NSIM Rollerski Races
September 13th, 2025 | Duluth, Minnesota
The NorthShore Inline Marathon is proud to offer cross country skiers two unique rollerski
race distances along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior: a full marathon and a half marathon. The NSIM Rollerski Races are “freestyle” – whereas athletes may participate with either the
staking technique or the classic technique. The NSIM rollerski races navigate the scenic
North Shore Drive. Rollerskiers take a turn while entering Duluth, where they get the
experience of rollerskiing on Highway 61 and I-35. Join one of the largest rollerski races of
its kind in North America. Grab your rollerskis, boots and poles and take part in a beautiful
race along the North Shore. Compete against some of the top skiers in North America, or
grab some buddies and ski with friends. Our races are perfect for all ranges of abilities; and a great opportunity to ski a beautiful scenic route on the North Shore while you gear up for winter.
NorthShore Rollerski Events
NSIM Marathon Rollerski Race
42 Kilometers | point-to-point
As the NSIM prepares to celebrate its 29th anniversary on September 12-13, 2025, excitement and anticipation is growing for one of the Nation's best rollerski events. The full marathon option is a freestyle event, whereas an athlete may ski using either the classic or skate ski technique. Starting in Two Harbors, Minnesota, this race course rolls you along the shores of Lake Superior on the beautiful Scenic Highway. As athletes and spectators get closer to Duluth, the landscape changes. The course is unique for several reasons: the sparkle of Lake Superior, historic mansions on London Road, two famous tunnels on I-35 tunnels, and finishing with an outstanding view of the Aerial Lift Bridge and the Duluth Harbor. We invite you to join us in September for the Nation's premier marathon rollerski race.
NSIM Half Marathon Rollerski Race
21 Kilometers | point-to-point
The NSIM Half Marathon Race is a great option for younger rollerskiers, recreational rollerskiers, or rollerskiers who want to experience the fun and excitement of a world class event without going the full marathon distance. The Half Marathon has the same charm and glory as the Full Marathon. It starts at the north end of Duluth and rolls along Scenic Highway 61 and the glimmering shores of Lake Superior on the famous Scenic Highway, taking participants through the two famous I-35 tunnels, and finishes with amazing views of the Aerial Lift Bridge and the Duluth Harbor. Bring your friends and teammates to Duluth this September for the NSIM Half Marathon Rollerski Race.
The Northshore Inline Marathon is a one of a kind experience. There aren’t many rollerski events in the United States, and I tip my hat to Duluth for hosting such a high quality race. On top of being a really competitive event, the course along the Lake Superior shoreline was beautiful. I will definitely be back
Zak Ketterson - Professional Nordic Skier
The NorthShore Rollerski Experience
The NorthShore Race Course
Important Dates & Times
Friday, September 12, 2025:
Skate and Health Expo
All-day Friday check out vendors from Duluth, the running industry, and plenty of other outdoor and adventure companies. In addition, clinics will be going on all day. This is a great opportunity to strap on your skates, try something new, or just join in for fun! These clinics are for all levels of skaters and runners . Outside the expo area will be our skatepark and skate cross course.
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12:00 to 9:00 pm - Skate & Health Expo | DECC South Pioneer Hall - Free
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12:00 to 9:00 pm - Packet Pickup | DECC South Pioneer Hall
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12:00 to 9:00 pm - Inline Training & Health Sessions (TBA) | DECC South Pioneer Hall - Free
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7:00 pm - Friday Night Skate | NSIM finish Line - Free
Competitive Inline Sprints
Don’t forget about the annual Inline Sprints! The races are free for kids. Registration begins at 4:00 pm at the Info Booth, races begin at 4:30.
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4:00 pm - Adult Inline Sprints Registration | DECC Finish Line
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4:00 pm - Adult Rollerski Sprints Registration | DECC Finish Line
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4:00 pm - 21st Annual Kids Sprints Registration | DECC Finish Line- Free
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4:30 pm - Sprints Waves Start | DECC Finish Line
Saturday, September 13, 2025: (Start times)
Rollerski 42k & 21k:
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6:50 am - Rollerski 21k mass start
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8:30 am - Rollerski 42k mass start
2024 NSIM Award Ceremonies:
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12:00 pm - 10k Run, Half Marathon Run Awards - DECC South Pioneer
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2:30 pm - Inline Marathon and Combined Skate Awards- DECC South Pioneer Hall
Transportation to Start Line
Buses begin loading from the DECC parking garage area on Railroad St. for the Half Marathon events at 5:15 am, Full Marathon event buses begin loading at 6:30 am. Please board promptly to ensure that everyone arrives at the start lines on time.
The Tunnel 10k (Skate & Run) starts on 1-35 at the base of the 5th Ave exit ramp going north. The race travels north on the northbound lanes to 26th Ave east where there is a water station and makes a u-turn and then travels down the southbound lanes. At that point, the race follows the same course as the half/marathon races and will finish near the Irvin.
