Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
- Date
- April 17–18, 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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
70°
Typical Low
47°
Chance of Rain
37%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Roanoke Rgnl Ap, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Roanoke, VA
Population
98,677
as of 2023
Elevation
968 ft
Nearest Airport
ROA
Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport · 3 mi
Major Hub
GSO
Piedmont Triad International Airport · 82 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
313
Days to train
- Race
- Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
- Date
- April 17–18, 2027
Coming Up
More Running races near Roanoke, VA
Rainbow Run 2026
Less than a mile away
Radford University Tartan 5k, A Twilight Run
5K
Less than a mile away
The Spilman Thomas & Battle Jaunt for Justice 5K
5K
Less than a mile away
NCS Take the Hill 5K & Kids Fun Run
Youth
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
- Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is a running race held in Roanoke, Virginia on April 17, 2027. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
- Saturday, April 17, 2027 in Roanoke, Virginia at 111 FRANKLIN RD SE STE 333, Roanoke, VA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
Apr 17, 2027