Course - NorthShore Inline Marathon

2026 course maps & descriptions

Full Marathon Race Map

The NorthShore Inline Marathon course is a point to point route that hugs Lake Superior and delivers some of the most memorable miles in the Midwest. It starts north of Duluth along the Highway 61 corridor, where cool morning air and steady lake breezes help the opening miles feel smooth and controlled.

Early on, the course trends gently downhill with wide open views of the lake and quiet stretches lined with pine and birch. It is an easy place to find your rhythm, settle into your pace, and enjoy calm footing before you reach the edges of town.

As the route continues south, the terrain stays mostly flat with a few subtle rollers that break up the effort in a natural way. Lake Superior remains in view for long portions of the course, and that off lake breeze often helps racers stay comfortable and keep their momentum.

Near the London Road area, the energy starts to build. Neighborhoods come into view, cheering pockets of spectators appear, and long straightaways make it easier to commit to a strong push as Duluth gets closer with every mile.

The final stretch brings you onto I 35 for a controlled, fast section before exiting into Canal Park. With the lake nearby, the harbor ahead, and the finish waiting next to the William A. Irvin, it is a confident close to a course that captures what people love about racing on the North Shore.

Half Marathon Race Map

Our Half Marathon follows one of the most scenic point to point routes in the Midwest. The race begins north of Duluth on the scenic Highway 61 corridor. Skaters & Runners start near the edge of the woods, with cool morning air and steady lake breezes that make the opening miles feel smooth and relaxed.

The first stretch moves gently downhill with long, open views of Lake Superior. This part of the course is known for steady pacing and calm footing. Skaters & Runners pass stands of pine and birch that line the shoreline, giving the race a quiet, peaceful feel before entering the city limits.

Around the middle miles the course continues south toward Duluth. The terrain stays mostly flat with a few slight rollers that help break up the rhythm in a natural way. The lake remains visible on the left side for long portions of the route, and the cool off-lake wind often helps skaters & runners hold their pace.

Once skaters & runners reach the London Road area, the energy begins to build. This section brings a mix of residential neighborhoods, cheering pockets of spectators, and steady straightaways that make it easy to settle into a strong final push. The road widens, the crowds grow, and the city atmosphere becomes part of the experience.

The final miles bring skaters & runners onto Duluth’s lakefront. This is where the course becomes especially memorable. Lake Superior sits just a short distance from the path, waves often sounding in the background. The finish is fast and flat with great visibility, which makes for a strong and confident closing stretch.

The final miles bring skaters & runners onto the interstate for a controlled stretch down I-35 before exiting into Canal Park. Lake Superior sits only a short distance away and the sounds of the shoreline make the approach to the finish even more memorable. The course closes out with a fast, flat straightaway leading toward the historic William A. Irvin ship.

Skaters & runners cross the line next to the ship surrounded by fans, volunteers, and Duluth’s iconic harbor. It is a beautiful way to finish thirteen miles and a course that captures everything people enjoy about running on the North Shore.

Tunnel 10k Race Map

The Finden Marketing Tunnel 10k begins on a controlled section of I-35 next to The Duluth Depot, giving skaters & runners a wide and steady starting area that makes it easy to settle into an early rhythm. The opening stretch offers smooth pavement and gentle grades as the course heads south toward one of its most memorable features, the Duluth tunnel.

The run into the tunnel is gradual, and the moment skaters & runners enter, the atmosphere shifts. The enclosed space creates cool air, steady footing, and a natural echo that adds energy to every step. The tunnel provides a long, slightly downhill section that helps skaters & runners find a strong and consistent pace. It is one of the highlights of the race and a defining part of the 10k experience.

After emerging from the tunnel, the course opens up to views of Lake Superior. This section feels fast and refreshing thanks to the lake breeze and the gradual downhill that leads skaters & runners toward Canal Park. The roadway stays wide and predictable, which makes it easy to maintain momentum through the middle miles.

As the course approaches the lakefront, the crowds begin to build. The final stretch carries skaters & runners past familiar Duluth landmarks before guiding them toward the harbor. The finish line sits next to the historic William A. Irvin ship, creating a strong and scenic end point that matches the character of the course.

The Tunnel 10k delivers a smooth, exciting route that blends city running, iconic features, and lakefront views. It is approachable for newer skaters & runners and still rewarding for those chasing speed, all while showcasing the spirit of Duluth.