By Jostein Buraas, CEO of Birken AS

2025 – a year for the history books
With strong growth, high participant satisfaction, successful new concepts, and an incredible volunteer effort, we can confidently say that Birken is on its way back to its former glory.

A year of growth and community
After some challenging years during and after the pandemic, marked by change and adaptation, Birken now stands stronger than it has in a long time. Throughout the year, we had 30,000 registered participants – an increase of 55 percent over two years, and 6,000 more participants than in 2024.

A full 39% of the participants were first-time Birkebeiners, and 48% of the adult participants were under 40. This shows that more and more young adults are finding motivation in Birken – both as a training goal and as an experience.

The enthusiasm among the youngest is also impressive – more than 4,000 children and youth took part in our events in 2025.

New successes and great experiences
Several of our events set new records in 2025. SkøyteBirken reached its highest participation ever, with 975 skiers at the starting line, while UltraBirken Run and the Fjellmaraton were both fully booked with 700 participants each.

The newcomer of the year, GravelBirken, was an instant success – attracting 400 riders and receiving fantastic feedback. Birken Street Run in the heart of Lillehammer also became a true celebration of people and movement, with nearly 2,000 participants and an amazing atmosphere in the streets.

Across the board, participant feedback has been excellent – our post-event surveys show an average satisfaction score of 8.5 out of 10.

Volunteering – the heart of Birken
Behind every event stand thousands of people who give their time and energy to make it all happen. In 2025, 3,700 volunteers contributed more than 15,500 hours of work. They ensure safety, flow, service and smiles – making world-class events possible.

Without our volunteers, there would be no Birken. You are the heart of the organization – thank you!

Growth that Gives Back
Birken AS is owned by the local sports clubs Rena IL, Lillehammer Skiklub and Lillehammer Cykleklubb. Birken is a non-profit organization, and all profits are reinvested in local sports. After recording a financial surplus in both 2024 and 2025, we are pleased to see that our owner clubs now have greater financial freedom – which means more opportunities and activities for children and youth in the region.

In addition, we contribute nearly two million kroner annually in volunteer payments to other clubs and associations across the Innlandet region.

This is one of the most important things we do: to help increase participation, joy and community in sports throughout Innlandet.

Birken and public health
Birken is more than just events – it’s about lifestyle, mastery and health. As a non-profit organization, our mission is to promote interest in cross-country skiing, cycling, running, recreational sports and public health, and to inspire activity all year round.

Through sustainable events, we create goals and memorable experiences for recreational athletes, enthusiasts and elites of all ages. And when we see 30,000 people in motion – we know we are contributing to something that truly matters.

Thank you for 2025
To our participants: Thank you for choosing Birken as your goal, your journey and your community.
To our volunteers: Thank you for making it all possible.
To our clubs and partners: Thank you for standing with us.

Birken is stronger than it has been in years – and we look forward to new experiences, challenges and celebrations together in 2026!

Facts: Birken 2025

• 30,000 participants – an increase of 55% over two years

• 6,000 more participants than in 2024

• 39% first-time Birkebeiners (SkiBirken, RunBirken, CycleBirken, Street Run)

• 48% of adult participants are under 40 years old

• 4,000 children and youth participants

• SkateBirken: new record with 975 participants

• UltraBirken and Mountain Marathon: fully booked with 700 participants

• GravelBirken: new in 2025 – a sold-out success with 400 participants

• Birken Street Run: close to 2,000 participants

• 3,700 volunteers – contributing 15,500 work hours

• Approximately 2,800 international participants in 2025, representing 50 different nations.

• Profitable results in both 2024 and 2025