Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
- Date
- April 17, 2027
- Distance
- Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon · Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon · Anthem Star 10k & more
From the Organizer
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.
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in VA
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Level I Coaching Certification: Richmond, VA IN PERSON - August 22-23, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
- Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is a running event held in Roanoke, VA. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
- Saturday, April 17, 2027 in Roanoke, VA at 111 FRANKLIN RD SE STE 333, Roanoke, VA. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
Apr 17, 2027