DULUTH, MINN. The Board of Directors of the NorthShore Inline Marathon (NSIM) has named Tara Alfonsi as the event's new Executive Director.

Alfonsi, 30, is a local, having graduated from Proctor High School in 1996. She has almost ten years of experience in journalism, marketing and public relations.

"Tara has the perfect background to offer a new energy to the Executive Director job – and to marathon as a whole," said NSIM Board Chair Keith Johnson. "She has so many great ideas, and we as a board can't wait to see them put into action."

Alfonsi sees tremendous growth potential in the event, and believes some of that potential comes from the race's location.

"I want to grow the race as a destination event," said Alfonsi. "I want to get the word out that Two Harbors and Duluth are more than just our start and finish lines – they're wonderful places to take the whole family for a long weekend getaway. If you're going to skate one race this year, why not do it in a place like this, where it can double as a vacation?"

Alfonsi also wants to get the local community more involved, turning the marathon into a weekend of revelry for more than just the 3,500 skaters.

"People travel to sporting events like Grandma's and the Birkie just to be a part of the fun, excitement and camaraderie, even if they aren't participating," she said. "I envision turning this into something that both athletes and couch potatoes mark on their calendar."

A jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none recreational athlete, Alfonsi not only skates, but runs, cross-country skis, weight trains, hikes and does the occasional triathlon.

"I love to get active, and I'm thrilled to have found a day job that puts me in a position to inspire others to do the same," she said.

The NorthShore Inline Marathon is the largest of its kind in the United States. The course runs along Scenic Highway 61, on Lake Superior's North Shore.