NorthShore Inline Marathon named to World Inline Cup Schedule for 2026

DULUTH, Minn. — The 30th year of the NorthShore Inline Marathon will bring about the largest edition of the race yet, as the annual Twin Ports event has been added to the 2026 World Inline Cup (WIC) schedule.

The promotion means more prize money, status as a “PremiumClass” event on the circuit, and recognition as the only scheduled stop for the WIC in North America.

The race, scheduled for September 17, 2026, will now be a part of the WIC provisional 2026 race calendar.

While working with the WIC will bring the world’s very top inline skating talent to the Northland, the annual event still has its foundation in the everyday folks who just want to go out for a skate.

“The fact that we’re a World Cup (race) is not changing the focus of our race and the backbone of our race, and the backbone of our race is really the recreational skaters who are coming here to Duluth or from here locally, and heading up to Two Harbors on the bus, and then skating back down and really enjoying the day,” said the event’s Director of Operations Joe Haggenmiller.

Other locations on the calendar include Switzerland, France, Germany, and Portugal, with 2025’s only American race taking place in Sarasota, FL.