The Birchleg
Date: Saturday, February 16th, 2008
Location: Wells Gray Park
So what is a Birchleg, anyway?
A Birchleg is the re-enactment of the cross country ski trip made by two Viking warriors in the 13th century. The story goes that King Haakon of Norway was murdered in 1204 during a time of civil war. The King's infant son was in immediate peril of the same fate. Two Viking warriors, Torstein Skevla and Skjervald Skrukka, loyal to their dead king and to his heir, took the baby to safety in Trondheim. Their flight was in midwinter, skiing 55 kilometers across two mountain ranges. Holding the child secure behind a shield, these unusual baby-sitters were armed with battle-axe and spear. Young Haakon Haakonson grew to adulthood in safety, returning to Norway to claim his father's throne.
This year's event highlights the 800th anniversary of the original Birkebeiner!
The first re-enactment of this event took place in 1932, beginning in Lillehammer and following the same 55 km. route that the Viking warriors skied those many years ago. These re-enactments are called "Birkebeiners" which translates as "birch legs" referring to the footwear of birch bark that some people of Norway wore in the 13th century.
Birkebeiner or Birkie races are run all over North America now, varying in length and in relative seriousness of the competitors. Some race against the clock to set a personal best, others are there just to make it to the finish line, have fun, and admire the costumes of their fellow Birkies.
"Birkebeiner" is a trademark of the Canadian Birkebeiner Society so we use the term "Birchleg" to refer to our local event.
Entry Fees:
Before February 10th:
- Student: $10
- Single: $15
- Family: $30
After February 10th:
- Student: $15
- Single: $20
- Family: $40
Family rates available to parents with children under 18
Registration & Birchleg Packets:
Early registration: pick up forms at Helmcken Falls Lodge or Wells Gray Inn, or print from our website prior to February 10th.
Late registration and packet pick-up at Murtle River Warming Hut before 10.00am on February 16th, 2008.
Information:
Phone Helmcken Falls Lodge at (250) 674-3657 or e-mail: eferguson@murtlerivernordics.com
Start Time: 10 AM (a mass start)
Start Location: Murtle River Warming Hut (about 1 km south of Dawson Falls in Wells Gray Park and about 45 minutes drive from Clearwater). Classic Technique - No timing.
Courses:
Start at the Murtle River Warming Hut and return to finish at the Warming Hut.
Aid/waxing/feeding Stations: At the Start Line and the King Hut.
Finish & Awards: All volunteers and participants -
(1) Will be issued "Birch legs".
(2) Will be eligible to win fantastic draw prizes.
(3) Will be provided a hot lunch.
(4) May participate in a silent auction for a number of very fine items.
Draws and silent auction will start at 1 PM and finish by no later than 2 PM
NO DOGS PLEASE
FORMS:
Entry Form (in MSWord format)
Entry Form (in iWork format)
Entry Form (in .pdf format)
Waiver (in MSWord format)
Waiver (in iWork format)
Waiver (in .pdf format)
[Adobe Acrobat Reader] is free software for reading .pdf files.
[OpenOffice] is free open-source software - the GPL version of Microsoft Office.
MAP:
