MINNESOTA'S PREMIER
POINT TO POINT ROLLERSKI RACES

Rollerski Marathon (42K) | Rollerski Half Marathon (21K)

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: the FinnSisu Full Marathon and the Marwe 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

42k Ski

FinnSisu NorthShore 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.

Marwe NorthShore 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.

21k Ski

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

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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.

12:00 to 9:00 pm: Skate & Health Expo / DECC South Pioneer Hall - FREE
12:00 to 9:00 pm: Packet Pickup
12:00 to 9:00 pm: Training, Health, & Wellness Sessions - FREE
2:30 to 4:30 pm: FinnSisu / Marwe Rollerski Demonstrations - Outside the DECC - FREE
4:30 to 7:00 pm: Friday Night Skate - Meet Outside the DECC - FREE

24th Annual Northern Lights Foundation KIDS SPRINTS

Join the FUN — Skate & Run Events — or participate in BOTH

Registration Online (until September 7, 2025) & Northern Lights Foundation Booth

12:00 to 3:30 pm: Kids Sprints Registration at Northern Lights Foundation Booth
12:00 to 4:00 pm: Bib & Packet Pickup at the Northern Lights Foundation Booth
4:30 pm: START - Kids Inline Skate Sprints / DECC - Outside
5:30 pm: START - Kids Run Sprints / DECC - Outside

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Race Day Start Times

Marwe Rollerski Half Marathon & FinnSisu Full Marathon:

6:50 am - Marwe Rollerski Half Marathon Mass Start (race wheels first two rows)
8:30 am - FinnSisu Rollerski Full Marathon Mass Start (race wheels first two rows)

2025 NSIM Award Ceremonies (DECC South Pioneer):

12:00 pm - 10k Run & Half Marathon Run Awards
1:30 pm - Rollerski Awards
2:30 pm - Inline Marathon & Combined Skate Awards

Transportation to Start Line

Please board buses promptly to ensure that everyone arrives at the start lines on time.

5:15 - 5:45 am - Half Marathon Event Buses begin loading from the DECC parking garage area on Railroad Street
6:30 - 7:00 am - Full Marathon Event Buses begin loading from the DECC parking garage area on Railroad Street

NOTE: Rec Wave 3 skaters are not permitted to board the buses until 7:00 am

NOTE: 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.

The Tunnel 10k Skaters & Runners do not need busing, it's a short walk to the STARTING LINE

10 K 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.

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 for Gear Bag Trucks

Half Marathon Skate and Rollerski gear bag truck will be in front of the start line and will depart at 6:30 AM.
Half Marathon Run gear bag truck will be behind the start line (near bus drop-off area) and will depart at 6:45 AM.
Elite Skate and Rollerski Marathon gear bag truck will be in front of the start line and will depart at 8:25 AM.
Marathon (Advanced and Rec wave) gear bag truck will depart at 900 AM.
Tunnel 10k Skate & Run 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.

The NSIM is not liable for lost or damaged items. Please do not include anything valuable or fragile in your drop gear 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 | 12:00 to 9:00 pm

Location:
Pioneer Hall at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) | Duluth, MN

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.

NSIM PRIOR YEAR RESULTS

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.

Our Presenting Partners

Contact Our Team

Have any questions? Make sure to get in contact with us. We are happy to answer any questions.