This race was absolutely beautiful and the volunteers and spectators were amazing. They sat out in the freezing rain for hours to cheer on the racers. It was truly a great experience and I'd recommend it to anyone.

I've completed this marathon twice, each time in under 4 hours. And I don't even know what my VO2 max is! You don't have to be a training freak to do this one. It's tough, but not as tough as they make it sound. Come on and sign up! See for yourselves.

How do I even begin? This event rocked; it may be smaller-sized, but it was one fo the best-organized events I have run to date. The staff, and volunteers, are what make this race so successful. The course rocked also; I love the challenging climbs, and screaming downhills. I'll be back to do this one again. Great work and see you in 2012.

JP - one of the 3 DOUBLE marathon finishers of 2011.

I was so glad I ran this. The hills and course were beautiful and challenging and it was a very rewarding experience that increased my confidence to tackle hills and rainy weather. This was state number 21 for me and I am so glad I took the challenge. Don't miss this race - a home run in all respects.

This is a MUST for anyone who enjoys a challenge and/or roller coasters. The only thing missing is a loop de loop. This will be a highlight of your running career.

My first half marathon. Volunteers were absolutely incredible and the course was great.

The organization, volunteers, and the course design all makes me proud to live in Roanoke. I am proud to have run this marathon for two years. It is a difficult course; however, for me the Grizzly in Montana and the Marathon of Wild Horses in Green River, WY are more difficult.

If you would like a positive marathon running experience, you should consider this one in 2012.

I have run in 2 marathons and 8 halfs, and heard a lot of griping about ticky tack things. Even though the weather was so bad it was funny, I have not heard one complaint about this race! Blue Ridge is hands down the best race I have been in! I ran it both last year and this year (perfect weather and not so perfect weather) and have to say that all the positive comments are well deserved. This is a must-run race!

Marathon #97 and Blue ridge #2. A great course despite the 3 mountains. Gives the runner a great deal of satisfaction at the end. Good aid stations, enthusiastic volunteers, beautiful scenery, well organized, lots of liquid (not rain) and plenty of GU and munchies. Great effort in the rain by both volunteers and runners. Will return again next year.

What a great race in a great town with so many nice people. Themla Chicken and Waffle sum it up for me. "Welcome to the Family." You feel like it's your home town. Tough course; still feeling it today.