Having run 70 marathons, this is near the top of my favorite marathons. I thought I was doing fine until a lady runner who had completed Boston on Monday, ran the course at 2:30 AM passed me during the regular marathon. I am already eager to run it in 2014 for my 5th year.

I knew that this would be 'America's toughest road marathon'. I was not disappointed, there were hills, hills and even more hills. They almost killed me but fantastic volunteeres kept me alive. Thank you Roanoke for a great race!

This is a very challenging, fun course with spectacular views from the top of the mountain. The volunteers and organization of the race were great. I have run this race twice and they make improvements each year. The water stations and volunteers along the way were wonderful and they had great refreshments at the end - loved the chocolate milk :)

Tough but beautiful course

Beautiful course. Challenging but worth the personal reward! Great staff, well organized.

This was my first half marathon, I have to say I did not train for it I am not a runner that runs everyday, I work out alot cardio and weights. I ran 3 miles 4 weeks before the event I did not train for it I don't recomend doing the race with out traning like I did It is a hard race.I had so much fun the staff was wounderful to work with the runners were so nice and incouraged me when they would pass me.I had the best time it was hard I will say that I even finished with a time I was proud of sence I did not train for it. I will do this race again because the people were so nice and I have never seen so much help and incouragement in a sport as I did this marathon. I have started running this race gave me a passion to do so. Thank you all I loved the race for my first half marathon I picked Americas Toughest Road Course I am glad I did it was a wounderful experience.

This is a TOUGH course with three major climbs and multiple smaller climbs, but it was worthwhile. The scenery is gorgeous with mountain views of blooming dogwood and redbud trees. The race organization is excellent and the spectators are enthusiastic. This race course is challenging but it was worth the extra effort to reach the finish line. I want to thank the RD, staff, volunteers and spectators for making this a great race.

A tough, but first class race. Well organized and well run.

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.

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.