Friday, February 26, 2027
Skate 15K Race / Classic 15K Race
Hayward, WI, USA
The Prince Haakon 15K is named after the baby prince who started it all! Skiers race 15K through the forest on the Birkie Trail, glide across frozen Lake Hayward, and ski over the infamous American Birkebeiner International Bridge towards the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street.
| May 1 through June 25 | June 26 through September 10 | September 11 through October 22 | October 23 or until full | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Haakon Registration Fee | $225 | $235 | $245 | $250 |
| U20 Prince Haakon (born after 2/27/2007) | $140 | $150 | $160 | $165 |
Birkie Gear Bags are a part of race day that will last years into the future. Don’t miss the special offer on the 2027 Birkie Gear Bag »
As part of the ABSF’s efforts to promote youth development in the sport, we will be offering a U20 (born in 2007 – 2014) age class wave for the Prince Haakon. U20 athletes will be the first off the starting line!
Protect your registration! Get reimbursed up to 100% on your registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons. Protecht offers refund protection so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in the case of injury, illness, or other unexpected events. Protecht can be purchased during your initial registration or up to five days after registration is completed.
Participants may request to change from the Prince Haakon to the American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, or Open Track at any time until 11:59pm CST on January 19, 2027 unless an event is full (see allowed transfers below). Wave placement is subject to availability at time of request. If the wave that you qualify for is full, you will be assigned to the next wave with space available. Participants may no longer transfer to the American Birkebeiner or Kortelopet once they are full. A change fee of $25 will be applied. You will receive an updated e-mail confirmation reflecting the change once the change has been approved. If you do NOT receive an updated e-mail confirmation within 10 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.
| Event you are registered for currently | Eligible for a transfer request to this event |
|---|---|
| Birkie Skate | Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track* |
| Birkie Classic | Birkie Skate, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track* |
| Korte Skate | Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track* |
| Korte Classic | Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Prince Haakon, Open Track* |
| Prince Haakon | Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Open Track* |
| Open Track | Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic. Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon & between Open Track distances* |
| *subject to wave availability |
Ineligible event change requests will be reversed and refunded minus processing fees if requested.
All start times will be recorded when you ski through the start tower. Winners will be based on chip time and not based on the first to cross the finish line.
Prince Haakon 15K skiers will depart from the start area near Phipps Road, north of Hayward, WI. The first 2-kilometers of the course are 14′ wide with one classic track and one skate lane. The remainder of the course is shared with Kortelopet skiers and is 30′ wide with two classic tracks and two skate lanes. Prince Haakon skiers will ski across Lake Hayward and over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge as they make their way toward the finish line on Hayward’s snow covered Main Street. Cheering crowds and the ringing of cowbells will greet them on Main Street.
Click the image above for PDF map.
Participants of the 2027 Events must complete their race by 5 pm and meet all aid station cut-off times found below. Cut-off times for races must be strictly followed for the safety of participants and volunteers. Participants not following guidance from Medical Staff and Race Chiefs will risk penalty and ineligibility for future Birkie Events.
| Location | Aid Available | from Start | Cut-off Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | Water | 0 | — |
| Fish Hatchery presented by Camp Norway | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 7K | 3:35 PM |
| Finish Line | Celebration Zone and Soup Tent! | 15K | 5:00 PM |
UnTapped all natural gels, waffles, and hydration formulas provide athletes with sustained energy that is easily digestible, tastes great, and is free from the artificial flavors found in many popular energy products.
There is no parking at the Prince Haakon Start! All participants and spectators must shuttle in from the Birkie Ridge Parking Lot.
| Continuous Shuttle Service To & From | Continuous Shuttle Service To & From | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Birkie Ridge Parking Lot | Prince Haakon Start | 11:30am – 1:45pm |
| Recovery Zone Bus Stop | Birkie Ridge Parking Lot | 12:30pm – 5:30pm |
All Prince Haakon finishers will receive a medal when they cross the finish line!
The top three overall women and men will be recognized in a ceremony in the Celebration Plaza at 3:00 pm on Friday. Winners are based on overall, chip time, not the first to cross the finish line. There is no technique distinction in the awards.
Skiers, whether elite or citizen, count on spectators to cheer them on as they set their sights on the finish line. Just when they think they’re fading, spectators provide an emotional lift that encourages them along their way. Catch Birkie Fever!
Join the celebration at the Frandsen Bank & Trust Celebration Plaza on Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. The first Prince Haakon finishers are welcomed with the ringing of the church bells as they come off of Lake Hayward on to Main Street at approximately 2:00 pm. Good viewing is possible along the length of Main Street.
Parking is available at designated parking lots with shuttle service throughout the day. There is limited street parking with in the downtown area, respect the parking direction signs and utilize the parking lots.
For skier and spectator safety, there are no pedestrian crossings on Main Street. Please use the access under the International Bridge for travel to the other side of the street.
