
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is a running and ultra race on April 17–18, 2027 in Roanoke, VA, with entry fees from $15 to $310.
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
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, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
98,677
as of 2023
City 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
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.
268
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
An ultramarathon is anything beyond the standard marathon — 50K, 50-mile, 100K, 100-mile, and timed events. Crossing the line is less about speed and more about not quitting.
Coming Up
Radford University Tartan 5k, A Twilight Run
1 mile away
The Spilman Thomas & Battle Jaunt for Justice 5K
Less than a mile away
$5 5K presented by RunAbout Sports Roanoke
3 miles away
Spooky Sprint 5K 2026
1 mile away
Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Roanoke than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to RoanokeFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
Apr 17, 2027