Blue Ridge Marathon Reviews

  Awesome city! Awesome race!

By Dan Werner about 2024

Review

HUGE challenge! Over 7000 feet of elevation gain/loss, multiple mountains to run! "Race to complete not compete." But then you have conquered "America's toughest road marathon!"

Race Tips

Huge mountains to climb. Work on hill training.

It is congested at the beginning and in the first mile when you start up the first mountain climb since the full marathon, the half, and the 10k all start at the same time and start off on the same route.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stay to enjoy the free concerts!

  The GOAT of races!

By Ben W about 2022

Review

This was my fourth year running the Blue Ridge Half and it did not disappoint. The expo was set up at the Start Finish area in Elmwood park and had a great market feel to it with the layout. There were free concerts going on next door at the amphitheater. The food truck choices were good but not really day before race fuel so I walked about 2 blocks to Jack Browns for a burger and sweet potato fries. I always eat a burger the night before a race, I'm not a fan of the pasta sitting on me all night. I stayed nearby at a nice Air BnB in a quiet neighborhood.

Race day, I got to the finish an hour early and parked in a nearby garage and met up with several friends. The course is challenging for a half with over 1700' elevation gain and the climbing starts early. Those climbs are rewarded with beautiful views overlooking the town and nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The town comes out and cheers and has block parties so it has a great feeling. The water stops are well stocked and everyone is encouraging and friendly.

After crossing the finish you're back at the park and the packet pick up tent is now the food and beverage tent. There's recovery tables set up with local PT doing massages, and rolling what hurts. The award ceremony happens between bands in the amphitheater.

Over all, this is one of my favorite races and I'm already looking forward to 2023!

Race Tips

Take your time, this is not a BQ race. This race is all about proving to yourself that you can do anything.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Book your room early and there are plenty of restaurants downtown to eat at.

  Ridiculously difficult but so much fun!

By SB about 2019

Review

This is my favorite race. Ever. I love just how crazy hard it is to run up a mountain, and I love the people and the city and the view and the star.

Race Tips

Just Do It!

  Everything It's Billed As

By MR about 2018

Review

As challenging as it's advertised to be, the scenery is gorgeous and the support is fantastic, proof that "southern hospitality" is real. The aid stations were fabulous, with lots of friendly volunteers, even some at scenic points to take your picture, bananas, oranges at many, and although the crowds weren't huge, they were wonderfully friendly and supportive all along the way.

Race Tips

I notice the description says there are no pace groups, but this year there were, and although I couldn't keep up with mine, for as long as I did the pacer was great. Do the best you can to train for hills because they are huge and nonstop, and as others have said, this is not a race for a PR for most of us. Just enjoy the views, the experience and the camaraderie of your fellow runners whom I found to be as friendly and nice as in any race I've done.

  

By kmo about 2017

Review

Very tough road marathon with lots of steep hills that just kept on coming! Excellent race support with frequent aid stations including food at several stops, well-trained volunteers, and a scenic course. End of course food pizza and fruit, nothing special. Nice shirt, medal, and running socks.

Race Tips

Steep hills may best be tackled with a run/walk. Even the downhills are tough, some pretty steep.

10k, half, and full marathoners start together, then split off.

  

By Art about 2016

Review

Town gets behind the event. There is a pre/post activities. Runners are pretty friendly and medals tend to have multiple uses (belt buckles, bottle openers, etc.)

Race Tips

As advertised, very hilly. The first Half is the most beautiful course I have ever seen. Despite hills, the course does travel greenways, which includes some of the latter miles.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

A few hotels downtown are within walking distance. Plan on staying Friday night thru Sunday, because there is so much going on.

  

By jb about 2015

Review

Beautiful and challenging course. SOOO well organized, it was a joy to be a part of this event. They even have a champagne stop along the full marathon course, and the finish festival was relaxing but fun. Would totally recommend this race to anyone!!

Race Tips

Just take it easy. This course has the most elevation of any other road race in the US. This race is about getting to the finish line, don't expect a PR.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Amazing downtown in Roanoke. Such a cool vibe, great restaurants and nightlife, really nice hotels and everything is pretty affordable. They even have a music festival of some sort with free live concerts all within walking distance of the start/finish line. I would recommend making a weekend out of it.