NorthShore Events Important Information!

Friday, September 13, 2024:

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• 12:00 to 9:00 pm -  Expo & Packet Pickup | DECC North Pioneer Hall) - Free

• 4:00 pm  -  Adult Inline Sprints Registration | DECC Finish Line

• 4:00 pm  -  Adult Rollerski Sprints Registration | DECC Finish Line 

• 4:00 pm  -  Kids Sprints Registration | DECC Finish Line- Free 

• 4:30 pm  -  Sprints Waves Start | DECC Finish Line

• 6:45 pm  -  Friday Night Skate - NSIM finish Line

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2024 Clinic Schedule: 
 

1:30-2:20 pm- Course Report and route showcase (A)

Join course expert Todd Campbell as he gives a rundown of items to know on our historic race route. From new road patches to wind conditions, Todd has all the answers. Additionally, Todd is one of the few who has done the race every year and has some great tips on how to conquer our course and leave this year with a PR! Join Todd at 2 pm and 5:30 pm.

 

2:30-3:40 pm - Running Expo Clinic presented by Tortoise and Hare (A) 

 Whether you’re just starting to hit the pavement or you’ve been racking up miles for years, our Running Expo Clinic is the perfect spot to pick up some new tips and tricks. Hosted by Tortoise and Hare, it’s a friendly gathering where runners of all speeds come together to learn, share, and celebrate our love for the run. We’ll have experts on hand for advice on everything from proper running form to the best gear for your style.

 

3:50-4:40 pm - Drafting 101 (How to properly draft and the rules) - Rollerblade (O)

This session is perfect for skaters looking to master the art of drafting—a key skill that can significantly enhance your race performance. Participants will learn the fundamentals of proper drafting techniques, including how to position yourself effectively within a pack, the benefits of conserving energy by staying in the draft, and the essential rules to ensure safety and fairness on the course. Whether you're new to drafting or looking to refine your technique, this clinic offers valuable insights to help you skate smarter and faster on race day. Don't miss this opportunity to improve your strategy and gain a competitive edge!

 

4:50-5:40 pm - Dryland Drills and Q&A by Olympians Viktor & Sophia Thorup (O)

Curious about how Olympians train and their lives in general? Well, this is your chance to get the inside scoop! Join 2-time Olympian Viktor Thorup and 3-time Olympian Sofia Thorup as they teach you their dryland drills and answer your questions on life as an Olympian. 

 

5:50-6:40 pm - Course Report and route showcase (A)

Join course expert Todd Campbell as he gives a rundown of items to know on our historic race route. From new road patches to wind conditions, Todd has all the answers. Additionally, Todd is one of the few who has done the race every year and has some great tips on how to conquer our course and leave this year with a PR! Join Todd at 1:30 pm and 5:50 pm.

 

6:45-Dark - Warm Up Skate and Sip at Lincoln Park Presented by the MPLS Bladies

(DECC - to Bent Paddle) 

Kick off your evening with a fun and casual Warm-Up Skate and Sip at Lincoln Park, presented by the Bladies. From 6:45 PM until dark, join fellow skaters for a relaxed session to get your legs moving before the big race, all while enjoying great company and a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're looking to loosen up or just want to skate with friends, this event is the perfect way to ease into the night.

 

7:50- 8:40 pm - Inline Skate Maintenance for skate longevity presented by Rollerblade (O)

Ensure your skates stay in top condition with the Inline Skate Maintenance for Skate Longevity clinic, presented by Rollerblade. Join us from 7:50-8:40 PM to learn essential maintenance tips that will extend the life of your skates and keep them performing at their best. This session will cover everything from cleaning and rotating wheels to checking bearings and making necessary adjustments. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just getting started, this clinic will provide valuable insights to help you protect your investment and enjoy a smoother ride.

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Saturday, September 14, 2024: (Start times)

 

28th Annual NorthShore Race Start Times: 

• 6:35 am - Half Marathon National Anthems

• 6:45 am - Half Marathon Inline/Skate Race and Combined Leg 1 Start

• 6:50 am - Half Marathon Rollerski Race Start

• 7:00 am - Aspirus-St. Luke’s Half Marathon Running Race Start

• 7:45 am - City of Duluth Tunnel 10K Skate Race Start

• 8:00 am - Finden Tunnel 10K Running Race Start

• 8:30 am - VW of Duluth Rollerski Marathon Race Start

 

Inline Marathon Start Times: 

• 8:35 am - Inline Marathon National Anthems

• 8:40 NSIM Elite Men “Call Ups”

• 8:45 NSIM Elite Men Start

• 8:45:30 NSIM Elite Women “Call Ups”

• 8:50 NSIM Elite Women Start

• 9:00 NSIM Advanced Wave 1

• 9:02 NSIM Advanced Wave 2/Combined Leg 2 Wave Start

• 9:04 NSIM Rec Wave 1A Start

• 9:06 NSIM Rec Wave 1B Start

• 9:08 NSIM Rec Wave 2 Start

• 9:10 NSIM Rec Wave 3 Start

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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.

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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.

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Bus Loading Times:

Half Marathon (Skate, Ski and Run)                5:15 am-5:45 am

Elite (Open and Masters) and Rollererski     6:30 am-7:00 am

Advance Waves (1-2)                                         6:45 am-7:15 am

All Recreation Waves (1-3)                                7:00 am-7:45 am

 

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.

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10k skaters and runners do not require bussing. 

10k Runners & Skaters will walk to the starting line.

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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.

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Timeline

• 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 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 participants will have the option to leave gear in a drop bag inside North Pioneer Hall (DECC) before the race and may be picked up once you finish.

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We are not liable for lost or damaged items. Please do not include anything valuable or fragile in your drop bag.

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Packet Pickup:

Your Race Packet contains a unique race bib with a disposable timing chip (and a second noncustom race bib if you are a skater or a roller skier), a race shirt, pins, an athlete guide, and sponsor goodies. Please make every effort to pick up your own packet on Friday.

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Time:
Friday, September 13th, 2024 | noon – 9pm

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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.

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.

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(Make sure to book early as it fills up fast!)

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Flying to Duluth or Minneapolis

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The Duluth International Airport offers great flight packages for 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. 

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In case your location doesn't connect to the Duluth International Airport, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport (MSP) is another great option. Located two hours south of Duluth MSP offers a wide variety of flights and is one of the largest airports 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. There are shuttle services from the MSP airport to Duluth and back that can be found online.  Advanced reservations may be necessary.

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Helmets are mandatory at all times while on the racecourse for skating and rollerski races. Wrist, knee, and elbow protection are also recommended.

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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 opened to traffic at 2 pm.

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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.

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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.