Back to Blue Ridge Marathon Information & Reviews
Katherine Ericsson from Roanoke, Virginia
(4/24/2013)
"Great half marathon and well organized race." (about: 2013)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I loved the half marathon course - challenging but not killer. I could enjoy a beautiful spring day and the scenic route while running one of my best 13.1 races. Tackling the mountain first made the rest of the race enjoyable. Everything was incredibly organized, especially post race events. | |
R. T. from Lusby, Maryland
(4/24/2013)
"Great event, great support, beautiful setting" (about: 2013)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The event was well organized, the course was as challenging as advertised and the volunteers were great. Roanoke is a beautiful city, worth coming back to whether for the race or just a vacation. | |
J. P. from Columbus, Ohio
(4/24/2013)
"Top Notch - Must Do!" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As all have gathered by now the course is quite the challenge but well worth it! Views are amazing, support along the course and aid stations are outstanding. Neighbors in residential areas very supportive and fun, thanks for the frozen grapes. Volunteers are awesome as are those proving traffic control and security for all. The Race Director is there greeting every runner and that says more than words. Roanoke is a great place to relax after the race, lots of community spirit. This is a must do race, you won't regret it. Just know its a challenge. | |
C. D. from Blacksburg, VA
(4/24/2013)
"Verry well organized, great community support" (about: 2013)
4-5 previous marathons
| 4-5 Blue Ridge Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have done the Half every year that it has been held and it just keeps getting better. I do like the original route as opposed to the flood route. its a great event and gives me something to work for during the winter months 'after hunting season' thanks again! | |
K. C. from Boone, NC
(4/24/2013)
"The course is beautiful and perfectly challenging" (about: 2013)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course was beautiful, weather was amazing. There were tons of generous spectators with awesome signs, treats, and words or encouragement | |
J. W. from St. Petersburg, Florida
(4/24/2013)
"An outstanding event in all respects." (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first time experiencing the Blue Ridge Marathon actually the half-marathon. Being a Florida flatlander, I anticipated the climbs and descents with some trepidation. The trepidation was justified, but so what? I can do a flat half-marathon anytime. I wanted a harder test, and that is what I got, and no regrets. Besides, the scenery was worth the effort! I'm now a big fan of the event, and have begun to toy with the idea of doing the 26.2 next year. I thought the race was wonderfully organized from the packet pick-up through the pre-race dinner to the start to the finish. Loved the quick unofficial results being posted near the finish. Great aid stations, enthusiastic, clear about what they were offering. Powerful emotional lift from the three speakers Friday night. Great job, folks! | |
David Jacobs from Salem, VA
(4/23/2013)
"It is a wonderful race with great scenes & people" (about: 2013)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 Blue Ridge Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It is a challenging race that will test your limits but give you a great race experience. I have lived in Roanoke/Salem all my life and its it really nice small city that puts on a one of a kinda Marathon. The challenge of the ups and downs of the 2 mountains, plus the added ending of another hilly climb makes for a one of a kind race. I have run it 3 times now and will again next year. | |
T. S. from Scranton, PA
(4/22/2013)
"Beauty and the Beast" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race sold itself on the level of difficulty and the beauty of the course. Marathon promoters often overstate the virtue of their races and understate the drawbacks. This race lives up the hype. The course was indeed difficult but still very enjoyable if prepared for properly. I would rate as the toughest, but also most enjoyable marathon I have run. The vistas were breathtaking and added much motivation on the climbs. Roanoke was a great host city. The expo, registration, dinner, pre-race, on-course support and post-race activities are all A+. An extremely organized and well-executed event. The RD is super-high energy and congratulated all finishers. Class act. The Legends dinner was a once in a lifetime thrill for marathoners. It was great to hear from people who defined this sport for so much of recent history. If you are looking for a marathon that is unlike the others, pick this one! The medal could not be improved upon, great ribbon and medallion. The specatators were sparse on Roanoke and Mill Mountains, which is fine, added to the serenity of the run. However, I will note that one kind lady offered a mimosa at her mountainside mansion,(Thanks for that!). The spectators on Peakwood and through the rest of the course were great. Only thing I would change with the swag is to somehow incorporate the course profile on the front of the shirt. However, it was on the back in the logo. Sign up for this and head for the mountains! | |
J. H. from Roanoke, Va
(4/22/2013)
"Fantastic and getting better by the year!" (about: 2013)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Blue Ridge Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 An amazing event. So cool seeing the Legends: Shorter, Yasso and Rodgers at our race. Tough but beautiful course with great organization thanks in large part to Molly and Matt Bullington. When do we register for next year? | |
Ben Pittsley from Lexington, VA
(4/22/2013)
"A Must Do Race!!" (about: 2013)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I can't begin to explain how amazing this marathon was. This capped off my marathon season and I had an absolute blast. The course was amazing and the spectators though sparse in some areas were fantastic. They were so enthusiastic in the Aid stations that it was like a noise tunnel that relay gave you an extra boost. I have to give it to the organizers because this was one of the most well run races I've ever been in. Their efforts to honor Boston were also greatly appreciated as well. All in all, if you are thinking about running this race, stop thinking and sign up. You will not regret it! |
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