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Marathon Details - Blue Ridge Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > VA > Roanoke > Blue Ridge Marathon

Blue Ridge Marathon

Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon & Half Marathon, Anthem Star 10K, Relay

Roanoke, VA USA

April 12, 2025

http://www.blueridgemarathon.com

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Marathon Results

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2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Local runners have crafted America's Toughest Road Marathons. The full marathon course includes 7,430 feet of total elevation change, more than any of the road race in the US. The uphill portions will test each runner's strength and endurance while the equally challenging downhill sections are sure to weed out the unprepared. The breathtaking views and stunning Blue Ridge Mountain scenery are sure offer some reprieve to runners as they persevere to the finish line! Event is known for its festival like finish with local craft beer, live music, free massages & beautiful scenery.

Contact Information

Name:	Julia Boas, Event Manager
Address:	111 Franklin Plaza, Suite 333 Roanoke, VA 24011
Phone Number:	540.343.1550 (x110)
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (187)

Course 5.0

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.7

Write a review

Number of comments: 187 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 19 > ]

S. C. from Georgia, USA (5/4/2024) "Great course, great organization, so-so spectators" (about: 2024) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I signed up for the Foot Levelers for the challenging course, and I was not disappointed! From Miles 5-9, and 17-19, there are tremendous elevations and descents. The rest of the course is so-so, and meanders through residential areas, parks and such. There are a few areas where one has to cross a road with vehicle traffic, which is made easy by the volunteers. I expected more of the course to be in wooded areas, so the suburban running was disappointing. The spectators in the hills were magnificent, not so much in the city between miles 22 and 26.
H. R. from Maryland, USA (4/18/2022) "If you only ever do ONE race, do this one!" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Blue Ridge Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Absolutely beautiful course, challenging but not impossible (walking is your friend), the views can't be beat. The entire race weekend is well organized and super friendly, cannot recommend highly enough!
T. K. from Fayetteville, NC (4/15/2019) "One of my favorite road marathons" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is challenging and not for heart fainted. The views are spectacular. Outstanding aid stations... Most memorable ladies who offered mimomas and champange with strawberries at the top of Peakwood Dr someting I've never seen before.
S. M. from Simpsonville, South Carolina (4/23/2018) "A Truly Outstanding Race Experience!" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 When I first heard the tag line of 'America's Toughest Road Marathon' I knew I had to give it a try. This race is definitely very tough and by the end you have earned every bit of it. Roanoke really comes together for this race! I loved all the houses with little kids with water or Gatorade in addition to all the official aid stations which were fantastic! I loved the magnitude of each of the 3 mountains! The cheers, the music, it was all wonderful. Then there was the Blue Ridge itself...this is what you come for. The views are stunning and incredible. If you can, stop for a moment and take it all in. Take the mimosas, even if you don't drink them and say 'thank you' for coming out and supporting this amazing marathon. I loved the expo, the city and the 2018 belt buckle medal makes this my new favorite race! No real cons to speak of...the swag is nice. T-shirt, plus socks! I wish the race hats and other souvenirs were cheaper. But this race should be on your list...it's a truly outstanding race experience.
J. S. from Maryland (4/24/2016) "My favorite!" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Blue Ridge Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a top-notch event - it's a gorgeous, very challenging course and the race organizers and volunteers are outstanding. The race director stands at the finish for hours and greets each finisher with a handshake or high five. The locals are also great - the community is extremely supportive. Many residents offer encouragement and treats and some even thank runners for coming to Roanoke to run 'our marathon'. I've run the BRM 5 times, look forward to it each year, and rave about it to anyone who will listen! :)
