Need to know in advance

• Deadlines
  
  August 16.
  

  • Change of Bib pick up place

  August 29.
  

  • Registration and reregistration at 21.00 if available spots
  • Booking bus at 20.00
  • Ordering cycle license

  Note:

  • No registration/entry on race day
  • Registration after August 27. for Birkebeinerrittet: You must pick up your Bib in Rena
• Travel and accommodation
  Birkebeinerrittet
  Start: Rena and Finsih: Håkons Hall, Lillehammer
  
  Travel and accommodation
  Bus transport for participants and bicycles is also available for these events, from Oslo and Lillehammer to Rena.
  Bus transport
  
  Accommodation Rena and Lillehammer

  • Mattress accommodation Rena
  • Hotels and camping Rena
  • Elverum and vicinity
  • Lillehammer and vicinity

  Buses and trains
  Buses from Oslo and Lillehammer to Rena is available for booking through your My Page from two weeks prior to the race. Booking must be made before 20.00 the evening before the race, or you can buy your ticket in Håkons Hall, Lillehammer.
  Train: Check departures and order at VY

  Nearest airport:
  Oslo airport, Gardermoen

  If you are arriving by car, please view recommended driving pattern in Rena and Lillehammer.
  Travelling by car from Oslo is not difficult. Follow the E6 north. If you are going to Rena, take the exit to Elverum, and follow the road signs from there. Rena is approximately 2,5 hours from Oslo. Travelling to Lillehammer - follow the E6 until Lillehammer is on your right, this takes about two hours.
  If you have more questions, or need help booking - please contact us.

• Bus
  Bus table SykkelBirken 2024

  Bus transport incl. bikes 
  Bus transport for participants (incl. bikes) - see bus table for dates, times and departures. You can pre-order bus transport (from medio June 2025) through My Page , until 20.00 the day before your departure. There is no refund for unused tickets.

  UltraBirken and HalvBirken - bus to start at Pellestova
  

  •  from the roundabout v/ Håkons Hall to the start UltraBirken
  •  from Sigrid Undsets road to the start HalvBirken

  PS: there are no return buses back to Pellestova, we recommend parking at Håkons Hall and taking the bus to the start.

  Cycle transport are included when ordering bus
  Cycles are transported on lorries at your own risk. We advise you to protect your cycle with fabric or bubble wrap.

• Mattress accommodation
  Mattress accommodation in Rena
  Accommodation in Rena is available in schools and other suitable buildings for  Birkebeinerrittet.
  The mattress is provided, but you must bring your own sleeping bag, and sheet. In the evening, you can purchase food at, or close by, the facility.
  If you wish to stay in the same facility as a friend, or you team, make sure you all choose the same site.
  Breakfast is included in the fee.
  Booking is available when entering or through your My Page.
  
  Price:
  •    Booking in advance until Tuesday in race week: NOK 495,-
  •    Booking on site the night before race day: NOK 650,-
  There is no refund for any reason.

  Groups (more than 15):
  Please contact Arve at arve.lund66@gmail.com
  Deadline:
  Birkebeinerrittet 2024: August 22nd

  Accommodation sites:

  Åmot Ungdomsskole (Ungdomsskolen)
  800 meters north west of the center of Rena. You can walk or bike. Parking available. Breakfast is served on site and you can buy a warm evening meal if you wish.

  Rena skole (Barneskolen) - not available in 2025
  1 km north west of the center of Rena. You can walk or bike. Parking available. Breakfast is served on site and you can buy a warm evening meal if you wish.

• Race rules
  • Race Rules UltraBirken cycle
  • Race rules Elite Classes Birkebeinerrittet
    

  Race rules for Birkebeinerrittet and HalvBirken cycle
  Birkebeinerrittet and HalvBirken cycle run according to the UCI's MTB rules and NCF's laws and regulationsin addition to Birken's own regulations.

  General traffic regulations and road signs must be observed. Please pay attention to the environment, the public and co-racers. Parts of the route will be closed for ordinary traffic, and supporter vehicles are not permitted.

  • Participants in the age classes may use the service stations.
  • The organizers reserve the right to stop late racers from completing the race.
  • You may not start using another person's entry/bib or in an earlier wave than assigned.
  • For your safety it is not allowd to use any form of audio during the race.

  Backpack/clothing
  All participants, regardless of class, must carry a 3,5 kilo backpack during the entire race, until crossing the finish line. The backpack must be visible, and can not be worn underneath clothing or bib.
  
  For safety reasons the pack must contain

  • wind-/water resistant jacket and pants
  • Gloves
  • Hat or buff headwear
  • Extra food
  • Tools and hose kit
  • We recommend that you bring dry underwear and socks.

  Participants who has not got the requierd contents in their backpack before start, will not bee allowed to start until this is provided.
  Packs will be checked.
  Participants not complying with these requirements will be disqualified or given a time penalty.
  If the participants have to put on a lot of the clothing/equipment throughout the race, due to bad weather conditions, the organizer will judge this with a common sense regarding the weight of the backpack.

