HAYWARD, WI - The temperatures are falling and the excitement is rising for 9,000 skiers, 2,000 volunteers, 15,000 spectators and the organizers of the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race scheduled Saturday, February 26, 2005 in Cable and Hayward, Wis.

The American Birkebeiner is North America's largest and most prestigious cross-country ski marathon. Spanning 51 kilometers from Cable to Hayward, the Birkie is part of the esteemed Worldloppet series of 14 international races, part of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Marathon Cup series of eight races, and part of the American Ski Marathon series of 11 races.

Participants of all ages and abilities participate in the annual event which begins on Thursday, February 24 and continues through Saturday, February 26. You'll find them skiing the:

*Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, the largest children's cross- country skiing event in the nation
*Century Tel Junior Birkie for ages 10-15 plus a high school team relay
*Salomon Elite Sprints, a head-to-head sprint featuring top athletes from around the world
*Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints, a fun competition for citizen skiers
*Cheqtel Communications 10K, a family event
*Prince Haakon 12K, a new event for those wanting to participate in an open-track, noncompetitive event
*Johnson Bank Kortelopet, a 23K race starting and finishing at Telemark Resort
*and the Subaru American Birkebeiner, the race of all races, a 51K race traversing some of most beautiful and challenging terrain in the world.

"There really is something for everyone at Birkie 2005," said Shirley Riedmann, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation(ABSF). "It's always exciting to see the registrations come in for each event and to hear how skiers are preparing for their race."

Among skiers is 90-year-old Hermann Nunnemacher from Milwaukee. While many his age are enjoying a slower pace, Hermann has his sights set on finishing one more race. He and his wife, Erika, will ski the shorter event and meet longtime friend and Birkie skier Allan Stenmark at the end of the day.

Stenmark, 57, was a young boy when he and his father began cross- country skiing with Nunnemacher. It became such a tradition that in 1976 Allan and Hermann entered their first Birkie. They went on to complete 10 Birkies before Hermann decided to take a break. Stenmark continued on and is registered for his 29th Birkie in 2005. Hermann wants one more go at it and is registered for the 23K Kortelopet.

"It will take me about five hours but I don't care," Hermann said. "When you are 90-years-old, come on. I am not breaking any records. I just want to finish it."

At the other end of the age spectrum is 7 year-old Reiley Schulz of Ashland preparing for another Barnebirkie. She has been doing the race since she was three years old.

And in between the youngest Barnie skier and the oldest citizen skier are thousands of elite and recreational skiers of all ages and abilities just wanting to challenge themselves on a course known to make even the toughest athletes drop to their knees.

"It's always a challenge to ski the Birkie," said 50-year-old Jane Bidwell of Hayward. "That's why it's such a thrill to come to the finish line and hear the ringing of cowbells, feel the excitement of the spectators lining both sides of the trail, and experience the sense of accomplishment as a finisher's medal is draped around your neck. It's the ultimate cross- country ski adventure."

In addition to ski events for all ages and fitness levels, Birkie 2005 highlights include opening and closing ceremonies; health, nutrition, fitness, equipment and training seminars; ski expo and demonstrations; pasta feeds; and post-race parties and music.

For more information or to register for the 2005 Subaru American Birkebeiner, Johnson Bank Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 12K, Salomon Elite Sprints, Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints, Century Tel Junior Birkie, Cheqtel Communications 10K, or the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, call 715-634-5025, e-mail birkie@birkie.com, or log on to www.birkie.com.