in the World Cup class were not required to carry the 3.5 kg backpack, and these times set in 2002 were therefore not considered as records. Recent years In 2007, the race was cancelled for the first time in history due to extremely high winds (90 km/h or 55 mph). However, at the time of cancellation, the event had been under way for nearly an hour, with roughly a quarter of the 13,000 competitors already on course. Despite the efforts of officials to send everyone back to the starting point, 55 competitors eventually reached the finish in Lillehammer, and upon being interviewed, blasted the decision to cancel the event . The race was also cancelled in 2014, only 15 minutes before the start due to high winds of 15 m/s. Despite the cancellation, thousands of skiers completed the route from Rena to Lillehammer (and from Lillehammer to Rena) and criticized the decision. The organizers also decided not to give any refunds, which caused an investigation by the Norwegian Skiing Federation. In 2015, conditions were good for skiing fast and new records were set in both the men's and the women's classes. Petter Eliassen skied in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 28 seconds, more than two minutes faster than the previous record set by Anders Aukland in 2012. Therese Johaug skied the 2015 edition in 2 hours, 41 minutes and 46 seconds and set a new record for female skiers. The 2020 edition was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Past winners Course record in bold. Men Women Birken Ski Festival In the week preceding Birkebeinerrennet, several cross-country skiing races are held during the Birken Ski Festival: Inga-låmi (ladies – ) HalvBirken (half – ) BarneBirken (kids) UngdomsBirken (9–16 years old – ) StafettBirken (relay – ) FredagsBirken (Friday, original race – ) Birkebeinerrennet (original – ) References External links KMZ file tracing out the route of the race Requires Google Earth software. 2D View in Google Maps. Official homepage (in Norwegian) English version of the official homepage German version of the official homepage Cross-country skiing competitions in Norway Åmot Sport in Hedmark Sport in Lillehammer 1932 establishments in Norway Recurring sporting events established in 1932 March sporting events