No Snow in Hayward, Birkebeiner 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 12 inches of snow in Southeastern Minnesota and over 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.