North American Inline Skating Marathons

The Hayward Inline Marathon begins and ends in the city of Hayward, Wisconsin, which is also home for the nation's largest cross-country ski race, the American Birkenbeiner. This event is set in the scenic Northwoods of Wisconsin, a couple hours drive from Minneapolis. Participants skate out of a picturesque northern Wisconsin town past lakes, forests and hills. A 39-mile race and prizes to skaters in first place at various stages of the race have been added. There are also divisions for "large" skaters: Clydesdale for men 200 pounds and above and Athena for women 160 pounds and above.

August is the season for Roller Sports Manitoba's annual inline race - the Annual North of the 49th Inline Marathon. This event is held at Birds Hill Provincial Park, Manitoba, Canada and includes a full marathon, a half marathon and a youth division event with prizes and awards. Be sure to bring your passport, if you are not a Canadian resident.

The Ottawa Inline Skating Club Festival is an opportunity to try a variety of race events from a 5km family race to a full marathon. The events are held on the newly paved Rockcliffe Parkway in Ottawa, Canada. This route is safe, smooth and fast with a beautiful view of the forest along the Ottawa River. This marathon festival is for suitable for recreational, fitness or competitive skaters. There are rules and a referee on hand to make sure that all skaters enjoy a safe event, and practice good sportsmanship.

The New York City Marathon and 100K is an old and popular inline event. Everyone is welcome, but it is a small race and is usually attended by more inline speed skaters than recreational and fitness skaters. There is an optional marathon distance, too.

The 24 Hour Inline Montreal will once again bring together hundreds of skaters from around the world, of all ages and every level of ability. The relay race is for teams of up to 10 inline skaters and lasts a total of 24 hours. The challenge is to complete, as a team skating in relays, as many laps as possible around the 4.27 km course within the 24 hour time period.

The NorthShore Inline Marathon is the largest inline marathon in the U.S.A. Almost 4,000 inline skaters test their endurance and follow the same scenic course that marathoners have used for the past 30 years. The 26.2 mile marathon begins just south of Two Harbors and continues along Scenic Hwy 61, goes through the I-35 tunnels, and finishes at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

The Athens to Atlanta Road Skate is the oldest and most famous road skate in America. It starts in Athens, Georgia, and participants skate through beautiful country roads, quiet suburbs and city streets to cross the 87-mile finish line in Atlanta's Piedmont Park. The course is challenging and requires experienced skating ability and stamina. Skaters who are not ready for the 87 mile event can skate the 52 mile or 38 mile event. Both four and five wheeled skates are welcome and anyone from 8 to 80 years old may enter.

The Houston Inline Marathon is a great opportunity for inline skaters of all skill levels to get together for a fun and exciting weekend of racing, casual skating, and socializing. The inline marathon, half-marathon and Fun Skate provide a set of a great inline skating events.