTRATION & BIB PICK-UP at the Spaghetti Feed.
Saturday, February 13th
7:00am	"Breakfast with a Moose"
8:00-9:30am	LATE REGISTRATION & Bib Pick-up at the Moose Lodge on Beal Ave.
10:00am	RACE START at Lake Hayward
11:00am	Buses will return skiers from "Double O" finish line to the Moose Lodge on Beal Ave.
11:30am - 3:00pm	Take In The Town. SHOP! PARTY! RELAX! ENJOY!
3:00pm	AWARDS PICKUP at the Moose Lodge on Beal Ave.

Moose Lodge to Host "Carbo-Load" dinner and "Breakfast with a Moose"

Again this year, the Hayward Moose Lodge plans to hold the "All-you-can-eat Spaghetti Feed." Spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread. And for you breakfast enthusiasts a "fill er up for the race" breakfast will be served beginning at 7:00am race day. Good food at a modest price. Proceeds go to the Moose Lodge charities. The Moose Lodge is located on Beal Avenue, where race registration and the awards ceremony will also be held. Check #1 on the map!

Race Proceeds Fund Worthwhile Projects

The Hayward Lions Club would like to thank all of you who have skied with us in the past and new skiers as well. The funds raised from this race go to a number of worthwhile service projects that reach from Hayward, Wisconsin to a number of points all over the globe.

Our club supports such local projects as the Hayward Food Shelf, the Anti-drug Quest program, and the Boy Scouts, as well as helping individuals who are in extreme need of assistance. We also support international projects such as the Journey for Sight and Leader Dog Program.

Your Pre-Birkie race proceeds have also been used to help the Club to build a multi-use log cabin/warming house at the Birkie trailhead at Fish Hatchery Road. New Hayward Library and the Eric Lowery Memorial Skate Park.

Other super, fine area races to do...
January 9th & 10th	24 Hours at Telemark - 715-798-3999
January 16th	Seeley Hills Classic - 715-798-3571
January 30th & 31st	Telemark Super Tour - 715-798-3571
February 14th	North End Classic - 715-798-3599

Area Motels, B&B's and Restaurants

For information on area motels, bed & breakfasts and restaurants, please visit the Hayward Lakes Web Site at www.haywardlakes.com.