BEFORE THE RACE
Why don’t I receive an email or SMS when I click “Forgot Birken ID”?
If you have not participated in any Birken events in the past 10 years, your contact details may have been deleted. In accordance with GDPR, email addresses and phone numbers are removed for participants who have not been active with Birken for the past 10 years. In this case, you will not receive an email or SMS when using the “Forgot Birken ID” function.
If you experience any issues, please contact us at info@birken.no.
Do I need a license to participate in SkiBirken?
International participants who are not members of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme do not need a single-event license, but must accept the Athlete’s Declaration on My Page.
What is the deadline for changing the bib pickup location?
The bib pickup location can be changed on My Page until 1 March for Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken, and TurBirken.
What do I need to bring to pick up my bib?
You must have your QR code available for scanning. The QR code becomes available once bib numbers are assigned, usually 1–2 weeks before race day. In some cases, you may also be asked to show valid ID.
Where can I find the QR code for bib pickup?
Once your bib number is assigned, the QR code can be found on My Page under the relevant event and on your race card, which can be downloaded from the same place. Screenshots of the QR code are accepted. Bib numbers can also be looked up via the start list.
What is included in the bib envelope?
The bib envelope contains your race bib, timing chip, baggage tag, ski labels, and information on correct bib usage, baggage tagging, and applicable procedures.
When do I start in Birkebeinerrennet?
Birkebeinerrennet uses a seeded wave start. Your start time is determined by the seeding results registered for you. Final start times and wave limits are set when bib numbers are assigned, usually 1–2 weeks before race day.
What does it mean that I have been assigned a provisional start wave?
A provisional start wave gives you a good indication of when you will start. The wave is based on a preliminary seeding table, and any changes leading up to the final start time are usually minor adjustments within the same time window. Your final wave and start time will appear on your race card 1–2 weeks before Birkebeinerrennet.
When will I receive my start time?
Participants without seeding results are placed in unseeded start waves. Final start times are determined when wave limits and bib numbers are assigned, normally 1–2 weeks before the race. The provisional start times for these waves fall within the time window 09:50–10:10.
What is the deadline for submitting seeding results?
Seeding results must be submitted by 10 March.
Can I be reseeded during race weekend?
If you have results from approved seeding races that have not been registered, these can be registered retroactively until 20:00 on the day before the race.
What happens if I register after 10 March?
For registrations to Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken, and TurBirken after 10 March, the bib pickup location is automatically set to Rena. Any previous results registered at the time of registration will be used for seeding until registration closes.
Can I sell or buy a race entry?
Yes. The buyer needs the seller’s Birken ID and date of birth.
What happens when a race entry is sold or bought?
When a race entry is sold, it is re-registered to a new participant. It is not permitted to start under someone else’s name or bib number. Re-registration can only be done for the event the seller is registered for, and the new participant will be seeded based on their own results.
How do I re-register a race entry?
Re-registration is done online via registration before the deadline 13 March at 20:00. When re-registering, the race entry is transferred to the new participant. Any single-event license or overnight accommodation (mattress lodging) purchased by the seller will automatically be transferred to the buyer.
When do I need to book bus transport?
Bus transport to the start must be pre-booked via My Page by the stated deadline. For Birkebeinerrennet and HalvBirken ski, the deadline is 13 March at 20:00. For SkøyteBirken and TurBirken, the deadline is 12 March at 20:00. See bus schedule here
Where can I find waxing tips before the race?
Waxing tips from Rode are published continuously closer to race day, based on updated weather and snow conditions.
Is waxing service available during SkiBirken?
Yes. Waxing services from Rode are available in Rena town centre, in Lillehammer at Håkons Hall, and at the start area.
RACE DAY
How early should I arrive before the start?
We recommend arriving at the start area at least 60 minutes before your start wave. This gives you enough time for final preparations, possible baggage drop-off, and to find the correct start corral without stress. The start corral opens 10 minutes before your start time.
How do I get to the start in Rena?
Buses booked through Birken run directly to the start area in Rena on race day. You must attend the departure you have booked.
Can I drive a private car to the start area in Rena?
No. Private cars are not permitted in the start area on race day.
What should I do if I drive a private car to Rena?
If you drive to Rena by private car, you must park in Rena town centre. From there, free shuttle buses run to the start area. The shuttle buses operate continuously and do not require pre-booking.
How long does the shuttle bus from Rena town centre to the start take?
Travel time from Rena town centre to the start area is normally approximately 15–20 minutes. Please allow extra time during peak periods.
Where can I park in Lillehammer and Hamar?
In Hamar, free parking is available at the Viking Ship. In Lillehammer, designated parking areas are used, and a parking fee must be paid where required.
How do I use the timing chip?
The timing chip must be attached according to the instructions in the bib envelope. The chip must be returned after finishing the race. Failure to return the chip will result in a fee of NOK 500.
How does baggage transport work?
Baggage transport from the start area at Tingstadjordet in Rena to the finish area at Håkons Hall in Lillehammer is included in the entry fee. Baggage must be handed in at the start area before the race and tagged using the labels provided in the bib envelope. Plastic bags for baggage are distributed when picking up bibs. It is not possible to hand in baggage in Rena town centre.
After finishing, baggage can be collected by start wave north of Håkons Hall in Lillehammer. The baggage claim area is open until 19:00. Transport and storage are at the participant’s own risk.