Houston Inline Marathon http://houstoninlinemarathon.com The Houston Inline Marathon is the newest marathon on this list but thanks to a committed organizer has quickly proven its value. In addition to the marathon, there is a pre-race party and social skate through downtown Houston. Plus, since this is usually the last race on the yearly marathon calendar, you should have your skating legs in good shape.
	Chicagoland Inline Marathon www.chicagolandinlinemarathon.com The Chicagoland Inline Marathon is only a few years old and we are happy to finally see a skate marathon in Chicago! The race is a loop course with all roads closed to traffic. The weekend features a 10-mile event in addition to the marathon and the excellent organization makes this a top up-and-coming event.
	NYC Marathon and 100K www.skatemarathon.com The New York City Marathon and 100K is one of the longest running events on this list. It is a relatively small race with approximately 100-200 finishers each year and is oriented more towards racers than recreational skaters. However, all skaters are welcome and you can choose the marathon distance rather than the exhausting 100K!
	Hayward Inline Marathon www.haywardinlinemarathon.com Hayward is in northern Wisconsin within driving distance from Saint Paul and Minneapolis and is famous for its outdoor sports, including cross country skiing and mountain biking. The course includes a 10-mile, 20-mile, and 30-mile option – not technically a marathon but we have included it anyway as it is so well organized.
	Big Granite Marathon www.biggranite.com This race in northern Wisconsin (not far from Duluth, Minnesota) consists of two laps on 13 miles of country and town roads. Much of the course rolls through scenic dairy country. The course has rolling hills, is considered challenging, and is recommended for intermediate or better skaters.
	Squiggy Inline Classic www.squiggyclassicinline.com The Squiggy Inline Classic has the best name of the bunch (we want to call it the Squiggly) and also an amazing lineup of events In addition to a marathon, there are options to participate in a night skate, time trial, or a half marathon. You can even participate in associated biking events. The Classic takes place near Tampa, Florida.
	Texas Road Rash Inline Marathon www. texasroadrash.com The Texas Road Rash in Round Rock near Austin takes place on a closed, smooth loop in Settler’s Park. After the race the organizers provide a Texas barbeque with music. The marathon is on Sunday and on Saturday they host a speed competition “elimination race”. Come on out and watch the elimination race and then skate the marathon!
	Metrodome Inline Marathon www.metrodomeinline.com This is perhaps the most unique skating marathon on this list. Why? Because it takes place indoors – in the football stadium in Minneapolis. And it has to, since it takes place in March! The event is actually a time trial, meaning each skater takes off individually and then is timed for the 26.2 mile race. This is a premier event with excellent organization.
	Napa Valley Inline Marathon www.cora.org This is an well-established marathon with around 130 finishers each year. The course runs from on a closed 7-mile loop of the famous Silverado Trail road. The organizers have added a winery tour, picnic, and Calistoga Skate Party. Plus, what better place to spend a vacation than Napa Valley?
	Northshore Inline Marathon www.northshoreinline.com This is the largest and best-organized skating marathon in North America, with about 4000 registrants each year. The course is 26.2 miles from Two Harbors in northern Minnesota along the shores of Lake Superior to Duluth. It is mostly flat and fast, although your speed will depend in part on the wind direction. This is a great marathon you should not miss!

• This Top 10 List is Copyright Zephyr’s MarathonSkating.com. You may reprint this with appropriate copyright notice.