LøpeBirken 7,5km AKTIV Against Cancer
7.5 km run with a purpose
LøpeBirken 7.5 km AKTIV Against Cancer takes place on Saturday, 12 June 2027. Bring a friend or set yourself a personal goal, and join us for a day of running, shared experiences and achievement. The course has little climbing, with flat stretches and plenty of downhill running, finishing at Håkons Hall in Lillehammer.
You’ll also be running for a good cause. Part of your entry fee supports AKTIV Against Cancer’s work to make physical activity part of cancer treatment.
Participants aged 13–15 can take part without timing. For those aged 16 and over, timing is optional. Age is determined as of 31 December 2027.
LøpeBirken 7,5km AKTIV against cancer
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Track
Course description for the Birken Aktiv Against Cancer 7.5 km race
The race starts at the Birkebeiner ski stadium – sharing the same start and opening section as the other races. The first 400 meters are on asphalt before the course turns left, goes under the bridge, and continues on gravel behind the hall near the dog training area. It then climbs through the ski play area and enters the lighted trail (lysløypa), which has some uneven terrain, until it reaches Birkebeinervegen.
The course follows the left side of Birkebeinervegen for about 800 meters – outside the fence, not in the road. At the end of the road, it transitions onto a narrow, rocky trail and crosses the canal. A water station is located just before this turn.
After crossing the canal, the trail continues straight ahead over Mesna River via wooden footbridges – be careful, they may be slippery when wet. The course then joins the Maihaugen trail, which includes some steep hills and short, soft or rocky sections, before merging into the Tverrløypa behind Maihaugen.
Tverrløypa is flat and easy to run, but crosses two small roads in Nybu – watch out for traffic. From the top of Kleivbakken, the trail descends diagonally toward the finish.
The final 4 km follow the same route as the Birkebeinerløpet. There is some uneven terrain down toward Maihaugen, but the final stretch is on good trail. 500 meters before the finish, the route turns left around the football field and heads down to the finish area south of Håkons Hall.
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Food- and drink stations
We encourage all participants to stay well hydrated both before and during the race. Maxim will have a sales stand at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium if you would like to stock up on drinks and nutrition before the start.
There is an aid station after approximately 2.5 km serving Maxim sports drink, juice, and water.
At the finish area, participants will be served Maxim protein shake, water, Vørterøl, Red Bull, Maarud Potato Chips®, Gilde sausages, and Sportslompe from Engers Lefsebakeri.
If you require special dietary food, such as gluten-free products or similar, we recommend bringing your own food or energy supplies. The Maxim sports drink served at the aid stations is gluten-free.
All food, drinks, and nutrition provided at the aid stations and at the finish area are included in the entry fee.
Keep Birken Clean! There is zero tolerance for littering along the course. Please bring your waste to the nearest aid station and use the designated trash bins.
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Starting times and classes
Starting time: 10.45
Start at real time
Classes
From 16 years old:
There is one class for men and one for women.
You can also choose without timing
13-15 years old: Without timing
Need to know in advance
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Deadlines
June 9.
- Change of wave in Birkebeinerløpet and LøpeBirken 12km at My Page
June 11., 20:00
- Online registration if still available spots
- Ordering license at My Page
- Booking of bus to start for UltraBirken and Birken fjellmaraton
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Bus
Preliminary information
Bus directly from Oslo June 12th
We offer round-trip bus transport from Oslo Bus Terminal directly to the start at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium, Lillehammer for HalvBirken run, Birken AKTIV against cancer run 7,5 km and Birkebeinerløpet, and return from the finish area after the race.Departure from Oslo Bus Terminal at 07:00, Olavsgård at 07:25, and Quality Hotel Gardermoen (by Esso) at 07:45.
Estimated arrival Birkebeineren Ski Stadium between 09.35/09.45
Return from Sigrid Undsets veg by Håkons Hall (finish arena) at 17:00.Price: NOK 750,- round trip. Limited number of seats (booking via My Page).
Free shuttle bus to start
There will be free shuttle between the finish area at Håkons Hall and the start area at Birkebeineren ski stadium Saturday 08.00-18.00. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes from Håkons Hall to Birkebeineren ski stadium.
Free shuttle bus from Lillehammer train station to start
Are you arriving by bus for train at 08:51, 09.58 or 10:58 there will be free shuttle to the start at Birkebeineren ski stadium.Bus to start UltraBirken and Birken fjellmaraton NOK 90,-
There will be bus to UltraBirken and Birken fjellmaraton from Kleivbakken behind Håkons Hall to start at Sjusjøen at 06.30 and at 07.00.
