Skinnyski.com reports that “Nearly 1,000 skiers participated in the 2012 Pre-Birkie race from Lake Hayward to Hwy OO as a final tune up to the big Birkie race. Skiers reported a clean start (with the wind!) and reasonable fast and quite good trail conditions. In the 42K freestyle race, Santiago Ocariz topped (?) a tough mens field while Elaine Nelson collected the womens crown. 42K classical titles went to classic veteran Michael Myers and former Minnesota State Champ Katie Bono. In the 26K freestyle, the Gregg couple, Brian and Caitlin dominated the field. Classical 26K victories for Nick Hess and Cindy Storm.”
