Decorah man finishes first in his age group at the Birkebeiner cross country ski race in Hayward, Wisconsin

The American Birkebeiner Race ("Birkie") in Hayward, Wisconsin is the largest cross-country ski race in North America, and a Decorah man was one of the winners of this year's race. 

Duncan McLean won his age group (65-69) with a time of 2:32.59 for a 50k skate ski. That's an average of 12 mph for over two and a half hours. The Birkebeiner is not a new race for McLean--he has done over 40 Birkies (including a few in Norway) since he began competing at the age of 18 back in 1973. "I don't remember ever not skiing," he says.

When asked what motivates him to keep competing year after year, McLean says, "First and foremost, the races allow me to stay in touch with a host of pals who love winter as I do. Secondly, I believe it's healthy to set physical goals and work towards them on an annual basis. Thirdly, I really can't help myself."

To train for such a grueling race, McLean says, "I ski, rollerski, ElliptiGo, kayak, and bike year round. I haven't followed a special plan for years, but am generally intrinsically motivated to seek challenges of distance and speed. I'm only 65 and I am learning new things all the time." 

The Birkebeiner race brings thousands to northern Wisconsin each year and it has become an annual reunion for skiers from every state and over 20 countries. "We talk wax and snow, create and tell stories, honor those who struggle to the finish just as much as the champions. It's peaceful, it's inclusive, it's healthy. It's never easy, but it brings us back year after year," says McLean.

McLean appreciates all the Decorah Park and Rec department does to keep the local trails groomed and maintained. "I am absolutely thrilled to have moved to Decorah," says McLean, "where the ski trail grooming has evolved to a level of excellence on par with the best."