More distance, greater heights – and even more challenges to endure – will be in store for runners in this year’s Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon.
Saturday, April 16th is the date, so participants should be prepared to bring their strongest legs and sturdiest running shoes, along with plenty of stamina, to downtown Roanoke.
Organizers continue to craft one of the most challenging and best marathons on the east coast.
What began in 2010 with 6,140 feet of elevation change has grown each year, with this year’s total being 7,430 feet of elevation change, thus allowing runners the claim to fame of competing – and hopefully completing – America’s Toughest Road Marathon.
Since 2010, organizers have “felt bad” for the half marathon participant, so in 2014 a second mountain was added to their course layout, thus giving runners the opportunity to tackle America’s Toughest Road Half Marathon. More than 3,600 feet of elevation change awaits runners on this year’s half course.
And, for those looking for something a little more tame (not to mention more appealing to the calves) 2016 will offer the Anthem Star 10K, a still-challenging route that will take runners up the parkway to the Mill Mountain Star overlooking Roanoke and back to the finish line.
Little doubt the uphill portions of all three routes will challenge the ultimate strength and endurance of each runner. But don’t get too comfortable on the return, as the equally challenging downhill routes are ones that can test every participant and bring the unprepared to their knees.
The start time is 7:35 AM at Elmwood Park/Jefferson Street in downtown Roanoke.
“We’re expecting around 2,000 runners this year,” event manager Julia Boas told us the early part of April. “In addition, for those who want to simply take part in this exciting day at a slower pace, we’re having the Carilion Children’s Family 1-Miler which will branch off of the main course and take a flatter route through the downtown area.”
Even if you’re not a runner, other activities are available for lots of enjoyment.
A free pre-race concert by the Rumpke Mountain Boys takes place on Friday night at the Elmwood Park Amphitheater, with a post-race performance (ticketed) by the high-energy group GALACTIC set for Saturday night at the same venue.
“We also encourage spectators to line the course and tailgate,” Boas added.
Over 500 volunteers, ranging from Miss Virginia contestants to area church groups, will be on hand to keep things running smoothly. All race courses will have race stations for hydration, some with food.
New this year, according to Boas, is a race app that will allow you to check the progress of runners through real-time chip technology.
“$35,000 is going to local charities and organizations this year,” Boas noted. “The major recipient will be Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway.”
All runners receive finisher medals, not to mention the satisfaction of enduring America’s Toughest Road Marathon and getting some reprieve by the breathtaking views the Blue Ridge Mountain scenery offers along the routes.
Recognized on MarathonGuide.com with a five-star rating as one of the best organized and best overall marathons, featured on The Weather Channel’s list of “World’s 15 Toughest Marathons”, and ranked #1 as the World’s Toughest Half Marathon by half marathon.com, organizers of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon have one final question.
Are YOU up for the challenge of America’s Toughest Road Marathon, Half Marathon and Star 10K?
Bill Turner