NorthShore Inline Marathon

[Redlantern]

Still time to sign up for this event set for September 11th. Options are rolling a full marathon or a half marathon with an event for kids. Can't remember the distance for the kids but it's really short, probably a bit too short but it helps to get them interested. Prices are steep now but if you want to do it next year, sign up early. The price goes up monthly after May or June until September, I believe.

The course follows Grandma's Marathons course. It's a lot of fun and way easier than running. Plus, so many cuties in spandex. This year it doesn't fall on grouse opener. The majority of the people competing are doing it for fun so if you don't feel like you would fit in, don't worry about it. There's really no elitism in this well organized event. Hope to see you there.

[Redlantern]

Was a good race as usual. Times were a bit slower due to the recent rain. The first mile of the resurfaced road on 35 was a bit tough. The rain grooves are running with the road instead of across it. This makes it feel like your rollerblading on ice. The staff, volunteers and locals were all great. Looking forward to next years race on September 17th.

[Jim Almquist]

Erik here is a few of the pics that i took. I was there to see a friend's wife who was in the race. She placed 10th in the womens marathon.The first shot is the guy that should have won the men's but wiped out at the last corner. You can see his skates by the back of the van.

By placing 10th she got a check for $50.00

[Redlantern]

Great Pics! I hit that corner at 25.5 mph. I can't believe I made it without wiping out. And it was dryer than what the elite class had to deal with. This race is so much fun! It welcomes everyone of every ability Are you a pro photographer? These pics are so clear and detailed.

[Redlantern]

Is Rayna you wifes friend?

[Jim Almquist]

I just have pro style equipment and even with that I had more then enough throw aways I really should shoot more sports just so I would get better at moving objects. I went to high school with Raynas husband and have been friends for a lot of years.

[Redlantern]

Jim, I was just looking at a video of the mens pro masters finish. You're in it. Standing next to a guy in a camo ballcap. It was put on Youtube by a guy named first loser. You're going to be a star!

It wasn't that corner that you got the pic of the wipeout that I hit at 25. It was just before that, coming off the hill. I don't hit that speed without a little help from gravity.

[Jim Almquist]

That was too funny Erik

The guy I am standing next to is Rayna's husband Jeff or Buck as we have called him since high school and the other camera guy was from the Duluth News Tribune.

The corner that you got all of your speed was the one that helped Rayna because I guess a girl fell and took a few more out with her and that shot her up to the top ten.

[Redlantern]

There was a huge puddle at that corner and it was pretty crowded when I went around it. I don't have the stopping thing down so well yet so I was glad when the guys I were passing gave me some extra room.

I've never talked with Rayna but she seems pretty intense. Seen her at a few races this year and she's pretty focused on her game.