Rievaj Took Silver at 30th NorthShore Inline Marathon
The race around Lake Superior highlighted cross-training benefits for skiers.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Running
Anika Rievaj finished second in the roller ski category at the 30th NorthShore Inline Marathon held in 2026. This landmark event, which drew nearly 2,500 total participants, follows the Lake Superior shoreline near Duluth.
Why it matters
Roller skiing serves as a primary summer cross-training method for winter athletes seeking to maintain cardiovascular conditioning and technique. The NorthShore Inline Marathon provides a high-intensity environment to test those off-season gains.
Official race results from the 2026 competition confirmed Anika Rievaj's second-place finish among roller skiers. This performance occurred within a field of 2,500 athletes, representing the latest iteration of North America's largest inline skating event.
The players
Anika Rievaj
An athlete and skier who utilizes summer roller ski competitions for cross-training.
Mark Rievaj
A cross-training athlete who competed in both the marathon and half marathon skating events.
The details
Participants in the roller ski category utilize specialized equipment designed to mimic cross-country skiing movements on pavement. During the race, athletes glided along the Lake Superior shore, taking advantage of a helpful tailwind to maintain speed. Mark Rievaj, also competing in the marathon, navigated the course to achieve 11th in the half marathon skate and 19th in the full marathon distance.
Timeline
The 30th NorthShore Inline Marathon took place during 2026.
Health Landscape
The NorthShore Inline Marathon serves as a critical benchmark for athletes integrating non-impact cross-training into their annual conditioning cycles. This event highlights a broader trend of utilizing specialized equipment to bridge the gap between winter sports seasons.
Incorporating low-impact training like roller skiing can help maintain cardiovascular fitness while reducing joint stress during the off-season. Consult with a sports medicine physician if you are interested in starting a new training modality to ensure it matches your current physical capacity.
The takeaway
Roller skiing is an effective way to maintain ski-specific muscle engagement during the warmer months. Consider discussing specialized cross-training programs with a coach or doctor if you are looking to balance seasonal performance with injury prevention.
Further reading
Learn more about local athletic conditioning in Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Columbia Valley Pioneer.
