Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
Roanoke, VA
- 101 Miler, Double Marathon, Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K, 1 Miler
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon Series has earned its title as “America’s Toughest Road Marathon” by challenging runners with over 7,430 ft. in elevation change, more than any other road marathon in the U.S. This race runs along the famously scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and proceeds from this non-profit … MORE
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Tough, but doable
They weren't lying when they said this hilly course was difficult! Difficult, but not impossible. Challenging maybe is a better word. Prepare for a couple of big climbs and a … MORE
They weren’t lying when they said this hilly course was difficult!
Difficult, but not impossible. Challenging maybe is a better word. Prepare for a couple of big climbs and a steep descent. Race organizers, other runners, and spectators were all very kind and supportive.
It earns the title of toughest road race
This race is set in the heart of Roanoke VA and is a big challenge for anyone who wants to test their running endurance with the amount of elevation change! … MORE
This race is set in the heart of Roanoke VA and is a big challenge for anyone who wants to test their running endurance with the amount of elevation change! Very well organized and great race, it is not for the faint of heart but a great challenging race!
Welcome to Roanoke
Beautiful views, intense elevation, a lot of options for Runner/Walker of all distances. The energy of the spectators is infectious and you can tell that the community really supports this … MORE
Beautiful views, intense elevation, a lot of options for Runner/Walker of all distances.
The energy of the spectators is infectious and you can tell that the community really supports this race.
A Chance to Test Yourself
OK, let's be honest from the start: this is not an easy race. The half has 3780 feet of elevation change, or 283 per mile, concentrated in three hills and … MORE
OK, let’s be honest from the start: this is not an easy race. The half has 3780 feet of elevation change, or 283 per mile, concentrated in three hills and just one level(ish) part. Be prepared. Abandon your pride and give in to walking if you need to. For the most part, finishing is an award all its own.
To complement the truly spectacular hills and the struggle, the pre and post-race events are well done and memorable. If you’re looking for a challenge, you’ll find it here.
Toughest course
The elevation change makes it a challenge but the scenery is awesome and the atmosphere is great. I didn’t get to train for the elevation change, due to a last … MORE
The elevation change makes it a challenge but the scenery is awesome and the atmosphere is great. I didn’t get to train for the elevation change, due to a last minute sign up and the half felt like a long training run (20+ miles) for a full marathon. The race swag is nice and the volunteers were friendly. Parking was free but took a long time to get to.
Hillzzzzz for Miles but Worth It!
If you want a challenge this race is for you. The scenery is beautiful and the Dow hills are killer but those uphills will push you harder than you’ve ever … MORE
If you want a challenge this race is for you. The scenery is beautiful and the Dow hills are killer but those uphills will push you harder than you’ve ever been pushed before! Some are gentle but others are brutal. That being said it’s a lot of fun and I’ve already registered for next year’s half to try and place in my age group for their totally unique age group trophies. None are alike and I want to see how fast I can push myself UPhill
Must Run Blue Ridge
Full disclosure: I served as an ambassador for the Blue Ridge Marathon races this year, which granted me free entry. That said, nothing about that influenced my thoughts on the … MORE
Full disclosure: I served as an ambassador for the Blue Ridge Marathon races this year, which granted me free entry. That said, nothing about that influenced my thoughts on the event. Also, I marked myself as a repeat runner, but this was my first time running the full marathon here; I ran the relay twice before this.
This was my first in-person race since February 2020, and it did not disappoint. Organizers worked hard to keep the event going this year after canceling just before the race last year, with staggered starts across the races and 30-second delays between approx. 50-person corrals and no spectators allowed at the finish among other COVID_19 precautions.
Before this, I had driven most of the course that can be driven and ran my leg of the relay (1) twice. Taking in the whole course was amazing. Yes, there are lots of inclines/declines, but the rewards are at least as plentiful. From gorgeous overlooks to beautiful blooms, many encouraging runners and volunteers to residents setting up cheer and aid stations in their yards, this race feels like a must — whatever distance you choose. So far, every time I have participated, I’ve almost immediately started planning to come back.
WELL NAMED RACE
I don't want to spoil anything about running this race. I will say this – if you want to test your training, you won't be disappointed. There's nothing that is … MORE
I don’t want to spoil anything about running this race. I will say this – if you want to test your training, you won’t be disappointed.
There’s nothing that is disappointing about this race — no, not even the fact that I didn’t finish. This is the most rewarding and amazing experience I’ve had in a very long time. I was full of joy.
Great race
It was a great race! Well organized and it went off smoothly even with Covid. Scenery was great. This was the first time I ran mountains and it was great. … MORE
It was a great race! Well organized and it went off smoothly even with Covid. Scenery was great. This was the first time I ran mountains and it was great. Will really think about doing it again next year!
