NorthShore Inline Marathon Named Minnesota’s Best Annual Sports Event or Race

DULUTH MN - The NorthShore Inline Marathon has been named Minnesota’s Best Annual Sports Event or Race in the Star Tribune’s annual “Minnesota’s Best” contest. The recognition is a meaningful honor for a homegrown event that has continued to grow thanks to the dedication of its participants, volunteers and local supporters.

The 2025 NorthShore Inline Marathon is set for Saturday September 13 and is expected to draw close to 3000 participants from all 50 states and 15+ countries. The event continues to be the largest and longest-running inline races in North America and now features a full weekend of activity that attracts not only skaters but runners, rollerskiers, and spectators alike.

“This means a lot to our team and our community,” said Andrew Weisz, who directs marketing for the event. “What makes our event special is the people. From the athletes and volunteers, our sponsors and the city of Duluth itself, this award is something that belongs to all of us.”

2025 Race weekend, September 12 and 13, includes several events beyond the marathon such as the Finden Marketing Tunnel 10K which sends runners on a unique course through Duluth’s freeway tunnels and the Aspirus St. Luke’s Half Marathon which features scenic lake views and finishes right next to the William Irving. Both running events have seen steady growth in participation and are open to all levels of experience.

Another highlight of the weekend is the NorthShore Skate and Health Expo held on Friday September 12 at the DECC. The expo is free to the public and will host over 70 vendors from across the health, fitness and inline industries. Attendees can expect everything from product samples and health screenings to meet-and-greets with top athletes and opportunities to try out new gear.

Started in 1996, the NorthShore Inline Marathon has grown from an upstart inline race into a signature Minnesota event. Each year thousands of athletes and fans fill Duluth for a celebration of the sports community and the great outdoors.

“This award confirms what we have always known, we have a world class event here in Duluth each September.” said Joe Haggenmiller, Executive Director of the race organization. “There is nothing quite like NorthShore weekend in Duluth. We are proud to be part of something that continues to be a highlight on our participant’s calendars and brings people together from all over the world.”

Registration and vendor signups for the 2025 event are still open at northshoreinline.com, but opportunities are filling up fast.

About the NorthShore Inline Marathon The NorthShore Inline Marathon is North America’s largest inline skating event. Held each September in Duluth Minnesota it features inline events: full marathon-half marathon-combined (half plus full marathon)-10K, running events: half marathon-10K, and rollerski events: marathon-half marathon, along with a public health and fitness expo. Since 1996 the event has welcomed more than 100,000 participants from across the globe.