HalvBirken løp

12 km, 12.06.27

12km through true Birken terrain

LøpeBirken 12km (formerly HalvBirken) takes you from Birkebeineren Ski Stadium to the finish at Håkons Hall in Lillehammer. Experience the true Birken atmosphere, varied terrain and beautiful scenery.

On Saturday, 12 June 2027, LøpeBirken 12km takes place for the 20th time. A race combining the joy of running, a rewarding challenge and a sense of achievement in true Birken terrain.

The course follows trails, gravel roads and Olympic cross-country ski tracks before finishing at Håkons Hall. Set yourself a personal goal or bring someone to share the experience with!

Participants aged 16 and over can take part with timing. Those aged 15 can participate without timing. Age is determined as of 31 December 2027.

Race info

LøpeBirken 12km

Track
Note: The total elevation gain may vary slightly depending on the GPS device, watch, or app used. The stated elevation gain is calculated based on our official GPX files and map data.
- View map / download GPX
Course description for the LøpeBirken 12km

Start to First Aid Station (6 km)
The race starts at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium (525 meters above sea level), the same location as the Birkebeinerløpet. The first section crosses Sjøseterveien and includes a 2 km loop through the Olympic and World Cup ski trails. Terrain varies from grassy trails to wide ski tracks, with some steep climbs and descents. Be cautious in wet conditions.

After 2 km, the course continues on a tractor road past Abbortjern, with rocky and root-filled terrain. At 4.14 km, you reach VIP-veien and the first drink station offering water and Maxim sports drink. The course then follows VIP-veien briefly before turning into a wooded area with uneven terrain, continues onto a gravel road, and crosses a canal.

From there, the course follows a tractor road for about 300 meters, takes a sharp left turn, and continues on a gravel path. After crossing VIP-veien again, the route leads along an easy-flowing trail to the aid station at Kroken (6 km).

From Kroken to the Finish Line (6 km)
After the Kroken station, the course continues on a mostly flat trail with some stones and minor wet sections. You then enter the Maihaugen Trail, which includes 1.5 km of rolling terrain, short steep hills, and a few muddy patches.

The course follows the Tverrløypa trail behind Maihaugen, which is flat and easy to run. It continues to the top of Kleivbakken, crossing two local roads in Nybu—please watch for traffic. From the top, the route descends diagonally toward the finish line at Håkons Hall.
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.

The first aid station is located at Birkebeinervegen/Vipveien (4.7 km), serving water and Maxim sports drink. At Kroken after 6 km, Pepsi Cola, bananas, and Vestlandslefse will also be available.

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.

In warm weather, an additional water station will be available approximately 2 km before the finish line.

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.

Starting times, seeding and classes

LøpeBirken 12 km has seeded wave start and free seeding. You choose wave when entering the race. You select your start wave when registering. You can change your wave via My Page until the Thursday before race day, subject to availability.

Classes

Age classes for women and men.
16-17, 18-19 years, 20-24 yrs, 25-29 years, 30-34 years and so on.
Para classes for women and men FH
Trim uten tid - Your time and result will not be available for you or anyone to see. You will be at the result list in alpahbetical order as a finisher.

Age as per 31.12.2027

Wave 1: Start shot
Wave 1-8: Start at real time

Preliminary Starting time	Wave	estimated finish time
10.00	1	<01:05:00
10.05	2	<01:15:00
10.10	3	<01:15:00
10.15	4	<01:15:00
10.20	5	<01:30:00
10.25	6	<01:30:00
10.30	7	<01:30:00
10.35	8	>=01:30:00

Information LøpeBirken

Need to know in advance

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
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

Sjøsetervegen will be closed from Birkebeineren Ski Stadium to where the Birkebeiner trail crosses the road, from 09:00 to 16:00.

Furubakken and Nybuvegen will be closed intermittently where the course crosses the road, between 10:00 and 18:00.
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 race

No 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
Accommodation
Please find information regarding accommodation in Lillehammer here:

Sportellet Birkebeineren stadion

Visit Lillehammer

Scandic Victoria Lillehammer

Information LøpeBirken

On race day

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)
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.
Stadium maps
- Traffic map Lillehammer Birken run 2026
  Download
Luggage

Luggage delivered in the starting area must be retrieved at Håkons Hall on race day.

Label/transport
Remember to use the labels inckuded in your race package, and then bring your luggage to the drop zone.

Birken holds no liability for lost/ruined luggage during transport or storage.
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 fired

Birkebeinerløpet:
Women and men Elite: Start shot
From wave 1: Real time

LøpeBirken 12km:
Wave 1: Start shot
From wave 2: Real time

LøpeBirken 7,5km AKTIV against cancer:
Real time

UltraBirken 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 90559003

We expect that everyone has passed the finish line at 18.00.