Joe Haggenmiller - Director of Operations

 

Joe has been with the NorthShore Inline Marathon since 2022.  Starting as the Race Director and taking over leading all race operations in 2023 when Skeeter Moore retired.

 

Joe was born and raised in the Twin Cities.  Following High School graduation, Joe found his way to the shores of Lake Superior, attending Northern Michigan University and competing as varsity athlete in cross country running and Nordic skiing.  

 

After college Joe attended law school at the University of Utah and became a member of the State Bar of Michigan, practicing law for 8 years in Marquette, MI.  However, the draw of athletics has been strong for him, continuing his competitive career well past college before becoming a coach. 

 

He was a Junior National Championships Medal winner, an elite Birkie skier with 20 American Birkibeiner races under his belt, and a past cross country skiing master's National Champion.  In 2003, he fully switched careers from practicing law and became the Head Coach of Cross Country Running, Nordic Skiing and Track and Field for the Michigan Tech Huskies. While with the Huskies, he coached the first NCAA All Americans in the ski program’s history.  Joe was with Tech athletics until 2017, when his family relocated to the Head of the Lakes.

 

Since moving to Duluth Joe’s family has thrived.  From 2017 to 2021, Joe was the Director of Sport Development for Central Cross Country Skiing, where he continued as both a coach and working to manage and enhance race events CXC sanctioned.  

 

Joe lives in the Lakeside neighborhood with his wife Amy, who is the CFO of the Duluth Area Family YMCA, and his two daughters, Gretchen and Lucia, when they are home from school. In his spare time, Joe continues to coach cross country skiing with Terra Del Nord Ski de Fondo, North XC and the Midwest Junior National Ski Teams. Besides skiing, he also continues to stay active hiking, biking, skating and hunting. 

 

Besides the thrill that comes from the managed chaos of NSIM weekend and seeing so many enthusiastic racers, he enjoys the smiles and camaraderie from supporting the Rollerblade Inline Skating Series and the NSIM Skate and Sip events. 


 

Nick Madison - Director of Community Relations and Volunteer Coordination 

 

Nick has been with the NorthShore Inline Marathon since 2023 as an intern. Since then he has dedicated many hours of time to further the NSIM mission and has a new found passion in skating. While in this new position at NSIM his partner, Valeri, has also found a love for participating in the NSIM events and volunteering time to make the race be the best it can be each and every year. Nick’s work at NSIM has been instrumental in finding ways to help the race stay organized, work on the Expo, and gather all those crucial volunteers. (Thank you to all of the amazing volunteers!)

 

Nick hails from Mora Minnesota and, following high school, attended the University of Minnesota Duluth where he received a degree in Communication. Nick is now living full-time in the beautiful city of Duluth Minnesota and working full time with the marathon while maintaining many other sports, hobbies, and many distractions. One of Nick’s favorite parts of the job is the Skate and Sips on Tuesdays in the summer, hope to see you there!

 

After having competed in a few RISS races and, as of writing this, the biggest regret for Nick is not knowing the personal thrill that the NorthShore Inline Marathon brings to a skater. Someday he will make sure to see you all at the start line in Two Harbors, but for now managing and maintaining this race for others is the main priority and honor, Thank you!

 

Bruce Manske - Race Director

 

Bruce is an avid silent sports enthusiast; he divides his outdoor time into three primary activities: cross country skiing, mountain biking, and trail running. Bruce and his wife Karen also enjoy camping, fishing, and travel. 

 

Bruce promotes youth athletic development and organizes a variety of events throughout the Midwest, as a United States Ski & Snowboard certified L100 and L200 coach. He is a member of the  USSS Sports Education Academy promoting coaches education, the Race Chief for the Junior Birkie; and on the Race Committee for regional and national Nordic races in Wisconsin and Minnesota. As an athlete, Bruce has completed 34 American Birkenbieners, over 20 running marathons, and a few bike races and triathlons.

 

Although Bruce’s silent sports background has been centered around cross country skiing, both as an athlete and a coach, he joined the NorthShore Inline Marathon staff in 2024 as the Chief of Competition. He was immediately thrilled to witness the excitement of athletes who participated in skating, rollerskiing, and running – and was amazed at the fact that the NSIM is the largest point-to-point inline skate race in the world. As a result, Manske has remained on the NSIM staff, as Race Director, to further promote outdoor fun, wellness, and exercise in Duluth, Minnesota.

 

 

Marge and Gary Swor - Managers of Packet Pick Up

 

Marge and Gary have been instrumental to our race organization since the early days of the NSIM.  They have been leading race packet assembly and pick-up since 2002 and have made it a family affair, enlisting their kids and now even grandkids.  When they are not hard at work getting your packets ready they enjoy time with their family, especially their energetic grand kids.  If you see them at the expo, share your thanks and a smile.