Saturday, September 13, 2025: (Race Day)
Bus Loading Times:
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5:15 am-5:45 am - 21k Rollerski
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6:30 am-7:00 am - 42k Rollerski
NO Rec Wave 3 skaters are not permitted to board the buses until 7:00 am
For those coming from Two Harbors, it is permissible to be dropped off at the Two Harbors Sonju car dealership and walk or skate to the start line.
10k skaters and runners do not require bussing.
10k Runners & Skaters will walk to the starting line.
Other Important Information
Gear Bags
Gear bag trucks will be at the starting line for the half and full marathons so you can bring items to the start (sweatshirt/jacket, shoes, warm-up gear, food, etc…). Please note that you may NOT wear skates onto the start line buses. Gear bags will be delivered to the finish line area by the time you are finished with your race.
Timeline
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Half Marathon Skate and Rollerski gear bag truck will be in front of the start line and will depart at 6:30 AM.
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Half Marathon Run gear bag truck will be behind the start line (near bus drop-off area) and will depart at 6:45 AM.
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Elite and Rollerski Marathon gear bag truck will be in front of the start line and will depart at 8:25 AM.
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Marathon (Advanced and Rec wave) gear bag truck will depart at 900 AM.
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Tunnel 10k Skate participants will have the option to leave gear in a drop bag inside South Pioneer Hall (DECC) before the race and may be picked up once you finish.
We are not liable for lost or damaged items. Please do not include anything valuable or fragile in your drop bag.
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup:
Your Race Packet contains a unique race bib and timing ankle strap, race shirt, pins, athlete guide, and sponsor goodies. Please make every effort to pick up your own packet on Friday.
Time:
Friday, September 13th, 2024 | noon – 9 pm
Location:
Pioneer Hall at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) | Duluth, MN
Race Timing
Race Timing
Your race packet will contain an envelope with a Race Bib with a disposable MyLaps Chip, provided by Endurance Promotions (our contracted timing company for the NorthShore events) out of Maple Grove, MN.
Race Bibs
If you would like your name printed on your bib you must be registered by August 20th. Do not fold, wrinkle, or alter these numbers. The custom bib with chip should be pinned to your chest or abdomen area, and if you are a skater or rollerskier the second black and white bib should be pinned to your right hip.
Lodging & Transportation Information
NorthShore Lodging
The NorthShore Inline Marathon loves having out-of-town visitors for our event. Because of that, we have made partnerships with local hotels and motels in the area to get you the best deals and a place to stay. Click lodging to learn more.
(Make sure to book early as it fills up fast!)
Our Lodging Partners:
Flying to Duluth or Minneapolis
The Duluth International Airport offers great flight packages from anyone coming from across the country. This is our recommended route for anyone who plans to fly to our event. We then recommend renting a car, taking an uber/taxi, or calling your hotel shuttle to pick you up.
If the Duluth International Airport may not meet your needs, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is another great option. Located just over two hours south of Duluth, MSP offers a wide variety of flights and is one of the largest airport hubs in the midwest. For more information on MSP check out their website here: MSP International Airport
Transportation from MSP/Minneapolis to Duluth
Being the largest inline marathon in North America draws crowds from across the country. Many participants come from out of state. Because of that, the NorthShore Inline Marathon has created a partnership with our local bussing company that will pick you up from the MSP Airport and brings you to Duluth. For more information on this program make sure to contact our transportation partner: https://groometransportation.com/minneapolis-st-paul-airport/duluth/
Past Results
Have you done NSIM in the past? Check out the link below to see your previous times.
Thank you to our friends over at Duluth Timing for their continuous support and for helping us with our timing needs.
Safety Protocols
On the recommendation of the USOPC, in partnership with our medical provider, our events will follow local public health guidelines for COVID-19 risk mitigation.
Helmets are mandatory at all times while on the racecourse for skating and rollerski races. Wrist, knee, and elbow protection are also recommended.
Rollerskiers are asked to stay to the right of the roadway. All slower athletes please stay towards the right, all faster athletes please pass on the left and announce yourself as you pass.
The entire course for all NorthShore Races is completely closed to outside traffic. All event participants must be at 26th Avenue East (entrance to the freeway) by 1:30 pm to be able to complete the event. This is Mile 23. The course MUST be open to traffic at 2 pm.
Please be mindful of road conditions. We strive to maintain the best road conditions possible, thanks to local entities like the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the City of Duluth, Saint Louis County, and Lake County. However, there is always the possibility of cracks, “tar snakes”, bumps, sand and rocks, water bottles, garbage, and other obstructions.
First aid will be available on the course and at the finish line. There are vans and motorcycles on the course with medical personnel. All medical expenses incurred by participants are the responsibility of the participant.
2025 Presenting Partners
Contact Our Team
Have any questions? Make sure to get in contact with us. We are happy to answer any questions.