Cross Country skiers are waxing up and heading out for the races today..

They're on their way to Hayward, Wisconsin for the 35-th annual Birkebeiner, or Birkie, event.

This year's 51 kilometer race is expected to draw thousands of spectators, along with more than nine-thousand participants.

The course is in tip-top shape, thanks to this year's record-snowfall-- but the race itself isn't the only thing that brings out "Birkie Fever" in competitors.

"Skiing is a great way to enjoy winter you know a lot of people really fret about winter coming but you're able to get out and enjoy exercise and the woods is a different place in the winter than it is in the summer so you get to experience a different thing," says racer Alan Turnquist.

The main race begins Saturday, other events go on all weekend