 

 

Mike Erickson - Data Master/Race Secretary

 

Mike is the proprietor of Trail Runners, LLC and has vast experience in event timing and data management.  When he is not traveling around the country to work timing for many of the country’s biggest races, he likes to head north and enjoy the outdoors.  This makes him a natural fit for our team. He has been providing registration and race data services for us since 2023.

 

Isaac Kasper - Chief of Course

 

Isaac has years of experience in the race event industry in the Twin Cities.  However, he recently relocated to Duluth with his family and now works for UMD.  The Twin Cities loss is our gain, as working with course logistics is in Isaac’s wheel house.  Isaac enjoys riding bikes wherever adventure takes him.  We’re glad to have him aboard.

 

Bud Trnka - Chief of Finish

 

Bud first crossed the finish line of the NorthShore Inline Marathon as a skater in 2001. Now, more than two decades later, he helps make that finish line experience possible for thousands of others. This is Bud’s fourth year working with the race org team and his second as Finish Line Captain, where he plays a key role in keeping things running smoothly amidst all the action. Bud is an active supporter of Duluth’s race community and also serves as the Event Director for Chum’s Rhubarb Festival. During the week, he works at Chum, Duluth’s largest safety-net organization, providing food, shelter, and support for people experiencing homelessness. Give him a smile or a high five as you finish — he’ll be cheering you on!    

 

Connie Ecklund - Board of Directors, Chair 

 

Connie is an active outdoors person and finds joy in many outdoor activities. She watched the first NSIM in 1996 and has been back every year since! Connie completed 25 full marathons at Northshore and has now switched to the half marathon event. She has competed in races, clinics, and other skating events for the last 20 years. She has built a strong community that lives in all corners of the world! It is a tight knit community Connie is proud to be a part of. She doesn't skate as much as she used to but is happy to have a chance to give back to the sport as our board Chair. She is also excited to join in at other great racing events in the Midwest. 

 

Connie joined the board in 2018 and became the board Chair at the end of 2019. She has found that being part of the NSIM board has been a great venture. There are so many things that go on behind the scenes in putting on a large point to point race. Fortunately, she has found that our board is a fun, hard working, and dedicated group that Connie is happy to be a part of. 

 

Connie is currently a math teacher in South St. Paul Middle School and has been in education for 20+ years. She enjoys skating, biking, hiking, camping and trips to the BWCA in the summer months. In the winter she likes to travel the world to alpine ski (mostly in Utah), snowshoe and dabble a little in Nordic skiing. She also enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. 

 

Tone Coughlin - Board of Directors, Vice Chair

 

Tone has been active in silent sports throughout his life.  In the past, he has excelled at Cycling across a rainbow of disciplines at the international level(UCI).  He also used Inline Skating, Swimming and Cross Country Skiing to cross-train and was an outstanding competitor in all.  One of his many outdoor passions is the NorthShore Inline Marathon, serving as the race organization's race director for many years.

 

Currently, Tone operates Endurance Kennels, LLC, where he shares his love for mushing and sled dogs with the Northland.  Tone is also an outstanding professional photographer, sharing his work through Tone Coughlin Photography, LLC.

 

In his spare time, Tone loves to paddle the boundary waters.

 

 

 

 

 

Jana Davis - Board of Directors, Secretary 

 

Jana has been on the NSIM Board since 2019, and currently serves on the Executive Committee as Board secretary.  She started inline skating in the early 2000s, and has participated in a variety of inline events across the country (including over 15 NSIMs) and the globe (Berlin and Paris).

 

Jana has nearly 40 years of experience in market research and consumer insights, and has recently retired from Acosta Sales and Marketing as a Senior Director of Research. Prior to Acosta, she was Director of Consumer Panel Services for the Nielsen Company for many years, after spending time in the direct marketing field at a number of firms in the Twin Cities including Schwan’s, NordicTrack and Fingerhut.  She is now working part-time for Keller Williams Realty.

 

Jana holds a BS degree in Finance/Management and an MBA in Marketing from Minnesota State, Mankato. Jana resides in Wayzata, MN with her husband Gary, who is also an avid inline skater. She has two grown children who reside in Chicago. When not skating, Jana loves to travel, attend concerts and watch/participate in all kinds of sports activities.

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Dan Collins - Board of Directors, Treasurer

 

Dan has been skating the NSIM for a few hundred years.  He’s the first person to ever duct tape someone into a porta-potty before the race started.  It spends much of his time during races making animal sounds and yelling like a banshee in heat.  This monkey boy joined the board in 2024 just after he retired from the banana counting factory.  

 

Prior to retiring Dan was just another hog on a corporate work farm, strapping his head in the feedbag every morning and drinking Kool-Aide from the corporate trough.  He spent much of his time at work monkeying around with the various corporate clowns, bureaucratic bloviators and slippery snakes.

 

Dan holds a BS degree in BS and multiple certifications and licenses from the College of Barnum and Baily.  His rabies and other vaccines are all up to date.  

