Jessie Diggins to Race in February Birkebeiner 50K
The four-time World Cup champion will compete in the 50K skate race in northwestern Wisconsin on February 27, 2027.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Skiing
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Olympic athlete Jessie Diggins, 35, will participate in the 50K skate race at the American Birkebeiner on February 27, 2027. The event follows Diggins' retirement from the U.S. ski team after her final World Cup race in March 2026.
Why it matters
Diggins remains a high-profile figure in cross-country skiing, and her return to the annual Birkebeiner race draws significant attention to the event. This participation marks another competitive milestone following her successful transition to ultra-endurance racing.
Jessie Diggins, a four-time World Cup champion, is currently 35 years old. The event features a 50K distance, compared to the 53K length of the traditional marathon race.
The players
Jessie Diggins
A 35-year-old athlete who holds four World Cup championships and is a decorated figure in American cross-country skiing.
The details
Diggins is slated to race in northwestern Wisconsin during the week-long celebration that begins on February 24. She previously competed in the 2024 American Birkebeiner 50K elites race and won the Superior 100 Mile Trail Race in September 2026.
Timeline
March 26, 2026: Diggins retired from the U.S. ski team.
September 2026: Diggins finished first at the Superior 100 Mile Race.
February 24, 2027: The Birkie week of events begins.
February 27, 2027: Diggins competes in the 50K skate race.
Season Trajectory
Diggins' entry reinforces the status of the American Birkebeiner as a premier destination for elite athletes transitioning away from World Cup circuits. Her presence maintains the high competitive profile of the event following the major championship season.
Spectators planning to attend the event should note that race week festivities commence on February 24, 2027, in northwestern Wisconsin. The participation of a high-profile athlete typically impacts spectator parking and viewing access at the finish line.
The takeaway
The American Birkebeiner remains a focal point for elite and recreational skiers alike in the Midwest. Athletes of all levels can observe the training discipline of championship-level competitors as they test their endurance in the 50K format.
Further reading
For more on upcoming regional competitions, visit Skiing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Tribune.
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