As the first-ever Blue Ridge Marathon and half marathon wound up on Saturday, it seemed there were runners milling about everywhere downtown. Many wore the medals given out for finishing around their neck; others talked about how difficult the course was. Some ate oranges or other complimentary post-race snacks; others drank water and generally reveled in what was for a day at least, a runner’s paradise.
Tim Sykes of Blacksburg may have crossed the finish line first, completing the 26.2 mile course in 2 hours, 42 minutes and 16 seconds, but Roanoke was the big winner, attracting runners from a reported two-dozen plus states and several countries, among the 800-plus that signed up to run. The son of Roanoke Star-Sentinel contributing photographer Jim Bullington (Texas Tavern owner Matt Bullington) finished sixth.
Meanwhile, along the marathon route on Avenham Avenue, residents came out to offer encouragement, sometimes turning on boom boxes that blared inspirational music. “It’s a major deal,” said Mark Frye, “I can’t remember a marathon ever coming down Avenham. [We’ve] got the party going on.” Frye would like to see the Blue Ridge Marathon return, adding, “This is a draw for Roanoke.”
Dana Podell wore a tall “Cat in the Hat”style hat and had music ready when marathon leader (and eventual winner) Tim Sykes ran by around 9:40 a.m. “I’m so interested in these insane people that will run this length,” said Podell, who was also an official volunteer, charged with performing traffic control when necessary to keep runners safe.
Her son Ike, who runs cross-country at North Cross (a mere 3.2 miles) said he might be inspired to run longer lengths. “[But] I’d have to get lots of training before I even attempt something like this.” He and fellow cross-country runners may “laugh at people that actually [run marathons],” but they do talk about attempting one. “It’s just incentive to try.”
Tim Sykes thanked God and his family for the support they gave him, adding that knowing the course was primarily downhill after mile16 provided him a mental boost. He had just driven the course for the first time the night before. “It definitely lived up to its expectations,” said Sykes of a layout that reached to the top of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Mill Mountain Star.
This was Sykes’ fifth marathon, and the first in three years. “This was right up there with the Boston Marathon [but] this was harder. People shouldn’t be intimidated about coming out to do it next year. The climb up Roanoke Mountain definitely lived up to its expectations, but it’s doable. It’s a great layout.” Sykes was even able to enjoy “the views along the way. It makes it well worthwhile.”
A fellow Blacksburg resident (George Probst) finished second in the marathon, while Karen Ostergaard of North Carolina was the top female finisher. Many of the half-marathoners appeared to be trying that distance for the first time, like Lee Gardner, an Atlanta resident and Bedford County native. “It was great. It was good to come home and run one. If I can do this, anyone can do this…No marathons for me – but halves definitely.”
By Gene Marrano [email protected]