Blue Ridge Marathon - Race Reviews

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.

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!

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.

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.

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! :)

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

'America's Toughest Road Marathon' was not easy, but the views made the climbs well worth the effort! Extremely well supplied and supported by happy and helpful volunteers. Roads were virtually empty of cars. The start and finish venue was excellent. Nice that this tied in with a music festival. Locals were quite welcoming. I'll be back!

I saw the Blue Ridge Marathon advertised last year but I was scared away because of the mountains. After hearing others repeatedly say what a challenging but fun race this is, I was convinced I had to sign up. I am only a few days post-race and my only question is, When is the sign up for next year? I am from the flatlands so this was challenging, but I have a sense of accomplishment like no other race! I will be back!

Without a doubt the best all around race, From the expo to the entertainment on Friday - Saturday night. The amount of detail put into race weekend is by far the best I've seen. Race day went off like they have done it a hundred times. The course lived up to it name as it keep you climbing or flying down. The course was so supported by not only the organizer but the locals went above and beyond. I can't wait for 2017. Thank You!

Small town race, crowd support is always stellar! The views are incredible and the challenge of this race brought me back! Post race support equally amazing and the race director congratulated each and every runner. An organization that truly loves it's runners. Very personable and approachable.

From packet pick up to awards, this set of races has everything a runner could want.. Cool shirt, rave swag from Farm to Feet and Foot Levelers. It gets better every year. The Star 10k is my favorite.

VIP dinner was very yummy and allowed a very unique and descriptive preview of the race courses!! Weather was amazing!! Views from the higher elevations were outstanding!! Residents of Roanoke know how to keep runners motivated!! Best race crew ever because the race director gives awesome hugs!! Course markings were all on point and LOVED the blingy belt buckle medals!!!!

I've run Chicago, Boston, and Disney World and this marathon did not disappoint when compared to these. Their race day app was amazing, support was great, lots of gel / water stations, and the course was indeed 'america's hardest'. Be prepared for the downhills, they are harder than the uphills!

Such a well organized race from packet pickup to finish line festivities. The course was lovely and clearly marked, lined with positive spectators, plenty of gorgeous views, lots of aid and water stations. Parking is easy and there is plenty to do in the immediate location when you're finished running and ravenous for good food. This race brings runners from many far away places, yet feels like a hometown event; and the expo/finish festival offer great swag for those brave enough to tackle the mountains. My only qualm is with the medal - would have loved to see a design that captured more of the uniqueness to this race.

This was the most challenging thing I've done and I loved every minute of it! The race is very well organized and the course support is exceptional! This city knows how to host and support a race!

2nd year and already planning for year 3! Amazing race spectacular views on the full. Water stops all the way and fully staffed with awesome volunteers!!

Great Race that everyone has to experience. My only complaint is that lack of pizza at the end. Having pizza show up every thirty minutes is ridiculous. By time I realized there even was pizza and made my way back to the tent it was all gone.

I have ran the half for three years now, and each year has been nothing but a great experience. The course is an amazing tour of the city, and the organizers and spectators are incredible. The shirts for the race are always cool, too!

It is an unbelievable feeling to cross the finish line! The entire time during the 1/2 marathon, I kept telling myself 'this is amazing!' The race is very organized and Elmwood Park is a great location for beginning and ending the race. See you on the course again next year!

It was hard with long steep downhills. Plenty of water, snacks, porti-potties and post race services.

I just finished my fifth Blue Ridge Marathon and it gets better every year! It is a tough course, but it is designed for runners all the way. Aid stations are perfectly spaced and the crowd support is unbelievable. I am already planning for next year. I give the highest possible recommendation for this marathon!

This was my fifth marathon overall, but first Blue Ridge Marathon. As a native of Roanoke, I wanted to return, and knew it would be a terrific challenge. I was not disappointed. It was the hardest race I have yet done, but a beautiful course, and first rate organization. Now that I have done it, I would like to do it again with improved preparation and training.

The only thing I would comment on was there wasn't enough pizza for everyone. This was VERY minor in my book as I wouldn't have had any either way, I can't eat it after a race. This was an AWESOME race and I will be back. I ran the half.

Well run event.

Loved being able to park close and run the challenging, scenic course. Volunteers were numerous, and aid stations plentiful for this race. Overall fantastic.

This marathon was the perfect marathon. By the time I reached the finish line, I felt like I had just gotten off a roller coaster. The runners are there for a purpose and that is to race. The temperatures, the hills, the volunteers, the officers all made it an incredible race.

