
From the Organizer
Founded in 1996, the NorthShore Inline Marathon is dedicated to spreading the love of inline skating and overall fitness. Every year thousands of athletes of all ages come to Duluth to participate in this one-of-a-kind event. The NSIM offers a historic route, great views, and an even better community. It has been called one of the best inline marathons in the world by countless publications and has become a tradition for many. Come join us this year for our 28th year of skating.
Our event also includes our running division, which hosts two breathtaking runs. The first is the St. Luke's Half Marathon, one of Minnesota's most beautiful half marathons. This event begins on the scenic North Shore highway, with runners making their way through the Northland woods, passing through the tunnels of Interstate 35, and finishing alongside the iconic William A. Irvin. Our second race, the Finden Marketing Tunnel 10k, offers runners a unique experience of traversing the I-35 tunnels, covering 6 miles of interstate before finishing near the William A. Irvin.
Lastly, our FinnSisu Ski Division is an emerging part of our race series. It offers roller skiers of all skill levels two options: a 42k and a 21k Rollerski. Participants can ski alongside over 2,000 inline skaters, immersing themselves in the event's lively atmosphere!
Bring friends, make memories, and skate on!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
66°
Typical Low
50°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Duluth Harbor Stn, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
86,863
as of 2023
Elevation
1,164 ft
Nearest Airport
DLH
Duluth International Airport · 5 mi
Major Hub
MSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · 142 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 2026 - NorthShore Inline Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
102
Days to train
Coming Up
CSM John S. Werner Memorial 5k Run-Walk
Less than a mile away
Ripple Effect: A Pride Run by The Flying Tortoises
Less than a mile away
2026 Grandma's Marathon Race Weekend
Less than a mile away
18th Annual Breezy Point 5K
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
2026 - NorthShore Inline Marathon
Sep 18, 2026