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Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the NorthShore Inline Marathons FAQ page! Here, you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our events. Our marathons offer a thrilling experience for skaters of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. We pride ourselves on providing a safe and exciting atmosphere for all participants. Our courses take skaters through some of the most scenic areas in Duluth, Minnesota, and we offer multiple distance options to suit your goals. Whether you're a competitive racer or simply looking for a fun challenge, NorthShore Inline Marathons has something for everyone. Check out our FAQ page for more information on registration, race day logistics, and more.

  • Are NSIM participants allowed to push children in strollers?
    Sorry, no. Our policy is no strollers are allowed at the NorthShore events absent very special circumstances (adaptive athletes, etc. using a specialized wheelchair). With our 14 distinct race starts and different modes of competition, adding strollers to the mix of the 2000+ competitors would be adding another level of complexity that is too much for our race event to accommodate.
  • Are there local lodging options for the weekend?
    Yes! We have multiple options for racers to choose from that can easily be found on our lodging page located at the "race weekend" tab at the top of the website.
  • What do I do with my shoes at the start of the race?
    We provide a bag with your bib number on it so that you may place your personal items in it. The bags are then placed in trucks and transported to the finish area. Please be patient. It takes time to sort thousands of bags. Do not put any valuables in the bag.
  • Is there a quad skater category?
    Yes! We’ve added a category for quad/roller skates in the full and half marathon. Please register for the quad wave during online registration, or email skeeter@northshoreinline to switch. Quad skaters in the full marathon will start with Rec Wave 1. Quad skaters in the half marathon are included in the mass start. PLEASE NOTE that ALL skaters must be off of the race course by 2pm! Please plan accordingly!
  • Can I change events?
    Yes, event changes must be done prior to August 31. There are fees associated with event changes. Please contact the office at (218) 723-1503 or email for further details.
  • Can I pick up my race packet the morning of the race?
    Yes, from 5:00 – 8:30 am a tent will have all the remaining packets in front of the main entrance to the DECC complex where the buses load. Once the last bus leaves the packets are no longer available. Note: this is not the door used for the expo of the finish line activities.
  • Is this event only for competitive skaters?
    No! Our race promotes skating, running, and rollerskiing for all and have different waves for different levels. Check out our "race weekend" tab to learn more!
  • How do I see results for this year race or past years?
    Please scroll up to the top of this page and click on the results tab in the menu of links. When you click on this link, you will be directed to our timer's website, on the timing website, you then need to click on the year of the event you want to see. We hope this helps!
  • Can I drive up to the start line instead of taking the bus?
    Unfortunately, we do not allow our racers to drive up to the start line due to the lack of parking at our start. Bus information can be found in our race information tab located at the top.
  • What is the bussing schedule?
    Transportation to Start Lines: Buses begin loading from the DECC parking garage area on Railroad St. for the Half Marathon events at 5:00 am, Full Marathon event buses begin loading at 6:45 am. Please board promptly to ensure that everyone arrives at the start lines on time. BUS BOARDING TIMES: Half Marathon (Skate, Ski and Run) 5:15am-5:45am Elite (Open and Masters) and Rollererski 6:30am-7:00am Advance Waves (1-2) 6:45am-7:15am All Recreation Waves (1-3) 7:00am-7:45am Last Bus for Combo Skaters 8:10am NO Rec Wave 3 skaters are allowed to board the buses until 7:00am. 10k skate & run don't have bussing due to start being right next to Expo. For those coming from Two Harbors or points further up the shore, it is permissible to be dropped off at the Sonju Two Harbors car dealership and walk or skate to the start line.
  • I am doing the 10k, do I ride on a bus to get to the start?
    No! The Tunnel 10k start is easily accessible from the DECC. The start is on the Interstate Highway, I-35, at the base of the 5th Ave exit ramp going north right by the DECC. The race travels north on the northbound lanes to 26th Ave east where there is a water station. There the course makes a u-turn and travels down the southbound lanes, following the same course as the half/marathon races. All races use the same finish line near the Irvin.
  • How do I find out if my friends or I am registered for the race?
    You can find our current database of registered participants and the events they have signed up for here:
  • How do I find out which event(s) I have registered for or confirm my registration went through?
    Follow this link:
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