Duluth’s NorthShore Inline Marathon Earns Exclusive Spot on 2026 World Inline Cup Circuit

Duluth, MN, January 12, 2026

The NorthShore Inline Marathon has officially been added to the provisional 2026 World Inline Cup (WIC) calendar as a Premium Class race, marking a major milestone for the event and for inline skating in the United States.

Scheduled for September 19, 2026, the NorthShore Inline Marathon will now stand among the top international races in the world. As a Premium Class event, it will offer USD 15,000 in prize money, limited travel support for WIC team athletes, and up to 120 points toward the overall World Inline Cup rankings.

This announcement was released by the World Inline Cup organization as part of their provisional 2026 race calendar, which also includes new events in Einsiedeln, Switzerland and Troyes, France, alongside long-standing international races in Funchal, Rennes, and Berlin.

“We are delighted that with the fantastic NorthShore Marathon we now also have an official WIC race within the rankings with attractive prize money in the USA,” said Petr Stastny, President of the World Inline Cup. “Alongside the beautiful marathon in Einsiedeln and the attractive new race in Troyes, we have a great addition to our traditional races. We carefully consider the international race calendar so athletes can take part in as many competitions as possible throughout the season.”

For the NorthShore Inline Marathon, this recognition confirms its reputation as one of the most scenic, well-organized, and athlete-focused inline marathons in the world. With its iconic course along Lake Superior and a long-standing commitment to community, safety, and competition, NorthShore now becomes a cornerstone race for elite international athletes traveling the World Inline Cup circuit.

“This is a proud moment for Duluth and for everyone who has helped build NorthShore over the years,” said the NorthShore Inline Marathon team. “Being recognized as a Premium Class race places our event on the global stage and brings world-class competition to our local community. It is exciting for our athletes, our volunteers, and our city.”

In 2026, the NorthShore Inline Marathon will also celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of skating along the shores of Lake Superior. What has been an international staple since it’s inception has continued to grow into one of the most recognized and respected inline marathons in the world, built on community support, volunteer dedication, and a love for the sport.

In addition to prize money and ranking points, the Premium Class designation brings increased international visibility, attracting professional teams and elite skaters from around the world. It also strengthens Duluth’s role as a destination for outdoor sports and global competition.

About the World Inline Cup (WIC)

The World Inline Cup is the premier international racing series for inline speed skating, bringing together the best athletes, teams, and events from across the globe. It serves as the official global ranking system for marathon inline racing and features a curated calendar of elite competitions held in some of the most iconic locations in the sport.

WIC events are categorized by class based on competitiveness, prize money, and international significance. The Premium Class designation represents the one of the highest levels of racing within the series, offering substantial prize money, major ranking points, and limited travel support for professional teams. These races attract the top athletes in the world and are considered must-attend stops on the global inline skating circuit.

By being named a Premium Class race, the NorthShore Inline Marathon joins an elite group of world-class events, placing Duluth firmly on the international stage and further cementing NorthShore’s reputation as one of the most respected and celebrated inline marathons in the world.

Further details about race format, elite competition, and registration will be announced in the coming weeks. Registration for World Inline Cup teams and athletes will open soon through the World Inline Cup website.

For more information about the World Inline Cup, visit:www.world-inline-cup.com

For more information about the NorthShore Inline Marathon, visit:www.northshoreinline.com