As you might have figured out, Dan is a character.  We’re glad he offers us a serious side when his work with our race organization requires it.

 

Todd Campbell - Board of Directors, Past Board Chair

 

Todd has been a board member since 2004, including serving as secretary, treasurer, vice chair and chair.  He is now a retired professional civil engineer, having worked 35 years for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. While at MnDOT he served in many roles, including managing the design and construction functions for NE MN.  Todd lives in Superior, WI where he and his wife raised 3 speedy children who are yearly NSIM Racers. 

 

Todd has completed all the NorthShore Inline Marathons. In retirement, he keeps busy traveling, playing hockey, boating, fishing, cross country skiing and many other activities that keep him on the move.

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Scott Soderburg - Board of Directors, Past Board Chair 

Scott is a life-long Duluthian with 30 years of hockey experience so being part of the inline was natural!  He and his son started their NSIM skating with the very early race editions in the late 90s. His daughter, Angie, saw the fun and excitement and then followed suit, joining her family to enjoy a day skating the NorthShore. After skating 13 editions, Scott retired from racing to join our race organization. Eric and Angie continued their skating to keep Scott’s racing legacy alive. 

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Scott has participated at the board level since last wearing an NSIM race bib. Scott currently has the distinct honor of being the Finish line MC for the event and revels in seeing everyone who makes it to the finish, especially his old skating buddies. 

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Scott says: "The NorthShore Inline Marathon is great for Duluth, and it is a joy to see all the smiles at the finish line!"

 

Pat Melby, Board of Directors 

 

Pat has been a board member since 2023 and has completed 22 Northshore Inline Marathons and skated several other inline events across the country. Pat grew up as a competitive alpine skier and continues enjoying outdoor activities with cross country skiing, biking, hiking and fishing.

 

Pat is a sales consultant for Bayer Healthcare.

Greg Ash, Board of Directors 

 

Greg has been a Northshore Inline Marathon board member since 2023 and has completed all of the full in-line marathons. 2024 was especially thrilling, as he skated the entire race with his son Geoff, and they crossed the finish line together!

 

After practicing chiropractic and acupuncture for 41 years, Greg is thoroughly enjoying retirement with his five beautiful grandchildren and has been skating with the eldest grandchild, Ty Decatur in the summertime.

 

As a passionate hobby, Greg photographs the northern lights as the conditions warrant and also teaches at both the Duluth and Ely Folk Schools.

 

Hunter Bergerson, Board of Directors

 

Hunter grew up in Duluth playing hockey and going to school at Duluth East. After high school he played a year of Junior hockey in Minot, ND before attending The College of St. Scholastica where he played hockey and double majored in Finance and Management. He is married to his longtime partner, Kali, who is also from Duluth. They enjoy staying active outdoors, traveling and hanging out with friends. Hunter stays involved in the community coaching hockey in Hermantown, sitting on multiple non-profit boards and being active in the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce programs. Professionally, Hunter is employed by J3 Insurance. He is very passionate about helping people and building strong relationships with all of his clients.
 

 

Our Team’s Alumni

Rick Abrahamson, Board of Directors, Race Director

Tara Alfonsi, Board of Directors, Executive Director

Mike Altman, Board of Directors

Gordy Anderson, Board of Directors

Carrie Baney, Board of Directors

Terri Blomfelt, Board of Directors

Richard Braun, Board of Directors

Nancy Nyquist Braun, Board of Directors

John Bray, Board of Directors

Michelle Buria, Board of Directors

Chuck Carlberg, Founder, Executive Director 

Donna Carlberg, Administrative Assistant

Rhonda Cory, Board of Directors

Gary Davis, Board of Directors, Treasurer

Curt Dimberio, Board of Directors

Jane Gilbert-Howard, Board of Directors

John Goldfine, Board of Directors

Al Goodman, Board of Directors

Steve Greenfield, Board of Directors

Luke Grote, Race Director

Kim Heger, Board of Directors

Sandy Hoff, Founder, Board of Directors

Terry Holm, Board of Directors

George Hovland, Founder, Board of Directors

Ed Koch, Board of Directors

Keith Johnson, Board of Directors

Lydia Johnson, Graphic Design Associate

Kris Kolenz, Volunteer Coordinator

Dr. Wade Lillegard, Board of Directors

Paul Loraas, Board of Directors

Veronica Luccioni, Board of Directors

Mark McShane, Board of Directors

Skeeter Moore, Executive Director

Don Ness, Board of Directors

Cub Olson, Board of Directors

Randy Olson, Board of Directors

Roger Reinert, Board of Directors

Kristi Schmidt, Board of Directors

Jay Seiler, Board of Directors

Elizabeth Simonson, Board of Directors

Alison Talley, Board of Directors

Jason Theil, Board of Directors

Tavis Trosen, Board of Directors

Mike Ward, Race Director

Andre Watt, Board of Directors

Mac Wells, Founder, Race Director