Get ready for a world-class challenge in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. This race has more elevation change than any other road race in America. The course is a celebration of the human spirit, its toughness is only matched only by the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the hospitality you …
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Get ready for a world-class challenge in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. This race has more elevation change than any other road race in America. The course is a celebration of the human spirit, its toughness is only matched only by the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the hospitality you will experience along the way.
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 is the ONLY marathon that runs along the famously scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and proceeds from this non-profit event benefit the parkway and a dozen local charities every year. The full, half, relay and 10k all prove equally challenging yet rewarding on this mountainous course, and all runners are rewarded with a unique finishers’ medals, shirts and local craft beer at the festival-like finish in downtown Roanoke. For those who need even more than just extreme elevation change can run the course twice with the official Blue Ridge Double (sells out annually).
Race day is wrapped up with a lively finishers festival in downtown Roanoke, featuring local craft beer, live music, food trucks, and massages! This year, the event has partnered with the Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival to bring their runners live music all weekend long. The multi-day festival features live performances at 14 venues throughout downtown Roanoke, and culminates with a Saturday headliner at Elmwood Park Amphitheater following the marathon. Racers will get discounted tickets to Saturday night’s concert in Elmwood Park Amphitheater. In addition to the FREE live music throughout race day at the finish line, there’s also a FREE concert on Friday night at Elmwood Park Amphitheater.
This event is owned and operated by the Roanoke Outside Foundation whose mission to make outdoor activity and environmental stewardship a core component of our community’s lifestyle by promoting a “conservation through recreation” philosophy.
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Hot and hilly
The hills I was expecting. The heat was something else. They were experiencing record heat in Roanoke during race week. The organizers did their best to accommodate by locating water … MORE
The hills I was expecting. The heat was something else. They were experiencing record heat in Roanoke during race week. The organizers did their best to accommodate by locating water stops every mile or so. It was around 85 F by the time I finished. The community really shows up for the race which makes it special. Also, the Down by Downtown Music Festival happens the same week.
Super Challenging, Incredible Experience
Roanoke is just under 3.5 hours from where I'm at in North Carolina, so I drove up for the night. I stayed at Spark by Hilton Roanoke Airport, about 10 … MORE
Roanoke is just under 3.5 hours from where I’m at in North Carolina, so I drove up for the night. I stayed at Spark by Hilton Roanoke Airport, about 10 minutes (5 miles) from the race start. The hotel was fine, but there was nothing else around it. They were super accommodating and let me check out at noon instead of 11 a.m., so I could check out some of the post-race festivities and make sure I had enough time to shower before heading home!
Pre-Race Expo/Packet Pick-Up: Packet pick-up was held the day before at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke (the same location as the race) until 8 p.m. I was thankful for the late time since I wasn’t able to leave town until mid-afternoon, and I try to avoid morning pickup.
Difficulty: HARD. I haven’t run many races, but this was by far the most difficult, lol. This race is known as “America’s Toughest Road Race” due to the 3,790 feet of elevation gain/loss. Obviously, this isn’t a fast course; I was told to just take it all in and enjoy the views, so that’s what I did. I walked a few times up the mountain, and it was nice to haul balls down it! I’ve never had that experience before.
Scenery: A two-mile climb up Mill Mountain (and next to the famous Mill Mountain star, which overlooks the Roanoke Valley); residential communities on a two-mile ascent up Peakwood Rd; downtown scenery. Really pretty, and the perfect Virginia race!
Production: There were 860 runners in the half-marathon. The start time was at 7:35 a.m. at Elmwood Park. There was a free parking garage nearby that I used. I got to the race site around 7:05, and it was almost totally full.
Communication was great. Several pre-race emails were sent in the weeks leading up to the race, reiterating the race logistics.
There were SO many aid stations and portapotties- I don’t even know how many, but I definitely didn’t need to bring my own water. Volunteers and spectators were everywhere, and while I usually don’t mind if there’s a lack of spectators, it was really nice having people cheer you on while wondering why you’re running up a mountain for fun 😉
Swag: Included a gender specific race shirt and finishers’ medal. There was an expo where vendors may have been handing out free stuff, but I didn’t really look.
Sightseeing/Extras: Because I got in town around dinnertime and was tired from working that morning and the 3-hour drive up, I didn’t do any sightseeing. I walked around Elmwood Park a bit; they had a festival with live music and food trucks (on both Friday evening and Saturday). It looked fun! I happily went back to the hotel to shower and relax in peace, haha. I would’ve liked to check out more of Roanoke, though, so next time!
Challenging and worth it!
Every single volunteer was so supportive and kind! Everything from the welcome party to the finisher medal is top-notch. This is definitely a difficult course, but you will feel so … MORE
Every single volunteer was so supportive and kind! Everything from the welcome party to the finisher medal is top-notch. This is definitely a difficult course, but you will feel so good when you’re finished knowing you conquered that mountain!