T. S. from Silver Spring, MD (4/21/2016) "Challenging but spectacular small marathon!" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I absolutely loved this marathon - it was #42 for me, and ranks in my top 5. Yes, it probably is America's Toughest Road marathon, but the amazing views were well worth it. Super friendly volunteers and spectators, and so many little touches that made it unique. Like a trumpet sounding when we got to the top of Roanoke Mt, and champagne and chocolates at the top of the hardest climb (Peakwood, at mile 18). I also appreciated getting stretched out by a chiropractor for free at the finish line festival. These people take care of their runners. For most mere mortals, Blue Ridge isn't a marathon to run for time. The hills will beat you up, especially the downhills. But it was heaps of fun. I'll be back.
L. V. from Southwest Virginia (4/20/2016) "Fun and challenging course with beautiful views" (about: 2016) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I finally got brave enough to run the full marathon after running the half for several years. I'm glad I did it. The course is challenging (roughly 30 minutes longer than a 'flat' 4 hour marathon with equal effort). There aren't as many spectators compared to larger marathons, but the ones that were there were great. Some had mini aid stations like one group handing out watermelon cubes on a stick, others with donuts, and one with espresso. I enjoyed a mimosa after running up Mill Mountain and champagne after reaching the top of Peakwood. The volunteers were very friendly. The views were beautiful and I didn't need to worry about tripping over other runners after the first half mile (unlike Marine Corps where I couldn't take a chance to look at the monuments without tripping or getting stepped on during the first 20 miles). The technical shirts, finisher medals and age group awards were really nice. Adding long hills to my long runs helped make the uphills very reasonable, but the downhills still hurt (both during the race and for several days later). This is a nice bucket list marathon.
L. D. from Virginia (4/20/2016) "Well-organized, beautiful, tough race!" (about: 2016) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Blue Ridge Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the half marathon in 2015 and returned for 2016. This is such a difficult race with nonstop incline/decline. It definitely earns you bragging rights for completing 'America's Toughest.' However, the beauty of running through the Blue Ridge Mountains is unparalleled. There is no feeling like running to the top of Mill Mountain, seeing that star, and looking down over the Roanoke valley! Then you get to run down the other sideso fun! Another highlight is the Peakwood neighborhood. The inclines feel even steeper than Mill Mountain, but the residents are so supportive and encouraging. The whole neighborhood comes out to throw a party for the runners. This is also one of the best organized races I have ever run. There are water stops about every mile and a half, many with food/GU/etc. With a run of this difficulty, you need those frequent water stops. I'm able to leave my handheld water bottle at home without worrying about getting dehydrated. Everyone's name is announced as they cross the finish line, and the race director gives out high fives to all the runners. The race coincides with Roanoke's music festival, so there are bands at the finish line. This will be a yearly event for me!
L. A. from Charlotte NC (4/20/2016) "Best race experience ever!" (about: 2016) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was truly the best race experience I've ever had. From the outstanding organization to the stunning course to the friendly volunteers to the amazing community support Blue Ridge is in a league all its own. I plan to make the BRM an annual event.
Gwendolyn Strutchen from Suffolk, VA (4/20/2016) "I love this race, in spite of the difficulty." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Blue Ridge Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 BRM is my favorite marathon. It's difficult, yet I crave the challenge and I love seeing my time improve year after year. A+ to the organizers. One suggestion, I would recommend giving a Finisher Hat to all finishers in the future.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 19 > ]



