A North Carolina / Blue Ridge Mountain Marathon Experience! North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the spectacular New River valley are the backdrop for the New River Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K. The New River, one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers, is framed with views of horse farms, Christmas …
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A North Carolina / Blue Ridge Mountain Marathon Experience! North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the spectacular New River valley are the backdrop for the New River Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K. The New River, one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers, is framed with views of horse farms, Christmas tree farms and the spectacular surrounding river valley. Experience why runners are raving: “I can honestly say New River Marathon is my absolute favorite race~the course is stunning and the people are genuinely kind” (50 Stater) and “one of the most spectacular scenic courses in the land!” Wooden finisher medallions locally crafted from Blue Ridge Mountain wood, locally crafted awards, live music, Stick Boy Bread Co. Kitchen finisher goodies and much more. USATF certified.
The New River Marathon courses along the banks of the South Fork New River, one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers in the United States. Approximately 20.8 miles roll along the banks of the scenic New River offering pastoral views of the River, Christmas tree farms, and horse and cattle farms. “The most beautiful race venue ever!”
The New River Half-Marathon has a slightly different feel than the Marathon, but just as charming. Approximately 9.5 miles roll along the banks of the New River offering pastoral views of Christmas tree farms, and horse and cattle farms, as well as the New River valley.
The New River 5K may be shorter in distance, but will be every bit as unique, scenic and challenging as the longer New River races.
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Great experience for a first timer!
This is a beautiful spot. The weather was perfect and the race administrators keep me well informed on race day and leading up to it. There was a glitz at … MORE
This is a beautiful spot. The weather was perfect and the race administrators keep me well informed on race day and leading up to it. There was a glitz at a turn around cone but the Race Joy app notified me I was going to wrong way and I was able to quickly correct my direction. Afterward the race officials fixed the time with individual runners. Things happen, adapt to it!
Scenic Marathon
Definitely scenic, as the other reviews say. It is almost entirely along the New River in the NC mountains near Boone (Appalachia State University). Given the topography, it is an … MORE
Definitely scenic, as the other reviews say. It is almost entirely along the New River in the NC mountains near Boone (Appalachia State University). Given the topography, it is an amazingly flat course, with only three hill making what my watch had as 800 ft or so of ascent.
The production was very good. The start/finish area is the site of a closed (2023) restaurant and the field around it. Parking was well directed, getting there early like the director suggested was a good idea, parking overflows in the fields across the street and backs up onto the two lane road as volume increases. There was a line of cars on the road waiting for parking as the marathon started, hopefully people running the half and 5k. Packet pickup was available race morning. Boone is only 20 minutes away with the usual motels and restaurants of a university town, which makes for an easy overnight travel to the race.
2023 was beautiful weather, fog at the 7:30 start which burned off to partly cloudy. Traffic on the roads was not an issue. There were 164 marathon finishers, 274 for the half, and 282 for the 5k. Aid stations were well spaced with water, gatorade, and some with GU; and all with happy and helpful volunteers.
The last 10 miles are an out and back, the clouds cleared away and it was overhead sun on asphalt which made it seem warmer than the reported 70 degrees. It slowed my down, as usual, but I got to see that the finish line was still full of enthusiastic people cheering.
The “medal” has different colored and printed ribbons for each distance and was made from area pine killed by a beetle infestation in 2000, put to good use.
Definitely a very recommendable race and an easy one to travel to.
Best marathon to finish my 50th state
New River marathon is my absolute favorite race~the course is stunning and the people are genuinely kind! Love love loved this race the people and the place are magical! MORE
New River marathon is my absolute favorite race~the course is stunning and the people are genuinely kind! Love love loved this race the people and the place are magical!
A diamond in the rough.
What a way to bring finality to my 50-state quest. Even with the day's heavy rains, an early morning run in the shadows of the New River tucked away in … MORE
What a way to bring finality to my 50-state quest. Even with the day’s heavy rains, an early morning run in the shadows of the New River tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina is a relaxing way to escape the mental overload of the superfluities of life. The course begins in the small hamlet of Fleetwood located north northeast of Boone. The day began with periods of heavy rain showers in the midst of Christmas tree farms, and green rolling pasture lands. The rain and unpleasant weather were not enough to dampen my spirits or enjoy my run. Hills abound, and the final three miles include a cross-country trek through a wooded area complete with a half-mile steep hill ascent that tests runner’s fitness levels as they conclude their race. The New River Marathon course is amazing and is undoubtedly one of my top three marathons in my repertoire. I highly recommend this marathon. It may field a small number of runners, but its huge in hospitality.
Tough but definite repeat
Extremely tough course. Will go into it with a different mindset next time. Yes, I said next time because hands down it is a repeat. Wonderful community support, very well … MORE
Extremely tough course. Will go into it with a different mindset next time. Yes, I said next time because hands down it is a repeat. Wonderful community support, very well organized, loved the hometown feel to it. Beautiful scenery.