Blue Ridge Relay
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Event Overview
The Blue Ridge Relay is a long-distance team running event that spans approximately 208 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. The course follows a point-to-point route starting at Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia and concluding at a brewery in Asheville, North Carolina. Participants compete in teams ranging from 4 to 12 runners, rotating through 36 different transition areas along the journey.
Course Details
The race begins at an elevation of 4,920 feet near Mount Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia. The route incorporates a variety of terrain and scenic landmarks, including:
- 208 Miles: The total distance covered by each team over 36 legs.
The path utilizes scenic country roads and includes specialized sections such as 20 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway and 14 miles alongside the New River. The course also winds along the south shoulder of Grandfather Mountain and features sections on one-lane gravel roads through mountain hollows and Christmas tree farms.
Locations and Finish
The relay passes through numerous small towns and hamlets, including Jefferson, Boone, Blowing Rock, and Spruce Pine. The final destination is the Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, where the finish line is located in a meadow area equipped with food trucks and outdoor seating.
Team Categories
Participants can register in two main team formats based on the number of runners: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- 7-12 Runners: A standard team covering the full distance.
- 4-6 Runners: A smaller team covering the full distance.
