Blue Ridge Marathon
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Event Overview
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon takes place in Roanoke, Virginia, and features a variety of road races through mountainous terrain. The event is characterized by significant elevation changes, with the full marathon offering a total gain and loss of 7,430 feet. This event is the only marathon permitted to run along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Participants can choose from several distances and formats:
- 52.4 miles (Double Marathon)
- 26.2 miles (Full Marathon)
- 26.2 miles (Four-person Marathon Relay)
- 13.1 miles (Half Marathon)
- 10 km (Star 10k)
- 5 km (Sunday Slow-K)
- 1 mile (Family Run)
Course Details
The marathon course is USATF certified and limited to 750 participants. Runners must adhere to specific time requirements, including a total 7.5-hour cut-off and a 6-hour cut-off at the 22-mile mark. The relay option allows teams of four to divide the course into segments ranging from 3.8 to 9.3 miles, covering hilly and mountainous terrain. Hydration and nutrition stations are placed along the route providing specific electrolyte and gel products.
Participant Information
Finishers receive a medal and a shirt. The post-race area in downtown Roanoke features a festival atmosphere with local craft beer. The event is managed by the Roanoke Outside Foundation, a non-profit organization, and proceeds support the Blue Ridge Parkway and local charities. Virtual options are also available for the marathon, half marathon, and 10k distances, which must be completed on the official courses in Roanoke. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
