Birkebeinerløpet 21 km was organized for the first time in 1998, with 1442 competitors.
Over the years more run competition were added and now Birken run festival also includes HalvBirken run 12 km, Birken fjellmaraton 42 km, UltraBirken run 60 km, UngdomsBirken run 4 km ( youth) and BarneBirken run ( kids)