Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
About this race
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon Series has earned its title as “America’s Toughest Road Marathon” by challenging runners with over 7,430 ft. in elevation change, more than any other road marathon in the U.S. This race is the ONLY marathon that runs along the famously scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and proceeds from this non-profit event benefit the parkway and a dozen local charities every year. The full, half, relay and 10k all prove equally challenging yet rewarding on this mountainous course, and all runners are rewarded with a unique finishers’ medals, shirts and local craft beer at the festival-like finish in downtown Roanoke. For those who need even more than just extreme elevation change can run the course twice with the official Blue Ridge Double (sells out annually).
This race would not be possible without the support of our title sponsor, Foot Levelers.
This event is owned and operated by the Roanoke Outside Foundation whose mission to make outdoor activity and environmental stewardship a core component of our community’s lifestyle by promoting a “conservation through recreation” philosophy.
Join fellow runners on April 17, 2027 for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon. It's a fantastic Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, Ultra, 1.6K, 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Roanoke.
Pick your distance
Running
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
MARATHON COURSE DESCRIPTION & MAPS: Full Marathon is limited to 750 runners Total Elevation Gain/Loss=7,430 ft 7.5 hour cut-off time AND a 6 hour cut-off time at mile 22. If runners do not maintain a 16:20 min/mile pace then course marshals reserve the right to pull you from the course for your safety. USATF Full Marathon Course Map Interactive Course Map Full Marathon Printable Race Map Course Hydration provided by Tailwind & Nutrition provided by GU Energy
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon
Anthem Star 10k
Freedom First Marathon Relay
Teams of Four people work together to conquer America's Toughest Road Marathon. Runner 1: 7 hilly miles Runner 2: 9.3 mountainous miles Runner 3: 6.1 mountainous miles Runner 4: 3.8 mostly flat-ish miles
Carilion Children's Family 1 Miler
Full Goat
VIRTUAL Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
Must be completed on the Official Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon course in Roanoke, VA.
VIRTUAL Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon
Must be completed on the Official Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon course in Roanoke, VA.
VIRTUAL Anthem Star 10k
Must be completed on the Official Anthem Star 10k course in Roanoke, VA.
VIRTUAL Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon - Goats
Must be completed on the Official Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon course in Roanoke, VA between 4/4/25 - 4/11/25.
VIRTUAL Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon - Goats
Must be completed on the Official Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon course in Roanoke, VA between 4/4/25 - 4/11/25.
VIRTUAL Anthem Star 10k - Goats
Must be completed on the Official Anthem Star 10k course in Roanoke, VA between 4/4/25 - 4/11/25.
Sunday Slow-K Presented by Altra
Trail running
Blue Ridge Double Marathon
Weather Overview
These values represent the 6-year monthly averages for April in Roanoke.
About Roanoke
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon takes place in Roanoke, Virginia, United States. The local timezone is America/New_York.
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Roanoke
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- Roanoke Running Calendar 2026 See all upcoming race dates.
Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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