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David Eckel gives a big thumbs up as he, Tim Kennedy and Jan Horak (blue sweatshirt) celebrate finishing another American Birkiebeiner ski race. The race was held February 26 with the course running from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of Tim Kennedy
They might be getting a little long in the tooth but nevertheless, it was another great day for three friends from Cook County who competed in the 48th American Birkebeiner cross country ski race.
Of note, Jan Horak, Tim Kennedy and David Eckel have now completed a total of 125 Birkies!
This year more than 13,000 Nordic skiers from around the globe came to race in either the 50K skate, 55K classic, or Kortelppet ski competitions. Fields of skiers start in waves from Cable Wisconsin and end in front of about 30,000 cheering spectators in Hayward, Wisconsin.
“This year was a real physical test for the Birkie,” said Tim Kennedy. “Strong headwinds the entire day and slow snow made everyone dig a little deeper. But it was a beautiful sunny day with warm temps skiing on one of the best trails in the world…. what’s not to like!” Kennedy added, “All of our times were slower than we might have expected.”
For Tofte’s Jan Horak this was his 43rd Birkie. The 55K course is rigorous, challenging the best cross country skiers in the world. Jan, who will be 75 this coming summer, navigated the wooded 34-mile hill and dale course in seven hours and 14 minutes.
David Eckel, Grand Marais, completed his 42nd Birkie. David, who is 64, crossed the line in six hours and 14 minutes.
This was a notable year for Tim Kennedy, who received a belt buckle for completing 40 Birkies. Tim, who is 72, skied the race in five hours and 45 minutes.
“Maybe this next year we will all train a little harder but for sure we know we will all be at the start line a year from now to take on another Birkie challenge,” Kennedy said.
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