Inline skating might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Duluth, MN. Known as a Great Lakes shipping port and gateway to the North Shore wilderness, Duluth also draws more than 2,000 athletes from around the world to participate in inline skating, roller skiing, and running races each fall.
The September 13-14, 2019 event marks the 24th Annual NorthShore Inline Marathon (NSIM) and the 9th Annual NorthShore Rollerski Marathon. Participants enjoy the scenic Lake Superior area along the 26.2-mile course, beginning just south of Tow Harbors, MN, continuing along Scenic Highway 61, moving through the Interstate-35 freeway tunnels, and finishing in the heart of the city, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The inaugural NorthShore Inline Marathon, in 1996, was along the same course. “Legend has it that Olympic skier George Hovland and a couple of local athletes came up with the idea of an inline skating race on the same course as Grandma’s Marathon,” explained Mike Ward, Race Director.
While the event has grown and persevered through the years, it is not without challenges. A constant challenge of a skating race is road conditions. “We must do everything we can to make sure the entire course is in great shape and smooth, because if not, that definitely has an impact on everybody’s race,” Ward said. “We work hand-in-hand with entities like Minnesota Department of Transportation, Lake County, Saint Louis County, City of Two Harbors, and City of Duluth to address issues like smooth roads, cracks, potholes, debris, and construction. Another challenge we always face is weather. We have to be prepared for every weather situation possible, and that just comes down to planning and executing that plan.”
Over the years, as the event has grown so have the number of events. Ward explained, “To appeal to a broader audience, we’ve added rollerski and running events, and added distances. New this year is a 10k skate through the Duluth freeway tunnels and half marathon rollerski race. Otherwise, small things have changed like t-shirt designs, medals, and atmosphere, but we still take the most pride in opening a perfect point-to-point course to all of our athletes along Lake Superior’s North Shore.”
An important part of NSIM’s success has been their developed partnership with Visit Duluth. “We partner with Visit Duluth for various marketing opportunities, digital and traditional. In the past, they have compiled an economic impact analysis which is pretty key to getting a pulse on how we are making a real difference
The September 13-14, 2019 event marks the 24th Annual NorthShore Inline Marathon (NSIM) and the 9th Annual NorthShore Rollerski Marathon. Participants enjoy the scenic Lake Superior area along the 26.2-mile course, beginning just south of Tow Harbors, MN, continuing along Scenic Highway 61, moving through the Interstate-35 freeway tunnels, and finishing in the heart of the city, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The inaugural NorthShore Inline Marathon, in 1996, was along the same course. “Legend has it that Olympic skier George Hovland and a couple of local athletes came up with the idea of an inline skating race on the same course as Grandma’s Marathon,” explained Mike Ward, Race Director.
While the event has grown and persevered through the years, it is not without challenges. A constant challenge of a skating race is road conditions. “We must do everything we can to make sure the entire course is in great shape and smooth, because if not, that definitely has an impact on everybody’s race,” Ward said. “We work hand-in-hand with entities like Minnesota Department of Transportation, Lake County, Saint Louis County, City of Two Harbors, and City of Duluth to address issues like smooth roads, cracks, potholes, debris, and construction. Another challenge we always face is weather. We have to be prepared for every weather situation possible, and that just comes down to planning and executing that plan.”
Over the years, as the event has grown so have the number of events. Ward explained, “To appeal to a broader audience, we’ve added rollerski and running events, and added distances. New this year is a 10k skate through the Duluth freeway tunnels and half marathon rollerski race. Otherwise, small things have changed like t-shirt designs, medals, and atmosphere, but we still take the most pride in opening a perfect point-to-point course to all of our athletes along Lake Superior’s North Shore.”
An important part of NSIM’s success has been their developed partnership with Visit Duluth. “We partner with Visit Duluth for various marketing opportunities, digital and traditional. In the past, they have compiled an economic impact analysis which is pretty key to getting a pulse on how we are making a real difference
in our community,” said Ward.
“If you’re looking to put on any endurance event, from a 5k run to shutting down the freeway for a high-speed inline skating race, the biggest key is to get involved with an event similar to your vision,” offered Ward. “Before my role as race director, I had been on the timing team and an event volunteer for NSIM so I had a handle on what the event was all about. I started my career with Superior Man Triathlon, a long distance triathlon in Duluth on a similar scale as NSIM. It helped to see every side of an endurance race like a marathon, from participant to volunteer and race staff to event director.”
Some would say the word “marathon” is a bit intimidating and the team at NSIM have thought of that too. This year they are excited to add a couple of new events to help engage and entertain first-time participants in the sport. “People are going to love our expanded Skate Fest with more to do outside of Saturday’s races, like social skates, skills clinics, demos and shows, and vendors from all over,” revealed Ward.
As a sports planner, gauging your audience and attendees is a key to continual growth. Look at areas of your events and see where you could add a 5K, kids event, or clinic, to help build new interest and engage attendees.
Fun Fact: The race record is 57:18, which is over 27 miles per hour on average!
“If you’re looking to put on any endurance event, from a 5k run to shutting down the freeway for a high-speed inline skating race, the biggest key is to get involved with an event similar to your vision,” offered Ward. “Before my role as race director, I had been on the timing team and an event volunteer for NSIM so I had a handle on what the event was all about. I started my career with Superior Man Triathlon, a long distance triathlon in Duluth on a similar scale as NSIM. It helped to see every side of an endurance race like a marathon, from participant to volunteer and race staff to event director.”
Some would say the word “marathon” is a bit intimidating and the team at NSIM have thought of that too. This year they are excited to add a couple of new events to help engage and entertain first-time participants in the sport. “People are going to love our expanded Skate Fest with more to do outside of Saturday’s races, like social skates, skills clinics, demos and shows, and vendors from all over,” revealed Ward.
As a sports planner, gauging your audience and attendees is a key to continual growth. Look at areas of your events and see where you could add a 5K, kids event, or clinic, to help build new interest and engage attendees.
Fun Fact: The race record is 57:18, which is over 27 miles per hour on average!
