Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
Roanoke's Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is America's Toughest Road Race, featuring significant elevation.
Race Date
Apr 17, 2027
Location
Roanoke, VA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, April 17, 2027
- Location
- Roanoke, Virginia
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 10K, 52.4 Miles, 1 Miles, 5K, 101 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 10,630
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, known as "America's Toughest Road Race," presents a formidable challenge with over 7,430 feet of elevation change, more than any other road marathon in the U.S. This unique event winds along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, offering stunning vistas as runners tackle its mountainous terrain. Proceeds from this non-profit endeavor support the parkway and local charities.
The series, first run in 2010 and now in its 15th edition, typically draws around 1,472 finishers, with approximately 25% returning year after year. Runners from about 32 states make the journey to Roanoke, VA, for this demanding yet rewarding experience. The half marathon, 10K, and other distances share the challenging profile, ensuring a tough test for all participants.
All finishers receive a distinctive medal, a race shirt, and a local craft beer at the festive finish festival in downtown Roanoke. For the truly adventurous, the Blue Ridge Double Marathon, running the course twice, sells out annually. The event is organized by the Roanoke Outside Foundation, promoting a "conservation through recreation" philosophy.
Race-provided description
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.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, April 17, 2027
Start Time
7:35 AM
Giveaway
Race Shirt
Start Location
111 FRANKLIN RD SE STE 333, Roanoke, VA, 24011
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Mountain, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Mountainous
Net Drop/km
+0.14 m
Separation
0.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
VA24009RT · Blue Ridge Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8415 years running
~1,472 finishers a year
shrinking
25% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 32 states
winner 1:18:38
typical high 71°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
47°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
59%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 10,630 finishers actually crossed the line across 15 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
10,630
Median time
2:38:19
Latest turnout
857
States
48
Turnout by year
2017–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is held on Saturday, April 17, 2027, starting at 7:35 AM.
Where does the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon take place?
It takes place in Roanoke, Virginia.
What distances does the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 10K, 52.4 Miles, 1 Miles, 5K, 101 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles.
Is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is a mountainous, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 10,630 runners who have completed the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Roanoke? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
