What Wave Should You Do?

With around 1500 racers in the Inline Marathon event, we use waves to group our participants into similar speeds and abilities so we are generally avoiding faster skaters trying to get around slower skaters and potentially causing chaos. For a first time skater with little experience participating in inline races, Wave 5 sounds like a good choice. Wave 5 is designed for those skaters who are less competitive, and more than having a goal of breaking something like the 3 hour mark. Wave 5 skaters are more aimed at the goal of finishing the marathon while having a great experience skating on the shores of Lake Superior, with less emphasis on overall time.  The only caveat that I would put on that is if you want to skate with your friends, you will all want to be starting in the same wave, and if you have been practicing/training together and usually skate at the same pace it should work for you all to estimate the same NSIM pace.

ELITE WAVE
Our Elite Wave is reserved for only the best of the best. Elites are chosen by prior NSIM times and or must petition (Top 50 Men and top 50 Women are chosen). Petitions can be sent to joe@northshoreinline.com. 
Elites are not eligible for Age Group Awards 
Elites are eligible to be crowned the US National Championship of Inline Marathon’s
(Open to US Citizens Only)

WAVE 1 
Are you fast, but not looking for the competitiveness of Elite? Our Wave 1 is perfect for those looking to PR and is open to anyone looking to finish between 1:20:00 and 1:29:59. They will also include Combined 39.3 Mile Skaters.

WAVE 2 
Looking for more competition? Check out Wave 2. 
The finish times are aimed at anyone who is looking sub 1:40:00.

PARTY PACE
The Party Pace was new in 2024 and is now a favorite. This is your chance to listen to some music, hang out with a skating group, and skate fast while enjoying the route—finish times between 1:40:00 and 2:10:00.

WAVE 3
Are you coming back for the NorthShore and looking for a little more speed? Our Wave 3 is open to returning participants and is great for finish times between 2:00:00 and 2:30:00.

WAVE 4
Wave 4 is aimed at the moderately skilled skater and is set for those hoping to finish between 2:20:00 and 2:45:00. This is a recreational pace and is one of our largest waves. 

WAVE 5
Wave 5 is perfect for novice skaters looking at going at their own pace. If you plan to finish the race in 2:45:00+ then this is for you!