Storm misses Birkie course, race canceled

HAYWARD, Wis. (AP) - Organizers of the American Birkebeiner ski race have canceled this year’s event in northern Wisconsin.

A snow storm that’s dumped more than 10 inches of snow in parts of Wisconsin since Thursday missed the Hayward and Cable area where the annual cross-country race is held. Officials say record high temperatures and rain recently have left the Birkie course unsafe for a race on Saturday.

The accompanying races, Kortelopet and Prince Haakon, are also canceled.

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation bills the event as the largest country-country ski race in North America. Last year’s event attracted more than 13,000 skiers from 46 states and 22 countries.