Starting 43 years ago as a race with 35 participants, the American Birkebeiner in Hayward, Wisconsin has now grown into the largest and longest cross-country ski event in North America, an international ski marathon with over 10,000 skiers competing in several events over the next few days.
In addition to Saturday's main event, comprised of both the 51K Skate Marathon and the 55K Classic Ski Marathon, there are also has several shorter-range races for people of all ages and abilities.
Chad Salmela, international ski race announcer and head coach for the St. Scholastica Cross Country Ski Team, talks with us about the excitement of the event and its cultural impact.