This year marks the 25th anniversary of the NorthShore Inline Marathon, and after last year's event was held virtually, this year's race will be returning to an in-person format.

On Wednesday, organizers laid out their plans for race weekend, which is from September 17-19.

There will be new Skate Fest events including Inline Sprints and Rollerski Sprints held on Saturday, September 18, in addition to a Skate Jam that evening.

"On Saturday night at the DECC, there's a free opportunity for the roller jam, so think back to the 70's, the disco, the lights, the quad skates, and crusin' around. Kids, adults, all are welcome," said the new race director of the NorthShore Inline Marathon Zach Burns.

The race will also be held on September 18.

There will be 8 different races consisting of four rollerblading/inline, two running, and two rollerskating.

"Within that, we have half marathons, full marathons, 10K, and we are really excited to announce that this year we'll be rollilng out two sprint events," said Burns.  

Burns says anyone is welcome to compete in them.

"The Inline Marathon and what we provide isn't just for the elite skater, it's for everybody," said Burns.

On the night of Friday, September 17, there will be an expo held at the DECC, and more events and activities between the DECC and William A. Irvin.    

NorthShore Inline Marathon Executive Director Skeeter Moore says COVID protocols will be enforced, but he anticipates the event will have a normal feel.

"We will be monitoring it. It changes daily, and I'm sure by September, there will be some other modifications that we'll have to adhere to, or 'let's go,' " said Moore. "We're anticipating it to be the normal event celebrating 25 years," Moore added. 

Starting June 15, and continuing every other Tuesday, there will be a "Skate & Sip" event. 

"That is meet us out at Munger Shaw, go for a skate with us for about an hour, and then after that we find a local brewery that we retreat to, and we'll give you a penny pint, and so that's a way for us to continue to build out community, to expose folks to rollerblades, and if you don't have them, we have them for you, so if you show up, we'll make sure you get a pair on your feet," said Burns. 

Approximately 975 people have signed up for the race so far, and organizers anticipate to have over 2,000 people participate in the events.

Last year, over 450 people competed in the race virtually from all over the world.

For more information about events, and registering for the race, click here.

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-Tv website. https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/plans-revealed-northshore-inline-marathon/6128920/?cat=10...