Seats must be pre-booked via My Page by Friday, June 13 at 20:00.New! Direct bus from Oslo and Olavsgaard o the start in Lillehammer. Only NOK 750 round trip.
The bus departs from Oslo Bus terminal at 06:30 and from Olavsgaard at 06.50 before arriving at Birkebeiner Ski Stadium around 09.00.
Return from Håkons Hall at 16:30.
Departure times are coordinated with both the HalfBirken Run and the Birkebeiner Run.
Only round trip tickets available and seats must be pre-booked via My Page by Friday, June 12 at 20:00. -
Traffic and parking
Parking
There is parking available at both Birkebeineren Ski Stadium and the field above Håkons Hall. Parking will not be available at the regular parking areas right next to the halls at Stampesletta. Please follow the directions from our parking attendants, who will guide you to available parking at one of the designated locations. Remember to allow plenty of time before your start.Parking costs NOK 110.- Order in advance
Traffic
If you are arriving by private car, we recommend taking the Lillehammer North exit and following the signs to Olympiaparken. Please note that Sigrid Undsets veg is closed from the intersection at Nordsetervegen (by Kiwi) to Ivar Kleivens veg due to municipal construction work (follow signs for Birken parking).To ensure smooth traffic flow, there will be some one-way driving regulations and marked driving patterns — we encourage everyone to follow these instructions.
Road closures on race day
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Sjøsetervegen will be closed from Birkebeineren Ski Stadium to where the Birkebeiner trail crosses the road, from 09:00 to 16:00.
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Furubakken and Nybuvegen will be closed intermittently where the course crosses the road, between 10:00 and 18:00.
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License
All participants, including foreigners, must have a valid license to enter Norwegian running events.
All participants age 13-79 must have a valid license to start in running events in Norway. If you have a valid license through your team, bring your license card when you retrieve your BIB.
Purchase
The license is not included in the entry fee. It can be purchased when signing up, through your My Page, or at the race office when retrieving your BIB.
Exception: Birken AKTIV against cancer run 7,5km: License is included in the sign up fee.
Injuries during the race
If you are injured during one of the Birkebeiner events, please contact the insurance company. If you have any questions please call "Idrettens skadetelefon" +4798702033 -
Race rules
All competitors need a license.
Backpack is mandatory only for the UltraBirken race
For safety reasons, there are special rules for clothing and equipment that you must bring when participating in UltraBirken: Food, drink, extra clothing, reflective vest, mobile phone.Use of poles
The use of poles is only permitted in the UltraBirken run. The poles must be with you during the entire race, from start to finish. After the food station Nordseter/Sjusjøvegen, where you meet the ordinary Birkebeiner track for approx. 40 km, the poles must be put in your backpack until the finish line.
No audio
For your safety it is not allowd to use any form of audio during the raceNo pets: It is not allowed to bring your pets into the race track.
Timekeeping / Bib
BIB must be visible at all times during the race. For your own safety, it is not permitted to use another participant's BIB.
Identification must be provided at random checks.
Your bib is also your timer. A chip on the back of the bib records the start time, intermediate time and time at the finish line.Shoes:
Maximum sole thickness for shoes:
Trail running: 20 mm spiked shoes or 40 mm non-spike shoes.
Exeption: Birken fjellmaraton and UltraBirken løp
Complaints
Against race conditions: 30 minutes after crossing the finish line.
Towards the results list: 30 minutes after the list and results are published.
The complaint must be submitted in writing with a fee of NOK 100 at the Race Office in Håkons Hall.
Complaints will be heard by the jury.Environment
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.
Jury
Race leader, assistant race leader, timing manager and medical manager.Please read the registration conditions
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Accommodation
Please find information regarding accommodation in Lillehammer here:
On race day
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What happens when ?
