Blue Ridge Marathon
Race Day Weather
Comfortable temps, big temp swing
Mild 51°F temps at gun time mean comfortable early miles without overheating risk. Temperatures rising to 65°F through the course will gradually increase perceived effort in the second half. Light winds shouldn't be a major factor for pacing.
This course climbs 1,201 ft to its high point and back, so we look at it at 2 points, not just the start line. In a typical year, at 9:00/mi, you start at 51° and finish around 11:30 AM in 65°.
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Race Info
The Blue Ridge Marathon is Roanoke, Virginia's mountain marathon, marketed as America's Toughest Road Marathon for its roughly 7,430 feet of combined elevation change, the most of any road marathon in the country according to race organizers. The course starts and finishes at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke and climbs three mountains: Roanoke Mountain, Mill Mountain and Peakwood. The event also includes a half marathon, 10K, marathon relay and a double marathon that runs the course twice. Proceeds benefit the Blue Ridge Parkway and local charities. Wikipedia
Race weekend
FAQ
When is the 2027 Blue Ridge Marathon?
Is the Blue Ridge Marathon a Boston Marathon Qualifier?
What is the time limit for the Blue Ridge Marathon?
What will the weather be like for the 2027 Blue Ridge Marathon?
Reviews & Race Reports
Strawberry aid station was the highlight of the race!
The crowd support in the communities of the race is amazing and this is just one example of it. Seriously, so good. The best part about something being really painful is that everything afterwards feels amazing. A volunteer at the peak had sliced strawberries. Let me tell you something about me: I don’t mind eating gels. I don’t mind drinking Tailwind or Skratch. I know a lot of people love real food, and that’s awesome, but I’ve never been the type to need ‘real food.’