  Equipment

  • A certified helmet is compulsory.
  • All bikes used in any terrain competition, should have only propulsion by human power. (Exception: the El-bike class)
  • EL-bike is allowed in the EL-bike class.
  • During MTB races no traditional road handlebars may be used.
    Clips-on extensions or inner bar ends are forbidden but traditional bar ends are authorized. Exception: All-road/Gravel classes:
  • In the All-Road/Gravel classes, you can race on a bike with drop bars (example: Gravel bike). NOTE: This is the only classes for drop bars. It is no Birkebeiner Medal in these classes. The tires must be at least 25 mm.
  • Position: The rider shall normally assume a sitting position on the bicycle. This position requires that the only points of support are the following: the feet on the pedals, the hands on the handlebars and the seat on the saddle.

  Littering along the route is not allowed.
  Please bring your own litter to the nearest food station or use the drop zones along the course. Littering along the course can be penalized with 15 minutes added to your time.
  
  Violating the rules
  Participants violating the rules will be disqualified or given a time penalty.
  
  Complaints

  • The complaint must be submitted in writing with a fee of NOK 300 at the Race Office in Håkons Hall.
  • Against race conditions: 15 minutes after the last competitor has crossed the finish line.
  • Against the list of results: 30 minutes after the list and results have been published.

  • Regler for sykler i maratonritt - tur og eliteklasser
    Download
• License
  All participants age 13-79 must have a valid license to start in cycle events in Norway. If you have a valid license through national cycling federetaion, please bring your license card when retrieving your BIB.
  
  Purchase
  The license is not included in the entry fee. It can be purchased when entering,  through your My Page, or at the race office when retrieving your BIB.
  
  Prices
  One time license 17-79 years old: NOK 220,-
  One time license UngdomsBirken cycle (13-16 years old): NOK 50,-
  
  The Norwegian Cycling Federation
  The license is an insurance through the Norwegian Cycling Federation, and should you be injured while participating in an Birken cycle event, this license makes sure that your treatment is covered. Please find more information regarding the license:

  • NCF license: Information for foreigners
    Download

On race day

• What happens when ?
  Thursday August 29.

  • 15.00 - 21.00 Sport 1 market in Håkons Hall, Lillehammer

  Friday August 30.
  
  Rena Åmot kulturhus, Rena Torg

  • 11.00-21.00 Distribution of Bibs and registration
  • 11.00 - 21.00 Sport 1 market
  • 15.30 - Registration and distribution of bibs BarneBirken cyckle.
  • 17.00-18.00 - Start BarneBirken 0-11 years old
  • Activities for kids

  Lillehammer,Håkons Hall

  • 10.00-21.00 Distribution of Bibs and registration
  • 10.00-21.00 Sport 1 market
  • 17.00-17.50 Start BarneBirken sykkel

  Saturday August 31.

  Rena, Åmot kulturhus og Rena Torg

  • From 07.00 Distribution of Bibs in Åmot kulturhus
  • 07.00-13.00 Sport 1 market
  • 09.00-12.00 Start Birkebeinerrittet
  • 09.00 start Men Elite
  • 09.10 start Women Elite

  Lillehammer

  Birkebeineren skistadion

  • From 07.30 distribution of Bibs UngdomsBirken sykkel
  • 09.15-09.45 start UngdomsBirken sykkel

  Pellestova, Hafjell
  

  • From 06.30 distribution of Bibs UltraBirken and HalvBirken cycle
  • 08.00-08.20 start UltraBirken cycle
  • 13.00-13.15 start HalvBirken cycle

  Håkons Hall

  • 09.00-19.00 Sport 1 market
  • 09.00-20.00 Race office, diplomas and prizes
  • 09.00-20.00 shower and wardrobe
  • appr. 09.30 first participant UngdomsBirken
  • 10.45 Prize ceremony UngdomsBirken and Ungdomstrippelen
  • appr. 11.30 first Men Elite expected to the finish
  • appr. 12.10 first Women Elite expected to the finish
  • 13.00 Prize ceremony Men and Women Elite
  • appr. 12.50-13.00 First participant UltraBirken cycle
  • appr. 14.05 First participant HalvBirken cycle
  • 14.00-18.00 Prize ceremonies Birkebeinerrittet and Birkebeinertrippelen
  • 15.30-18.00 Prize ceremonies UltraBirken cycle and HalvBirken cycle

  Sunday 01.09

  • 12.00 - 15.00 Lost and found in Haakons Hall
• Distribution of Bibs
  Lillehammer, Håkons Hall
  Birkebeinerrittet, UltraBirken cycle, HalvBirken cycle, UngdomsBirken and BarneBirken
  

  • Friday August 30th: 10.00-21.00

  Pellestova
  UltraBirken cycle and HalvBirken cycle

  • Saturday August 31th  from 6.30

  Birkebeineren Skistadion
  UngdomsBirken
  

  • Saturday August 31th  from 7.30

  Rena, Åmot kulturhus
  Birkebeinerrittet
  

  • Friday August 30th: 11.00 - 21.00
  • Saturday August 31th: 07.00 - until the last start

  Birkebeinerrittet
  Race packets that is ordered to Lillehammer and not been retrieved in Lillehammer the day before the race, may be picked up in Åmot kulturhus Rena, on race day. 