Beautiful Marathon!
Such a great and beautiful race in the mountains in Roanoke - almost all under tree canopy - so pretty with fun finish downtown - is a challenge as it … MORE
Such a great and beautiful race in the mountains in Roanoke – almost all under tree canopy – so pretty with fun finish downtown – is a challenge as it goes over three mountains 🙂 but totally worth it
One Hill of a day.
You want a challenge, this is the Granddaddy of'em all. Tough to discern its greatest challenge: physically or mentally. Regardless of your response, you will get out what you put … MORE
You want a challenge, this is the Granddaddy of’em all. Tough to discern its greatest challenge: physically or mentally.
Regardless of your response, you will get out what you put into this one.
Best race weekend experience
Blue ridge is always one of my fav days of the year but this year was special with the heat. The aid stations, all the volunteers, all the friendly neighborhood … MORE
Blue ridge is always one of my fav days of the year but this year was special with the heat. The aid stations, all the volunteers, all the friendly neighborhood people really went above and beyond to make sure runners could get done. I have participated for five years now. I look forward to it every year. It’s such a challenging but rewarding race. They always have he best race shirts and medals
Challenging race
This is a very challenging course for any distance. It's a group start with all distances starting together. This year there were 2,023 finishers for all distances. They call it … MORE
This is a very challenging course for any distance. It’s a group start with all distances starting together. This year there were 2,023 finishers for all distances. They call it America’s Toughest Road Race or a reason. There is about 860 ft gain in the 10k, 1910 in the half marathon, and 3570 in the full marathon. The race is at a time of the year when it could be cool or warm. The scenery is good and the crowd support for the 10k and half marathon is also very good. There are multiple alcohol opportunities for those wanting a fun race: coming down Mill Mountain one house hands out mimosas, farther down another house hands out Jell-o shots, a few opportunities for beer from homes along the half/full course, and an aid station with a champagne toast at the top of Peakwood Drive climb (half/full). This was my 6th year participating and the 4th year I was not a fan of the race swag which was a cotton T-shirt with a strange design and unflattering shape.
Tough Course, Great Event
Toughest half marathon I have ever attempted. Many hills and two mountains, but outstanding crowd support. Lots of opportunities to have a beverage or snack as you walk up the … MORE
Toughest half marathon I have ever attempted. Many hills and two mountains, but outstanding crowd support. Lots of opportunities to have a beverage or snack as you walk up the huge hills. Roanoke is a fun town and they offer a lot of things to do throughout the weekend.
Local running the BRM for the 1st time!
I've avoided running this race even though it's local for me...but decided I needed a challenge...and the Blue Ridge Marathon DEFINITELY lives up to its reputation of being the toughest … MORE
I’ve avoided running this race even though it’s local for me…but decided I needed a challenge…and the Blue Ridge Marathon DEFINITELY lives up to its reputation of being the toughest road race…That said, I found it to be very well-run and supported. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will be back…
Train Hard work hard
Make sure you train for hills, lots of them. Also have good footwear. The aid stations were nice. This was my first time running this race. It was nice to … MORE
Make sure you train for hills, lots of them. Also have good footwear. The aid stations were nice. This was my first time running this race. It was nice to see the city come together for this event. Lots of people cheering as you go throughout the city.
Hard but worth it!
Love this race. If you want to push your limits and rarely run in the mountains, just do it! I felt a true runner’s high after completing a difficult, but … MORE
Love this race. If you want to push your limits and rarely run in the mountains, just do it! I felt a true runner’s high after completing a difficult, but beautiful course. Weather was ideal this year at 45ish. Small enough race and city that it wasn’t insane at the start line. Good support on the course. Lots of support on the crazy hills! I enjoyed the weekend in Roanoke and definitely recommend this race!
Horrible in the Best Way!
This race was no joke. It is a brutal course that is absolutely stunning and so much fun. Start is easy to get to right downtown. Tons of aid stations … MORE
This race was no joke. It is a brutal course that is absolutely stunning and so much fun. Start is easy to get to right downtown. Tons of aid stations well stocked with a good variety. Super friendly volunteers and community support. Want to return and run the GOAT. Loved this race!
Lived up to its reputation
A real community event with a music festival during the same weekend. Lots of refreshment stations along the way. Even some locals set up unofficial stations in their neighborhoods. Three … MORE
A real community event with a music festival during the same weekend. Lots of refreshment stations along the way. Even some locals set up unofficial stations in their neighborhoods. Three long, very steep hills – two within the first 10-12 miles and one killer at around 20-21 miles. Great food spread at the finish and interesting trophies for the age group winners.
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.