Thursday
- 15.00-21.00 Sport 1 market
Friday
Håkons Hall, Lillehammer- 10.00 - 21.00 Sport 1 market
- 10.00 - 21.00 Race office and start number handout
Saturday
Sjusjøen Ski Stadion
- from 07.00 start number handout
UltraBirken and Birken fjellmaraton - 08.00 Start UltraBirken run
- 08.30 Start Birken fjellmaraton
Birkebeineren ski stadium, start
- from 8.00 Start number handout
LøpeBirken 12km, LøpeBirken 7,5km AKTIV against cancer and Birkebeinerløpet - 10.00 Start LøpeBirken 12km
- 10.45 Start LøpeBirken 7,5km AKTIV against cancer
- 11.00 Start Birkebeinerløpet
Haakons Hall, Lillehammer
- 10.00-18.00 Sport 1 market
- 10.00-18.00 Start number handout UngdomsBirken run and BarneBirken,
Race Office, Diplomas and prizes - 10.00-18.00 showers and wardrobe
- 10.40 First competitor LøpeBirken 12km expected to finish
- 11.05 First competitor LøpeBirken 7,5km AKTIV agains cancerexpected to finish
- 11.30 First competitor Birken fjellmaraton expected to finish
- 12.05 First competitor Birkebeinerløpet expected to finish
- 12.40 First competitor UltraBirken run expected to finish
- 16.00 Start UngdomsBirken run
- 16.20 First competitor UngdomsBirken run expected to finish
- 17.00 Start BarneBirken run
Ceremony, inside Håkons Hall
- From 12.00: LøpeBirken 12km
- From 12.30: LøpeBirken 7,5km AKTIV against cancer and Birken fjellmaraton
- From 13.00: Birkebeinerløpet
- From 14.00: UltraBirken run
- From 17.30: UngdomsBirken run
- From 18.00: Birkebeinerløpet (late arrivals)
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Distribution of start number's
Friday
- All races:
Haakons Hall kl. 10.00 – 21.00
Saturday
- UngdomsBirken and BarneBirken run:
Håkons Hall 10.00-14.30 - Birkebeinerløpet 21, HalvBirken run 12 and Birken AKTIV against cancer run 7,5km:
Birkebeineren ski stadium (Start arena) 08.00 - until last start - UltraBirken run and Birken fjellmaraton:
Sjusjøen ski stadium (Start arena) 07.00 - 08.30
Starting card
Your starting card is available for download from your My Page or the Birken app from approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the race. This is your confirmation of participation.The starting card must be shown to retrieve your start number. - All races:
- Stadium maps
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Prizes
All participants recieve a finisher medal at the finish line.
Timing Diploma
A diploma stating your time can be picked up inside Haakons Hall on race day or downloaded from your My Page later on
Ceremony
The top 3 in each class receives their prizes from the ceremony stage inside Håkons Hall.
Distribution of all other prizes is inside Håkons Hall on race day.
We do not send prizes or medals in the mail, so please remember to retrieve yours inside Håkons Hall before leaving the area.Birkebeinerløpet 21 km
Participated 10 and 20 times
All participants finishing the Birkebeinerløpet 10 and 20 times, recieves a plate from Birken's prize collection (Magnor Glassverk).Prizes Birkebeiner Medal
1. medal: Silver medal (SMK)
5. medal: Gold medal (GMK)
10. medal: Cover plate (10MK)
15. medal: Bronze medal (15MK)
20. medal: Cover plate (20MK)
25. medal: Bronze medal (25MK)Men and Women Elite Birkebeinerløpet
Finish prizes for the winners
• 1. place: NOK 10.000,-
Birkebeiner ham and Brusletto knife
• 2. place: NOK 7.500,-
Brusletto knife
• 3. place: NOK 5.000,-
Brusletto knife -
Timing
Timing and start number
The start number must be attached to the front of the jersey with the provided safety pin.
The timing-chip is integrated in your start number.
Real time: Time begins to run when you cross the start mat
Start shot: Time begins to run at the time the starting shot is firedBirkebeinerløpet:
Women and men Elite: Start shot
From wave 1: Real timeLøpeBirken 12km:
Wave 1: Start shot
From wave 2: Real timeLøpeBirken 7,5km AKTIV against cancer:
Real timeUltraBirken run, Birken fjellmaraton og UngdomsBirken run:
Start shot -
Cut Off times
Cut off times
Sjøsetervegen 16.00. Transportation to Håkons Hall: 16.30
If you have to abandone the race - please notify one of our volunteers.
Transportation to the finish will be organized from : Sjøsetervegen, Mesnasaga and Krorken.In addition for UltraBirken and Birken fjellmaraton:
UltraBirken: Pellestova 12.30. Transportation to Håkons Hall: 13.00
UltraBirken and Birken fjellmaraton: Nordseter / Sjusjøvegen 14.30. Transportation to Håkons Hall: 14.30
If you must abandon the race, please inform us at +47 90559003We expect that everyone has passed the finish line at 18.00.