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.

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!

The course was beautiful, weather was amazing. There were tons of generous spectators with awesome signs, treats, and words or encouragement

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!

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.

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!

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?

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!

The organizers of this event did an amazing job with all of the festivities. The energy was electric! It was simply amazing. I would highly recommmend this marathon to everyone.

This was an absolutely flawless race. The organization was beyond expectations, the course is beautiful and challenging, and the crowd was fun. I think this could be an iconic marathon. Boston is the gold standard for speedy marathoners, this should be the gold standard for tough marathoners. Here are my highlights:
- The security and organization was impeccable. A great response, considering what happened in Boston just days earlier.
- The course is beautiful! Since this isn't a course you will get a PR, I recommend carrying a camera and enjoying the amazing views.
- This is a challenge. It is very helpful training on these mountains, if possible. If you are from far away, try driving the course the day before so you know what you are in for.
- Peakwood was so absurdly challenging, I could only laugh at it. After the first 16 tough miles, Peakwood was just evil (and I mean that in the best possible way).
- I have never seen so many water/gu stops and porta-potties on a marathon course!
- The spectators were rather sparse, but incredibly friendly and encouraging.
- I very much enjoyed shaking the race director's hand as I crossed the finish line.
- Great tee shirt and medal. I love the 'America's Toughest Road Marathon' tagline.
- My only suggestion for the race would be (and not to sound like a snob), to do something a little different for the full marathoners. In this particular race, the full marathon is SO MUCH harder than the half.
- I ran this as a 'bucket list' marathon, something to do once. But I will absolutely be back next year.