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Every skater, novice to elite, has a chance to bring home more than memories from the second annual Hayward Inline Marathon, Half-Marathon and 39-mile Inline Challenge. Dozens of prizes — from race frames to bike jerseys to gift certificates from local merchants — will be awarded to the winners of hill "prems," mini-races within the race. The spectator-friendly "prems," which are common in bike races, will be held about two miles into the race on Chippewa Trail, just before skaters turn onto County Road E. An air horn will alert oncoming skaters that the mini-race — a 300-meter uphill sprint — is beginning. The first skater to reach the sprint finish line will win a prize, which will be presented after the race. The "prems" are being added to give recreational skaters more chances to win awards and bragging rights, according to Dave Prois, co-director of the race. "People come to races to compete, but only a few can win the trophies," Prois said. "Hill premiums allow skaters to compete within the draft line they're in, no matter what their level."
The August 11th race will begin and end in front of Fred Scheer's Lumberjack Village on County Road B in Hayward. Family and friends are invited to join skaters after the race for lunch from Famous Dave's, which will include beer (for those 21 and over) from Old Hayward Brew Pub, plus a free 2 p.m. Lumberjack show. The meal and beer are free for skaters; a small fee will be charged to others. Steel and stone sculptures by noted Northwoods artist Sara Balbin will be awarded to the winners of the new 39-mile ultra-marathon. Every Challenge finisher will also receive a ceramic mug, as well as the skating socks which go to finishers of all three races. Rustic log plaques go to the top male and female age group finishers of the marathon and the top three male and female winners of the half-marathon. Registrations are on track to equal last year's event, which drew 250 skaters. A good percentage of participants are signing up for the new ultra-marathon, which promoters call a natural fit for the Hayward area. "This will become our signature race," Prois said. "We want people to feel like they've accomplished something special by finishing it, just as they do the Birkie or Fat Tire." To register or volunteer for the Race, go to www.haywardinlinemarathon.com.
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