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After the Engadin Skimarathon (SUI) had closed the FIS Marathon Cup season, the traditional Birkebeinerrennet (NOR) and the new Worldloppet member race, the Demino Skimarathon (RUS) were still to come.

Last Saturday, thousands of skiers started for the 76^th time the nowadays 54km long voyage from Rena to Lillehammer to remember the Birkebeiner soldiers who took the little baby boy Haakon Haakonsson, the later king Haakon, to Nidaros (Trondheim), fleeing from the rivalling Baglers who wanted to have the thrown of Norway to themselves after the death of king Haakon Sverresson, the father of little Haakon. The 3.5kg heavy backpack which each racer has to wear today during the race shall represent the weight of the little baby boy. The fastest this year, for the fourth time, was Anders Aukland (NOR) on the men’s side and for the third consecutive time it was Seraina Boner (SUI) who could crown herself “Queen of the Birkebeinerrennet”.

At the same time in Russia, the Demino Ski Marathon took place with the presence of several World Cup and FIS Marathon Cup athletes, like the overall winner on the men’s side Sergio Bonaldi (ITA). But Saturday’s 50km freestyle technique race should be the race of his team mate Florian Kostner, the husband of last year’s overall FIS Marathon Cup winner Stephanie Santer (ITA). He won the Demino Ski Marathon in front of compatriot Alan Martinelli and the Russian Sergey Shyriaev. On the women’s side, it was a complete Russian podium with Olga Mikhailova, the winner of the Dolomitenlauf (AUT) in January, finishing first, in front of Ekaterina Rudakova and Natalya Zernova. The Demino Ski Marathon weekend also included the 25km CT race on Sunday and several races for juniors and kids.

With these two races now finished as well, the Worldloppet season is over – until August, when many will get their skis out of the cellar, having 30 degrees outside and no snow in sight. They will head to Australia and the Southern Hemisphere where it’s then time for winter and the 42km FT Kangaroo Hoppet! But until then, popular skiers and elite skiers alike, will enjoy the still winterly conditions in Europe and Northern America.