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Jan Horak
David Eckel, Jan Horak and Tim Kennedy wouldn’t miss the February 24, 2021, Slumberland American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race for anything, even if this year’s race will be a little different than past events.
When you add up their combined years of racing this fabled Nordic ski event, it totals 119 years.
Horak leads the trio with 41 races, with Eckel nipping at his heels with 40. Kennedy has 38 finishes to his name, making each of these skiers keeping rare company with just a few others who have this longevity at the Birkie.
“I am going to ski the Birkie this year as a virtual race,” said Tim Kennedy. “The Birkie has offered skiers the option of skiing in a revised race on the Birkie trail or to ski, run, bike, roller ski, or other means on a course of their choosing which is at least the length of the Birkie, Korteloppet, or Prince Hakkon race.
“Bearskin and Golden Eagle Lodges are teaming up with the Birkie and other ski venues around the country to be Birkie Partners to offer courses and services to complete the Virtual Birkie. David, Jan, and I are planning on doing our Birkie here in Cook County on the Bearskin/Golden Eagle Trails.”
Tim Kennedy
Kennedy said for those that are traveling to the race, “the Birkie is being run on the Birkie Trail from the starting area in Cable as an out and back race of 43km over five days (three days for skaters and two days for classic skiers) from February 24-28. Most of the other events conducted as part of the Birkie have been canceled. Those skiing will drive to the start line, wait in their car until their designated start time, and once notified that it is their time to start, they will proceed to start and ski the course. After they finish, skiers will return to their car and depart.
“This is not the festive event that the Birkie is known for,” Kennedy added.
As for Jan Horak, he’s ready to roll. “I will show up and race wherever David and Tim want to race,” he said, adding he has skied a lot of K’s over the winter. As for David Eckel, his training has been spotty at times, but nothing will stop him from participating with his good friends, Jan and Tim.
David Eckel
If you want to get more information on the Birkie and Virtual Birkie, check out the Birkie website.
The Birkie is another example of being creative to pull off an event that is a huge undertaking even in the best of conditions.
Ben Popp, ABSF Executive Director, said that making this change was to protect the participants, volunteers, staff, and the greater community.
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