Birkebeinerrennet 2026: Skating race delayed by two hours – here's the latest
It's one of the absolute standout days in Norwegian winter sports, but this year the Birkebeinerrennet throws up a little extra challenge even before the starting gun has fired. The Skøytebirken (skating race), scheduled for today, has been delayed by two hours. This was confirmed by organisers from the race headquarters in Rena on Saturday morning. For those of us who've been coming here for years, it brings to mind both the 2015 race, when heavy snowfall played havoc, and 2016, when the freezing cold caused issues. But this year, a different weather phenomenon is calling the shots.
New start time and safety first
The roughly 3000 entrants for the skating race will need to be patient. Instead of 9.30 am, the start will now be at 11.30 am. The reason is thick snowfall and poor visibility on the slopes up towards Sjøsjøen. Track crews are working flat out to groom the trails again, and participant safety is obviously the top priority. There's no drama in this, mind you – just plain common sense. We've seen it before: the Birkebeinerrennet is a race where people and nature come together, and timings sometimes have to shift.
The vibe in Rena despite the hold-up
In Rena, though, the atmosphere is unaffected. Campervans are packed in close, people have lit fires and are brewing coffee. For many, this is the highlight of their year. A bloke from Tromsø I had a yarn with grinned knowingly: "I've been waiting two years for this. An extra two hours makes no difference, just gives me time for more coffee and to really talk up my form." That's the attitude we love about this race – whether it's classic or skating, and whether the clock's ticking or not.
- Skøytebirken (skating race): New start time 11.30 am from Rena.
- Classic race: Going ahead as planned tomorrow morning.
- The track right now: Soft, fresh snow at the start, but conditions improve as the course climbs.
- Tip for participants: Don't stress, soak up the atmosphere, and save your energy.
A reminder of history in the making
For those of us who've followed the Birkebeinerrennet for years, days like this remind us why we love this race. In 2015, it was extreme amounts of snow that defined the event; in 2016, it was bitterly cold temperatures. Both years, people still turned up, and both years produced unforgettable editions. This year's looks set to follow suit: Challenges create the best stories. When the skaters finally get away mid-morning, it'll be a celebration from start to finish, for sure. The Birkebeinerrennet is more than just a ski race – it's a community celebration and a tribute to a legend. And this year, we get an extra hour or two to enjoy it.
We're keeping a close eye on the track and will update you with the latest as the day goes on. For now, we're just looking forward to watching the first skaters disappear into the forest towards Mjøsa. The Birkebeinerrennet 2026 is underway – delayed, but well and truly underway!