  On the race day
  Race packets must be collected at least 1 hour before your starting time. Allow for some extra time as traffic will be heavy.
  Please show your starting card to testify paid entry fee, license and bib number.

• Luggage
  Transportation of luggage from start to finish is included in the entry fee.

  Deliver your luggage
  Birkebeinerrittet:
  Deliver your luggage at the starting area -  the trucks will be on the parking area, east of Åmot kulturhus, Rena.
  HalvBirken and UltraBirken cycle
  You can deliver your luggage at either at Håkons Hall before entering the bus to the start or in the starting area at Pellestova.
  
  Luggage claim
  At the finish outside Håkons Hall, Lillehammer.

  
  It is your own responsibility to tag your luggage and hand it in to the truck labelled with your wave. Tags are included in your race packet. In the event of heavy rain, you will be given plastic bags to keep your luggage dry.

  The organizers accept no liability for loss of luggage.

• Stadium maps
  • Start Rena
    Download
  • Traffic Rena
    Download
  • Map departure bus Lillehammer
    Download
  • Finish Haakons Hall
    Download
  • Arena start Pellestova
    Download
  • Arena start UngdomsBirken
    Download
• Traffic / parking
  

  Parking at Rena and Lillehammer at Birken Cycle
  
  Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards.
  Tickets for parking costs NOK 95,- and may be bought both online or on site.

  Traffic / parking Rena

  Traffic / parking Lillehammer

  Closed roads
• Time keeping
  Timing / Bib
  The bib must be fastened to the handlebar according to instructions.
  Your result is registered in the chip that is integrated in your start number.
  Time keeping starts when crossing the start mat.
                                                                                                                   
  Exeption: Start at start shot
  Start shot (the start time is registered by start shot) applies for:

  Birkebeinerrittet:

  • The elite classes, Men and Women Elite Jr. and Sr.
  • Wave 1

  UngdomsBirken cycle: All classes and waves.

  UltraBirken cycle: All waves

  HalvBirken cycle: All waves

• Prizes
  All participants in Birkebeinerrittet, HalvBirken cycle and UltraBirken cycle receives a finisher pin at the finish line. Participations in UngdomsBirken cycle recieves a finisher medal at the finish line.
  A diploma stating your time can be picked up inside Haakons Hall at race day or downloaded from your My Page.
  
  Ceremony
  The top three in each age class recieve their prizes from the stage/Håkons Hall. Retrieve your other prizes, pins and diplomas at the prize desk inside Håkons Hall.
  
  Prizes and Diplomas must be picked up inside Håkons Hall on race day.

  For Birkebeinerrittet 84 km

  Participated 10, 20 and 30 times in total
  Participants that have reached the milestones of entering 10, 20 or 30 times in total: Birkebeinerrittet 86, FredagsBirken cycle and/or TurBirken cycle 86 recieve a plate from Birken's prize collection.

  Prizes Birkebeiner Medal
      1. medal: SMK (Silver pin)
      5. medal: GMK (Golden pin)
      10. medal: FAT 10 (Birken plate)
      20. medal: FAT 20 (Birken plate)
      30. medal: FAT 30 (Birken plate)
  No medals are given at the 2nd, 3th, 4th, 6th, 7th an so on.

   

  Prizes elte classes
• Cut Off times
  Participants which has not reached the following destinations by the listet hour, will not be allowed to finish the race due to safety reasons

  • Kvarstad by 16.00
  • Elgåsen by 18.00

  All participants are expected to cross the finish line by 19.30

  If you need to abandon the race please try to get to the nearest food station,  alert the MC patrols, call ti abandon the race +47 90 55 90 03. It will be limited possiblities for transporation in the track.

  Tansport for competitors abandoning the race
  From Rena
  Departuer from the Birken office, Fabrikkveien 2, Rena to Håkons Hall, Lillehammer approximately 11.00 and 15.00

  From Kvarstad
  Departure form Kvarstad to Håkons Hall, Lillehammer
  approximately 13.30 and kl. 17.00

  If you need medical assistance call alarm number: +47 911 08 707.

• Cycle service
  Birkebeinerrittet
  We offer simple service such as changing of hose, chain, brake pads, as well as adjusting the gears and brakes before start and at the service stations along the track.

  • Bringbusætra
  • Kvarstad

  The service is performed by experienced mechanics.
  It will be possible to clean (flush) dirt off your bike at the service stations.
  
  We recommend that your bike is well maintained and checked before you arrive at Rena. It is also important to bring some equipment for bike care in your backpack, such as hose, small tools and a pump.

• Bike parking
  Bike parking                                                                                             
  Free bike parking is available in the finish area. 
  The owner of the cycle is identified by the starting number, and to retrieve your cycle from the area, you must bring your starting card, Birken-app, your wrist tag or your luggage tag.
  It will be possible to clean (flush) dirt off your bike before you leave the area.
  The bicycle park closes at 20.30 saturday.