UltraBirken løp

60 km ultra race – from Sjusjøen to Håkons Hall

Ultra trail in true Birken terrain

UltraBirken Run is a 60 km ultra race from Sjusjøen to the finish at Håkons Hall in Lillehammer. A tough challenge in varied terrain for those who want to push their limits.

On Saturday 13 June 2026, UltraBirken Run is held for the 15th time. The race set a participation record in 2025 and continues to attract runners seeking an extra challenge.

You run from Sjusjøen Cross-Country Arena to Lillehammer through varied and demanding terrain, before finishing at Håkons Hall.

The race is approved with 2 ITRA point and with 50K for UTMB

All participants aged 18 and older as of 31.12.2026 can take part. UltraBirken run is a part of Birkebeinertrippelen.

Race info

UltraBirken run 60 km

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 UltraBirken løp

Start at Sjusjøen ski stadium and finish outside Håkons Hall, Lillehammer.
The track takes you over Sjusjøfjellet to Lunkefjell after 7 km. After 7 km you run on the road to Norseter for 2,5 km. Then the track takes you towards Melsjøen and Reina. From Reina you run over Krigsfjell and Hitfjell before you reach Pellestova.

From Pellestove you go to Nevefjell - the highest point in the track 1072 meters above sea level. Then the track takes you back towards Nordseter -on the south side of Nevelvannet. The track will then take you back to Lunkefjell. Before you reach the cabins at Sjusjøen there will be a steep rocky downhill. Slow down.

Then the track will take you down to the bottom of Birkebeinerbakken, Nevla and Sjøseterveien.

When it is 14 km left to the finsih you will run on the same track as Birkebeinerløpet 21

Altimeter
Total climb 1258 metres
A total of 1873 meters down.
Starting times and classes

Classes
UltraBirken mountain run has classes for females and men
F/M 18-19, F/M 20-29, F/M 30-39 F/M 40-49, F/M 50-59, F/M 60-69, F/M 70-79.
Age as per 31.12.2026

Starting time: 08.00

Food- and drink stations

Place	Km	Service
Start		Refill Maxim sports drink and water
Nevelvatnet	7	Maxim sports drink, water, bananas and pastry
Midtbekken	17	Maxim sports drink, water and bananas
Pellestova	25	Maxim sports drink, water, bananas, pastry, slice of bread with toppings, Gilde Birkebeiner ham
Nevelvatnet	32	Maxim sports drink, water, bananas and pastry
Nordseter/Sjusjøvegen	39	Maxim sports drink, water, bananas and pastry
Mesnasaga	49	Maxim sports drink, water, Pepsi Cola, bananas and pastry
Kroken	54	Maxim sports drink, water, Pepsi Cola, bananas and pastry
Finish	60	Water, Vørterøl (non alcoholic beer) Red Bull, Maarud Potetgull® (crisps) and Gilde sausage

We encourage all participants to stay well hydrated both before and during the race. 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.

Drop bags

There are 2 drop zones for UltraBirken run
1. Pellestova
2. Nordseter/Sjusjøvegen.

Drop bags are handed out together with your start number and must be clearly marked with your start number. In these bags you can, for example, put dry clothes, shoes and extra nutrition. This gives you the opportunity to change equipment along the way without having to carry everything in your backpack from the start.

The bags are handed in at the start at the marked place for each drop zone and are transported to the different drop zones.

NOTE: Remember to move your drop bag when you pass the drop zones at Pellestova and Nordseter/Sjusjøvegen. They will then be transported to the baggage claim at Håkons Hall so that you can pick it up there after the finish.

Transport and storage of drop bags is at your own risk.

Information Birken run

Need to know in advance

Deadlines
June 10.

Change of wave in Birkebeinerløpet and HalvBirken run at My Page

June 12., 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 13th
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 Birken run

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
HalvBirken run, Birken AKTIV against cancer-run 7,5 km and Birkebeinerløpet

10.00 Start HalvBirken løp

10.30 Start Birken AKTIV against cancer-run 7,5km

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 HalvBirken run expected to finish

11.05 First competitor Birken AKTIV agains cancer run 7,5 km expected 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: HalvBirken run

From 12.30: Birken AKTIV against cancer run 7,5km and Birken fjellmaraton

From 13.00: Birkebeinerløpet

From 14.00: UltraBirken run

From 17.30: UngdomsBirken run

From 17.00: 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

HalvBirken run:
Wave 1: Start shot
From wave 2: Real time

Birken AKTIV against cancer-run 7,5 km:
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.