VW of Duluth at the 2024 NorthShore Inline Marathon: A Weekend of Fun, Racing, and Community Spirit

The 2024 NorthShore Inline Marathon was nothing short of spectacular, and VW of Duluth was beyond excited to be part of this exhilarating event once again. As one of the most highly anticipated races in the Twin Ports, the marathon brings together inline skaters, rollerskiers, and fitness enthusiasts from all over the world. This year was extra special for us, as not only did we host a booth at the Skate and Health Expo, but some of our very own team members laced up their skates and hit the course. To top it all off, we had the prestigious honor of sponsoring the VW of Duluth RollerSki Marathon.

From the first day of the expo to the thrilling races on Saturday, we had an incredible time engaging with the community, cheering on participants, and showcasing some of the finest vehicles in our lineup. Here’s a full recap of everything that made the 2024 NorthShore Inline Marathon an unforgettable weekend for VW of Duluth.

The Skate and Health Expo: A Hub of Excitement

The weekend kicked off with the Skate and Health Expo on Friday, where our team set up a vibrant booth, eager to connect with both racers and spectators. The expo is one of the key attractions of the marathon weekend, held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), and it draws thousands of attendees. Whether you’re a seasoned inline skater or new to the sport, the expo is the perfect place to gear up for race day, meet fellow participants, and soak up the pre-race atmosphere.

At our booth, we showcased some of VW’s latest vehicles, including the Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line, which caught the eye of many passersby. Our team was on hand to talk about the features of the Atlas, along with other popular VW models like the ID.4 EV and Tiguan. In true VW fashion, we brought more than just cars—we brought candy, smiles, and some incredible offers for event-goers. Visitors to our booth were able to take advantage of special trade-in credits, including $500 and $1,000 bonuses, while also learning more about the performance, safety, and style that make Volkswagen a standout brand.

In addition to the excitement at the booth, the energy of the expo was electric. We had the chance to connect with racers of all ages and backgrounds, from first-time marathoners nervously preparing for their debut to experienced skaters aiming for personal bests. The NorthShore Inline Marathon attracts participants from across the globe, and hearing their stories was truly inspiring. Some had traveled from as far as Europe, while others were Duluth locals who had been participating for years. This diversity and the shared passion for skating were what made the expo such a rewarding experience for us.

VW of Duluth Takes on the Marathon

While the Skate and Health Expo was a fantastic way to kick off the weekend, the real excitement came on Saturday when the races began. The NorthShore Inline Marathon is one of the largest and most prestigious inline skating events in North America, and this year’s race did not disappoint. Over 2,800 racers from 48 states and 10 countries took part, making it the largest registration since 2009—a true testament to the enduring popularity of the event.

What made this year’s marathon extra special for VW of Duluth was that some of our very own team members decided to take on the challenge and race. The buildup to race day was filled with excitement and nervous energy as we watched our colleagues gear up for the big event. It wasn’t just about the competition; it was about having fun, pushing personal limits, and being a part of something much bigger than ourselves.

For many of our team members, this was their first time participating in the NorthShore Inline Marathon, and the experience was nothing short of exhilarating. The scenic course along Lake Superior provided the perfect backdrop for the race, and the weather couldn’t have been better. Clear skies and mild temperatures made for ideal skating conditions, allowing participants to focus on the thrill of the race.

Our team members joined thousands of other skaters at the starting line, ready to tackle the 26.2-mile course. Some opted for the full marathon, while others participated in the half marathon or the combined race, which includes both inline skating and running. Regardless of the race, the excitement was palpable as the countdown to the start began.

As the race unfolded, we couldn’t help but be amazed by the speed, endurance, and determination of all the participants. From seasoned athletes striving for personal records to newcomers enjoying the experience of racing along one of the most beautiful courses in the country, the NorthShore Inline Marathon truly brings out the best in everyone.

Crossing the finish line was an unforgettable moment for our team. Whether they had skated competitively or leisurely, every one of them finished with a sense of accomplishment and pride. And, of course, the sense of community was overwhelming. High-fives, cheers, and congratulations filled the air as racers celebrated their hard-earned victories, and we were proud to be right there with them.

