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☰
Blue Ridge Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Blue Ridge Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 5.0 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 4.7
Number of comments: 187 [displaying comments 41 to 51]
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R. P. from Christiansburg, Va
(4/22/2015)
"Great race, atmosphere, and scenery!" (about: 2015)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Blue Ridge Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the fourth Blue Ridge race I have participated in, the second time running the full. This race is a challenge, the reputation of being America's toughest road marathon is spot on. However, this is my favorite race year in and year out because of the organization, scenery, volunteers, and the fans. The mountains are worth the climb as the views are spectacular. The festival that follows with music, food, and drinks is very well done. This is truly a bucket list marathon, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a challenge! Train hard but have fun! | |
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A. M. from Holly Springs, NC
(4/22/2015)
"Tough, but amazing race." (about: 2015)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is by far the most difficult marathon I have ever run, but it is definitely my favorite. I can't say enough positive things about this race. The organization, the views, the volunteers, and the spectators - all wonderful! Everyone should put this race on their bucket list, but be warned, you will want to do it more than once. I am definitely going back in 2016!! | |
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J. P. from Fredericksburg, VA.
(4/22/2015)
"Tough, beautiful and well-organized" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 These guys go above and beyond!! The organization was great, the community was awesome and go all out for you. Local law enforcement helping the event was a definite plus; they were all supportive and cheerful. | |
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D. D. from Richmond, VA
(4/20/2015)
"Challenging but rewarding course" (about: 2015)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The 2015 Blue Ridge Marathon was my sixth marathon and now stands as my favorite. As it is made perfectly clear, this course is not easy and is not a marathon people should run without training. With that being said, here is my assessment: Pros: 1. Creative, challenging course 2. Beautiful scenery throughout the entire race 3. Amazing support throughout the entire race. I cannot emphasize enough how great the volunteers were and how much water, gu, food, etc. is provided throughout the race. It is by-far the most supportive race I have ever run. 4. Saturday morning packet pickup was available. 5. Race organization was perfect and the course was clearly marked. Cons: 1. Although it was a minor cost, runners had to pay extra for pace alerts for family and friends. 2. Random discounts were provided throughout the year, making me question whether there was any advantage to registering early. Those are the only two issues I identified. As you can see, all of the good things about it are what most runners actually care about. Kudos race organizers! Honestly, this race was great. I highly recommend it. | |
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David Hurley from Roanoke, VA
(5/11/2014)
"27 1/2 hr MARATHON" (about: 2014)
50+ previous marathons
| 4-5 Blue Ridge Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Yes, I was the oldest marathon runner. Yes, I went down approaching Mile 25. Out of 73 marathons including the 50 states, Boston 4 times and Salt Lake City in July, I had never become dehydrated. The Jesus Saves Hill really did me in that Saturday. Last year, my time was 5:16 and this year I would have finished in 7:30. I am not offering any excuses but I had a tumor removed from my bladder in February that was cancerous. I was in the middle of BCG chemical treatments when I got an infection and was put on high powered antibiotics. The bottom line is that I should not have run but it is such a great marathon that I did not want to miss it since I have run it from the beginning. The good news is that I have finished the chemical treatments and my doctor has assured me that I have to find another way to leave this world. That Saturday, I thought it was going to be from running Blue Ridge. The medics in the ambulance told me that I was finished for the day as they escorted me to a medical tent. However, they did not say I could not finish it the next day. A friend took me to the spot on Wasena Bridge where I went down and I finished the marathon Sunday morning at 11:00. The finish line was still standing and a friend took my picture. I love this marathon and I really want to run it again in 2015. Thanks to Pete his committee, sponsors, fans Channel 7, and all those in the community that have made this marathon the success it is today. To show you one example that this marathon has character. Before I asked, Pete had a finisher's medal in the mail to me after 27 1/2 hrs. I met so many great runners that day. When I went down, a lady who had to be an angel stopped her car in the middle of Main Street on the bridge to hand someone a cold bottle of water to give to me before the medics arrived. Yes, I will be eagerly training for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon next year. | |
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D. P. from Richmond, VA
(5/5/2014)
"America's Toughest Road Marathon" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Blue Ridge Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Over the last year, this went from very cool local race to world class event. The new start/finish line and race organization were impeccable. The shirt and medal (belt buckle) are awesome. The volunteers were so fun and helpful. The community around this race, the social media team, and the crowd that runs it are all amazing. It is hard to believe this is only the 6th year for this race. And there is the course itself. It is absolutely beautiful and brutal. As you would think, there are serious hills and mountains. You will NOT get a PR here, but you will get a sense of accomplishment. It starts and ends downtown Roanoke, but climbs some of the most beautiful mountains in the country. This race has everything. If Boston is the holy grail for fast marathoners, this is the holy grail for crazy tough marathoners. This is my all-time favorite race. Thank you so much, Blue Ridge Marathon! | |
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J. S. from Charlottesville, Virginia
(5/2/2014)
"Challenging, beautiful and FUN!" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Blue Ridge Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I can't say enough wonderful things about this race! It is well organized, the course is extremely challenging, but the community and volunteers really come together to make it special (champagne toasts, a bagpiper on top of Roanoke Mountain, locals handing out candy and coffee and mimosas...)They did a great job creating excitement on social media. The medals, t-shirts and prizes were FANTASTIC, and the race pics, which came out phenomenal, were FREE! This is hands down my favorite marathon. | |
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M. S. from Pittsburgh, PA
(5/1/2014)
"It is what they say it is." (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Blue Ridge Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 No the expo isn't very large, no you don't get that much swag. But what do you get? Never mind that you get the tremendous challenge and beauty of this course; I was one of those crazy people who woke up in the middle of the night to run the course with a small group, just to finish in time to run the real thing. Understandably I was going quite slow for the actual race. Now I have run at least 25 other marathons, and many of the volunteers at those races have been good, but the Blue Ridge volunteers were in another class. As I walked through so many of the water stops, I was rooted on so enthusiastically that it was almost embarassing. I think the volunteers almost singlehandedly gave me the strength to finish the actual marathon. The townspeople were also incredible. That plus a race director who responds to questions immediately make this a must do race for anyone who is serious about marathons, but also amazingly enough would be a great first marathon for somebody who doesn't mind walking for parts of it and enjoying scenery. | |
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R. E. from Staunton, VA
(5/1/2014)
"Really hard, but rewarding race!" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 10th marathon, but first Blue Ridge. I was very impressed with the organization. There always seemed to be water/gatorade/food available when I needed it and there was a great party at the finish line. Between the gorgeous views, fun descents, and friendly neighborhoods this is one of my favorites and I will deifnitely be back! It was also BY FAR the hardest marathon I've run, but I trained for the mountains. If you train properly, you can really enjoy it, and it just makes the finish line that much more enjoyable. | |
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James Towey from Glen Allen, VA
(4/30/2014)
"The" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Blue Ridge Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run 44 marathons, including 2 BRMs, and this may be my favorite. This is a marathon for runners who want to put their physical AND MENTAL strengths to the test. It is clear that this race is planned and organized by people who know what marathoners want (at least those not seeking a PR). With the new course change and great finish area, I really don't think it can get any better. The uphills are exhausting and the downhills are painful but that's what you come here for so deal with it and enjoy the scenery. |
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