Wow - Beauty and the Beast
Be ready for some serious uphill like the 2.5m climb at Mill Mountain Park starting around mile 1 followed by 1.5m or so downhill. Then another serious climb (steeper) around … MORE
Be ready for some serious uphill like the 2.5m climb at Mill Mountain Park starting around mile 1 followed by 1.5m or so downhill. Then another serious climb (steeper) around mile 8/9 with a harsher more quad thrashing downhill.
I am not a hill lover by any means but I loved this race. When COVID restrictions lift, it will be even more fun as it is in a great location and incorporated into a music festival in a fun, downtown area. The crowds and support are amazing even with things being toned down. The race was well organized and professionally done.
I would definitely do this race again but make sure you are ready for some hills!
Lovely Views; Outstanding Challenge
Full disclosure: I served as an ambassador for the Blue Ridge Marathon Series this year, which granted me free entry. That said, nothing about that influenced my thoughts on the … MORE
Full disclosure: I served as an ambassador for the Blue Ridge Marathon Series this year, which granted me free entry. That said, nothing about that influenced my thoughts on the event.
After an awesome trip to Roanoke for this race in 2018, Team workaddict(s) hit the mountains again. My full relay team from last year made the trip up from Florida again, and we brought 2 other relay teams and 3 half marathoners with us. Most of us arrived on Thursday and participated in the Friday morning shakeout run (a must if you’re in town!); the shakeout is a great way to explore the area a bit and meet other runners.
This race bills itself as America’s Toughest Road Marathon, and it’s not lying. The race starts in downtown Roanoke and starts climbing near the first mile marker. In all, there is a total elevation change of 7,400+ feet over the full marathon course.
Organizers provide transportation for relay members 2-4, via school buses, to their exchange zones (and from in the case of the 2nd runner). You just have to make it to the bus by certain times. If you miss the bus, your team is disqualified. It’s very well done and makes far more sense as you experience it than it does in reading it, though the directions are very clear.
As with most events, the air is electric. The surroundings are amazing, particularly coming back down Mill Mountain and looking over the city (the champagne — Moo-mosas — didn’t hurt).
All in all, the race is as brutal as advertised — in the best ways (all elevation gain/loss that you know going in) — beautiful, and so much fun. I’m looking forward to making another trip to #RunBlueRidge sometime, whether in the relay or one of the other distances.
If you’ve never participated in the event before, take the time to drive along the course and take in the beauty (and some of the climbs) without the race day blinders. Really, even if you have participated before, I think it’s worth another look. Participate in the shakeout run if you can. Between that run and the expo, you’ll meet all sorts of other runners. Above all else, have fun.
Awesome course! A great time!
This is the perfect Half for new runners or seasoned vets. Plenty of challenge and support along with amazing scenery. Climbing up to the Star and looking over the city … MORE
This is the perfect Half for new runners or seasoned vets. Plenty of challenge and support along with amazing scenery. Climbing up to the Star and looking over the city and the downtown area where you started just cannot be a more unique experience! You get plenty of aid stations and….the finish line post event party is excellent!
Great race series
Molly Bullington is the best! I direct a 5k and that’s hard enough. How she gets this done is beyond me! I will be doing the full marathon next year … MORE
Molly Bullington is the best! I direct a 5k and that’s hard enough. How she gets this done is beyond me! I will be doing the full marathon next year after 5 halves and a 10k in the past.
Worth the Climb
I absolutely loved this race! The elevation was a bit intimidating until you start. Then the course makes you forget all about it. I never would have thought that was … MORE
I absolutely loved this race! The elevation was a bit intimidating until you start. Then the course makes you forget all about it. I never would have thought that was possible. The scenery was stunning for the entire course. I loved the mountains and going back into the town to see the beautiful houses. The volunteers everywhere were outstanding!! Seriously, the volunteers were always smiling and offering to help. There were mimosa’s, Jell-O shots and champagne along the way! We had a blast the entire course and the views were fantastic!! I highly recommend this race and I will be back again.
Loved this whole weekend!
