Despite the dismal weather, more than 690 runners spent Saturday morning taking in some of the most beautiful views in Roanoke as part of the second annual National College Blue Ridge Marathon last Saturday. The 26.2 mile race, regarded as “America’s Toughest Road Marathon, is estimated to have brought between 1,200 and 1,600 people to the Roanoke Valley, as either runners or spectators. About 400 volunteers helped with the event. The runners hailed from 37 states and Germany and ranged in age from 12-years-old to 64-years-old, according to race records.
This year’s race was first threatened by the federal budget deadlock and possible government shutdown. Shortly after the government reached a budget, local meteorologists began forecasting rain. That forecast was made worse when news of thunderstorms and torrential downpours, along with possible tornados, were predicted.
An estimated 368 people who registered for the event did not show up on race day. On average, about 10 percent of registrants typically do not show up, accounting for nearly 106 people. It is likely that the remaining 262 racers did not show up as a result of the weather conditions.
On Friday, organizers adjusted the course, eliminating part of the Roanoke Greenway route near Wasena Park. The changes affected miles 22-25 of the 26.2-mile course.
The race was cancelled at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday due to thunder and the [34] runners who had not yet finished were pulled off the course, according to Pete Eshelman, race co-chair and the Roanoke Regional Partnerships Director of Outdoor Branding.
The runners competed in a variety of ways, participating in either the full marathon or half marathon or as member of a walking team or a five person relay team. An additional 170 local students competed in the YMCA Kids Marathon on race day.
Fourth place marathon finisher and local cross country coach Edward Dickenson was pleased to have broken three hours (2:57:18) at this first attempt at this marathon. Dickenson spent seven months training for the race, which included three 10k races, one 10 mile race, and two half-marathons.
“Once the race started, I didn’t notice the rain too much except for the deep puddles and small creeks on the roads; however, you could feel the extra weight of your shoes and clothes in the later miles of the race,” said Dickenson. “Only four of us broke three hours for the day, and the weather made every finisher work extra hard.”
Roanoker Nancy Simmons (who works for the marathon’s title sponsor National College) and her husband David ran the half-marathon. The couple began training for this race in January.
“The rain actually kept me cool,” said Nancy Simmons. “While I was training, I found myself getting fatigued more quickly in the heat. My stamina was better in the rain.” The Simmons’ both finished the half marathon with a time of 2:59:19. Nancy credits the cooler weather with having beaten her 2010 time by eight minutes.
One elderly marathon runner collapsed just feet from the finish line and was taken, by ambulance, to a local hospital. Although he appeared unresponsive at the site, race organizers say he had a heart attack and is alive but remains in the hospital.
Proceeds from the Blue Ridge Marathon will benefit the FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway. FRIENDS is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Blue Ridge Parkway.
“Our goal is to put Roanoke on the outdoor sports map,” said Eshelman. “It is a long process and it won’t happen overnight, but the vision of Roanoke being a top outdoor destination is one step closer.”
A half marathon awards ceremony was held at noon in the Taubman Museum. A full marathon awards ceremony was held at 2 p.m.
By 5 p.m., when the Roanoke Twilight Criterium, a semi and professional road cycling race began two blocks from the finish line, the rain had cleared and the temperatures had dropped.
Many runners and spectators joined friends and family members to celebrate Saturday evening with music and drinks at various venues in downtown Roanoke.
“Combining events like the National College Blue Ridge Marathon, the YMCA Kids Marathon, Down by Downtown Music Festival, and the Roanoke Twilight Criterium into a packaged weekend allows participants and spectators to be part of more than just one single event,” said Eshelman. “They get to experience Roanoke in all its glory.”
Twenty-eight-year-old Fanwood, NJ resident Michael Dixon took first place in the men’s full marathon with a time of 2:41:27. Twenty-six-year-old Arlington resident Nicole Terry took first place in the woman’s full marathon with a time of 3:19:49.
Twenty-two-year-old Spotsylvania resident Andrew Kirk took first place in the men’s half marathon with a time of 1:24:25. Thirty-five-year-old Roanoke resident Sarah Glenn took first place in the woman’s half marathon with a time of 1:32:55.
