In 1983, Jim Coors and his wife, Ann Pollock, completed their very first American Birkebeiner ski marathon. The couple thought it would be their last. But they continue racing in their 70s. Photo courtesy of Jim Coors

Wisconsin septuagenarians conquer the American Birkebeiner

More than 170 to race in ‘Wave 70’ for skiers aged 70 and older

By Kate Archer Kent , WPR “Wisconsin Today”
 

A “fear factor” keeps 71-year-old Mary Eloranta of Pewaukee training for the American Birkebeiner all year long.

The famously hilly and demanding 30-mile ski marathon through Wisconsin’s Northwoods begins in Cable and finishes on the snowy Main Street of Hayward. Going that distance through tough terrain takes tremendous stamina and conditioning, especially for older racers.

“It’s a grueling activity. It’s a long way,” Eloranta told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today.” “You don’t want to go out there and be unprepared.”
 

The 2026 Slumberland American Birkebeiner is set for Feb. 21 with 5,954 racers who are seeded in waves based on their previous times. Elite skiers and racers who are aged 70 and older each have a special wave.

More than 170 of the bibs will be marked “Wave 70.” Many in this wave have skied the Birkie for decades.

Jim Coors of Madison has completed 36 Birkies. In recent years, the 76-year-old decided it was time to move to “Wave 70” because it was becoming too difficult to keep up with elite skiers.

“Seventy-year-olds tend to be talkative. You chat. The whole (race) start is more pleasant and peaceful,” said Coors, who skis the race with his wife Ann Pollock, 75, every year….