The VW of Duluth RollerSki Marathon: A Proud Honor

One of the highlights of the weekend was the VW of Duluth RollerSki Marathon. As the official sponsor of this event, we were thrilled to see rollerskiers take on the challenging course with enthusiasm and grit. The rollerski marathon is a growing segment of the NorthShore Inline Marathon weekend, attracting athletes who are looking to test their endurance and skill in a sport that requires precision and technique.

Rollerskiing, often seen as a dry-land version of cross-country skiing, has gained popularity in recent years, and the NorthShore Inline Marathon has embraced this trend by including the rollerski marathon as part of its event lineup. This year, the VW of Duluth RollerSki Marathon brought in athletes from across the region, all eager to showcase their skills and endurance.

The course, which mirrors the inline marathon route, offered stunning views of Lake Superior while challenging participants with its rolling hills and fast-paced sections. As the official sponsor, we couldn’t have been more proud to see our name associated with such a competitive and exciting event. Watching the racers glide smoothly across the pavement reminded us of the same precision and performance that VW vehicles are known for.

For those unfamiliar with rollerskiing, the sport requires incredible technique, balance, and strength. Participants use poles and small skis with wheels to propel themselves along the course, much like they would on snow during a traditional cross-country skiing race. The sport is both physically demanding and mentally challenging, making it an ideal complement to the NorthShore Inline Marathon’s mission of promoting health, fitness, and community.

As the race unfolded, we cheered on the participants, many of whom were seasoned rollerskiers aiming for personal bests. The VW of Duluth RollerSki Marathon was a fantastic showcase of athleticism, and we were honored to be part of it. The smiles, determination, and perseverance of the athletes mirrored the same qualities we value at VW of Duluth.

A Weekend to Remember

As the weekend came to a close, we found ourselves reflecting on just how much fun we had being part of the NorthShore Inline Marathon. From our booth at the Skate and Health Expo to watching our team members cross the finish line, to sponsoring the VW of Duluth RollerSki Marathon, the entire experience was one of excitement, pride, and community spirit.

We want to extend a huge thank you to the event organizers, volunteers, and participants who made the 2024 NorthShore Inline Marathon such a memorable experience. The spirit of this event aligns perfectly with our values at VW of Duluth—community, innovation, and a sense of adventure. We look forward to being part of this incredible event for years to come.

If you missed us at the expo or the race, don’t worry—you can still check out our latest vehicles and take advantage of our special offers by visiting us at VW of Duluth. We’re always here to help you find the perfect vehicle for your next adventure, whether it’s gliding through town on skates or hitting the open road.

Thank you again to everyone who made this weekend so special. We can’t wait to see you all again at next year’s NorthShore Inline Marathon!

About VW of Duluth

VW of Duluth is a leading Volkswagen dealership located in Duluth, Minnesota, committed to providing exceptional customer service and a wide selection of new and used vehicles. As a cornerstone of the community, VW of Duluth prides itself on building long-lasting relationships with its customers, offering transparency, trust, and a personalized car buying experience. Whether you’re in the market for the latest Volkswagen model or a certified pre-owned vehicle, VW of Duluth’s knowledgeable and friendly staff are ready to assist you every step of the way.

In addition to vehicle sales, VW of Duluth provides comprehensive car care services from skilled technicians who ensure your vehicle performs at its best. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and community involvement is evident through various local events and initiatives, reinforcing their role as more than just a dealership but a true community partner.

For more information on their inventory, special offers, or to schedule a service appointment, visit their website at vwofduluth.com or contact them directly at (218) 481-9992 Experience the VW of Duluth difference today, where community and customer care come first.

At Volkswagen of Duluth, we prioritize your safety above all else. Learn more about how we continue to enhance vehicle safety and driver assistance features across our model range by visiting VW Safety Technologies.

Embrace the future of driving with the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, where advanced technology meets comprehensive safety. Visit us at VW of Duluth to start your journey with a vehicle that’s as safe as it is exciting.