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S. C. from Georgia, USA (5/4/2024) "Great course, great organization, so-so spectators" (about: 2024) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I signed up for the Foot Levelers for the challenging course, and I was not disappointed! From Miles 5-9, and 17-19, there are tremendous elevations and descents. The rest of the course is so-so, and meanders through residential areas, parks and such. There are a few areas where one has to cross a road with vehicle traffic, which is made easy by the volunteers. I expected more of the course to be in wooded areas, so the suburban running was disappointing. The spectators in the hills were magnificent, not so much in the city between miles 22 and 26.
H. R. from Maryland, USA (4/18/2022) "If you only ever do ONE race, do this one!" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Blue Ridge Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Absolutely beautiful course, challenging but not impossible (walking is your friend), the views can't be beat. The entire race weekend is well organized and super friendly, cannot recommend highly enough!
T. K. from Fayetteville, NC (4/15/2019) "One of my favorite road marathons" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is challenging and not for heart fainted. The views are spectacular. Outstanding aid stations... Most memorable ladies who offered mimomas and champange with strawberries at the top of Peakwood Dr someting I've never seen before.
S. M. from Simpsonville, South Carolina (4/23/2018) "A Truly Outstanding Race Experience!" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 When I first heard the tag line of 'America's Toughest Road Marathon' I knew I had to give it a try. This race is definitely very tough and by the end you have earned every bit of it. Roanoke really comes together for this race! I loved all the houses with little kids with water or Gatorade in addition to all the official aid stations which were fantastic! I loved the magnitude of each of the 3 mountains! The cheers, the music, it was all wonderful. Then there was the Blue Ridge itself...this is what you come for. The views are stunning and incredible. If you can, stop for a moment and take it all in. Take the mimosas, even if you don't drink them and say 'thank you' for coming out and supporting this amazing marathon. I loved the expo, the city and the 2018 belt buckle medal makes this my new favorite race! No real cons to speak of...the swag is nice. T-shirt, plus socks! I wish the race hats and other souvenirs were cheaper. But this race should be on your list...it's a truly outstanding race experience.
J. S. from Maryland (4/24/2016) "My favorite!" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Blue Ridge Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a top-notch event - it's a gorgeous, very challenging course and the race organizers and volunteers are outstanding. The race director stands at the finish for hours and greets each finisher with a handshake or high five. The locals are also great - the community is extremely supportive. Many residents offer encouragement and treats and some even thank runners for coming to Roanoke to run 'our marathon'. I've run the BRM 5 times, look forward to it each year, and rave about it to anyone who will listen! :)
T. S. from Silver Spring, MD (4/21/2016) "Challenging but spectacular small marathon!" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I absolutely loved this marathon - it was #42 for me, and ranks in my top 5. Yes, it probably is America's Toughest Road marathon, but the amazing views were well worth it. Super friendly volunteers and spectators, and so many little touches that made it unique. Like a trumpet sounding when we got to the top of Roanoke Mt, and champagne and chocolates at the top of the hardest climb (Peakwood, at mile 18). I also appreciated getting stretched out by a chiropractor for free at the finish line festival. These people take care of their runners. For most mere mortals, Blue Ridge isn't a marathon to run for time. The hills will beat you up, especially the downhills. But it was heaps of fun. I'll be back.
L. V. from Southwest Virginia (4/20/2016) "Fun and challenging course with beautiful views" (about: 2016) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I finally got brave enough to run the full marathon after running the half for several years. I'm glad I did it. The course is challenging (roughly 30 minutes longer than a 'flat' 4 hour marathon with equal effort). There aren't as many spectators compared to larger marathons, but the ones that were there were great. Some had mini aid stations like one group handing out watermelon cubes on a stick, others with donuts, and one with espresso. I enjoyed a mimosa after running up Mill Mountain and champagne after reaching the top of Peakwood. The volunteers were very friendly. The views were beautiful and I didn't need to worry about tripping over other runners after the first half mile (unlike Marine Corps where I couldn't take a chance to look at the monuments without tripping or getting stepped on during the first 20 miles). The technical shirts, finisher medals and age group awards were really nice. Adding long hills to my long runs helped make the uphills very reasonable, but the downhills still hurt (both during the race and for several days later). This is a nice bucket list marathon.
L. D. from Virginia (4/20/2016) "Well-organized, beautiful, tough race!" (about: 2016) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Blue Ridge Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the half marathon in 2015 and returned for 2016. This is such a difficult race with nonstop incline/decline. It definitely earns you bragging rights for completing 'America's Toughest.' However, the beauty of running through the Blue Ridge Mountains is unparalleled. There is no feeling like running to the top of Mill Mountain, seeing that star, and looking down over the Roanoke valley! Then you get to run down the other sideso fun! Another highlight is the Peakwood neighborhood. The inclines feel even steeper than Mill Mountain, but the residents are so supportive and encouraging. The whole neighborhood comes out to throw a party for the runners. This is also one of the best organized races I have ever run. There are water stops about every mile and a half, many with food/GU/etc. With a run of this difficulty, you need those frequent water stops. I'm able to leave my handheld water bottle at home without worrying about getting dehydrated. Everyone's name is announced as they cross the finish line, and the race director gives out high fives to all the runners. The race coincides with Roanoke's music festival, so there are bands at the finish line. This will be a yearly event for me!
L. A. from Charlotte NC (4/20/2016) "Best race experience ever!" (about: 2016) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Blue Ridge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was truly the best race experience I've ever had. From the outstanding organization to the stunning course to the friendly volunteers to the amazing community support Blue Ridge is in a league all its own. I plan to make the BRM an annual event.
Gwendolyn Strutchen from Suffolk, VA (4/20/2016) "I love this race, in spite of the difficulty." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Blue Ridge Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 BRM is my favorite marathon. It's difficult, yet I crave the challenge and I love seeing my time improve year after year. A+ to the organizers. One suggestion, I would recommend giving a Finisher Hat to all finishers in the future.

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Marathon Details - Blue Ridge Marathon