Have run the Full twice. This year was my first half here. Live in a very flat area now and my legs did not love the downhills. The course is beautiful and Roanoke, VA is a great little city. Absolutely consider this race.

I have run 7 marathons, 20+ half and countless sub 13.1 distance races in the past 6 years. By far this was the most challenging course ever. And this is the most well organized event as well, with plenty of hydration stops and availability of gu / bananas / oranges. There was a lot of good energy coming from the spectators and volunteers throughout the race. And there was more than enough enthusiastic volunteers around the whole time.

I absolutely love this marathon, and it gets better every year. I have zero complaints about this race (though my quads might disagree). The race organization is flawless. Logistics are easy. The town and music festival are welcoming. The volunteers are beyond helpful, and also extremely friendly and supportive. The course is beautiful and challenging (which might be an understatement). Due to the tough course, I have never seen another race with such a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment. This race is quickly gaining momentum as an experience that attracts runners from around the country. This is not a typical marathon, and has become my annual favorite race.

The same way as there is no way to prepare yourself with this tough course, unless you live in Roanoke, there is also no way to prepare yourself for how nice this town is, unless you live there too. The 1000s of volunteers and spectators, to the scores of EMT and Police Officers that help made the 'toughest road marathon in America' feel like a walk in the park. So what if the park happens to be a very hilly Blue Ridge PARKway, the city's sunny southern hospitality made this 'Yankee' feel right at home. I have run dozens of marathons in the east coast from VT to FL, and this marathon is definitely in my top 3.

Having run over 90 ultras and 30ish marathons, I must say this was one of the most organized and fun event have participated in. Do yourself a favor and do not wear headphones: the volunteers, spectators and communities provide excellent cheering and music on their own. Very welcoming and fun. Tough? Only because there are hills and it is a marathon. Everything else was fun & easy. (By the way, if you are like me and like hills & this distance, those are fun too).

Coming from someone who is used to racing mostly 5k's and smaller events, the Blue Ridge Marathon was an incredible experience for me. I had never run a marathon before Saturday, but I'm so glad I chose this one as my first. I placed second in the race and must say that one of my favorite things was being right behind the WDBJ7 lead vehicle for the first half when the eventual winner and I were still battling it out. It gave me a rush of adrenaline and made the race feel even more 'big-time' to have that kind of news coverage for the event. I have nothing to compare it to since Blue Ridge was my first marathon, but I really did think the course was very well put together and challenging. Kudos to Pete and everyone else who worked many hours to make this race run as smoothly as it did. Only being in it's 6th year, the Blue Ridge Marathon seems to be a well-oiled machine. My only small complaint is that around mile 22-23 there weren't many spectators around. I'm not sure if they just didn't really know about the race in that specific area or hadn't come out yet, but around Highland Avenue before you cross the bridge to run down to the greenway I was really feeling rough and could've used a little extra support. But like I said, maybe it was just me in 'no-man's land', and they came out after I had already passed by. Also, I heard a couple other runners talking about maybe re-organizing the aid stations more strategically over the last 5-6 miles or so, and I agree with that for the most part. Overall, I thought the spectators were amazing. Other than my little nitpick, I felt an incredible sense of support throughout the race from the crowds, especially in South Roanoke going up Peakwood. Great stuff! Also, the aid stations were awesome in general as well. The GU around mile 20 probably saved my life. Again, I wouldn't have wanted my first marathon experience to go any other way. Thanks to everyone who made the Blue Ridge Marathon a huge success and I look forward to the future of this race. Maybe I'll come back and try to win the overall title next year, pending a decision to run Boston or not. I'll definitely plan on running this race a few more times in my lifetime and will be excited to see how the event continues to grow.

This was my 5th marathon and 1st Blue Ridge Marathon. I've lived in Roanoke my whole life but it took me 5 years to get up the courage to attempt this race. I'm so glad that I did. Even though it got kind of hot....up to about 85 by the finish......it was a good challenge the entire time. I had trained well and on the course over the past few months which gave me an edge and I felt good. The water stops were well placed and the crowd support was pretty amazing, even on the greenway in places which I found surprising! There is no more elating of a feeling than crossing that finishline knowing you just ran America's toughest road marathon! And, I did it in my goal time of under 5 hours at 4:52!! I was really stoked! Highly recommended for marathoners who enjoy a good challenge, mad bragging rights, and a proud memorable race experience! :-)