This was my first time participating in Blue Ridge Marathon weekend! It was a great time. I went to expo on Friday and was able to park within a couple … MORE
This was my first time participating in Blue Ridge Marathon weekend! It was a great time. I went to expo on Friday and was able to park within a couple feet of the hotel entrance, which was a nice surprise. I also loved I didn’t have to pay for parking. Expo was a little chaotic with all the racers showing up, but the race put things together so it would go smoothly and there would be directions on which way to go to make it more efficient. I got to meet Jeff Galloway at the expo, too. I had a VIP band, so race morning I was able to go to the patio to get juice, breakfast, etc. The RD even gave us ‘road waffles’ to take with us for the run. We had access to restrooms at the local library, so didn’t have to wait for the port-o-potties, yet we still ended up needing them right before the race. The line for them went quickly. The race started with a cannon. It was a bit crowded for the first bit and I had just mentioned how nice everyone was to one another except for the person who shoved me out of way and told me to ‘move’. Being a walker, I stayed hugging sidewalk, so found this upsetting. The views during the course were AMAZING. The crowds were so supportive as well. They cheered for everyone, there was music, and even jell-o shots. At the top of the mountain (10k course) the volunteers at the aid station were so nice. The family who provided moo-mosas were sweet, just as I had been told about – and of course, the drink tasted great. When I came through the final stretch, I saw racers who had already finished cheering on those still going and it was nice to see. At the finish line I received my beautiful 10th Anniversary medal and there were even cupcakes to celebrate. Vendors were present with a plethora of food. I went back to the balcony with my VIP access and had pizza, shrimp cocktail, veggies, and of course beer! The weekend continued with a concert that night (so much fun)! and a Slow-K (slowest 5K in America)…wonderful addition to the race. I can’t wait to do this again next year.
Challenging! Scenic! Great Run!
I highly recommend this race. Extremely challenging but rewarding course. Scenic views from the top of Mill Mountain and winding roads and trails through Roanoke, VA. The race is well … MORE
I highly recommend this race. Extremely challenging but rewarding course. Scenic views from the top of Mill Mountain and winding roads and trails through Roanoke, VA. The race is well supported and has a fun finisher festival with live music, lots of food to refuel, and plenty of vendors. The race offers free photos, great finisher medals, comfortable race shirts, and unique award medals.
Work done!
Full disclosure up front: I won a relay entry into the Blue Ridge Marathon from RunChat on Twitter. That said, nothing about that influenced my thoughts on the event, other … MORE
Full disclosure up front: I won a relay entry into the Blue Ridge Marathon from RunChat on Twitter. That said, nothing about that influenced my thoughts on the event, other than making it more realistic to actually go. — Also, I marked parking “not sure” because we walked from our hotel to the start. I’m sure it was fine; everything else was tremendous.
As I said above, I participated on a team in the Blue Ridge Marathon relay. Team workaddict(s) made the trek from Florida for some mountain work. This race bills itself as America’s Toughest Road Marathon, and it’s not lying. Though I only ran the first leg (which is actually split into two runs), my teammates and I drove the parts of the course that we could (some is on a road you can’t access and/or on a paved greenway) and compared notes after the race.
Organizers provide transportation for relay members 2-4, via school buses, to their exchange zones (and from in the case of the 2nd runner). You just have to make it to the bus by certain times. If you miss the bus, your team is disqualified.
As with most events, the air is electric. The surroundings are amazing, particularly coming back down Mill Mountain and looking over the city (the champagne didn’t hurt). We met our fourth leg just above the finish chute and ran in together to close it down. After celebrating, we went back to the top of the chute and made a cheer tunnel for other runners.
All in all, the race is as brutal as advertised — in the best ways (all elevation gain/loss that you know going in) — beautiful, and so much fun. We were already talking about making a return trip sometime before we made it back to our hotel room.
If you’ve never participated in the event before, take the time to drive along the course and take in the beauty (and some of the climbs) without the race day blinders. Really, even if you have, I think it’s worth another look. Participate in the shakeout run if you can. Between that run and the expo, you’ll meet all sorts of other runners. By taking in those experiences, my team had several people (runners and not) cheering for us along the race course — sort of by name (cheers of “Hey, Tallahassee!” and “Do work!”)
Unique double marathon!
The double marathon that they organize is quite unique and has a scenic route, extremely supportive race directors, volunteers who are around from 1am till the finish way past 1pm. … MORE
The double marathon that they organize is quite unique and has a scenic route, extremely supportive race directors, volunteers who are around from 1am till the finish way past 1pm. The course is well marked, plenty of well stocked aid stations, belt buckle for the finishers. Roanoke as a city is a wonderful place to visit and the people are very welcoming and friendly as well
Climbing Mountains is Tough Work!
The scenery was beautiful, but it felt like I was either climbing a mountain or speeding quickly down the backside of it. It was the toughest marathon I think I'll … MORE
The scenery was beautiful, but it felt like I was either climbing a mountain or speeding quickly down the backside of it. It was the toughest marathon I think I’ll ever do! Loved the area and the mountain scenery!
Tough but Rewarding race!
Extremely challenging course that includes over 7000 feet of elevation change including three mountains. The race runs up Mill Mountain, Roanoke Mountain, and Peakwood Mountain in addition to several neighborhoods … MORE
Extremely challenging course that includes over 7000 feet of elevation change including three mountains. The race runs up Mill Mountain, Roanoke Mountain, and Peakwood Mountain in addition to several neighborhoods in Roanoke, VA. The race is supported extremely well with over 20 water/aid stations and a huge finish festival that is great for the entire family.