Event Details
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon: America’s Toughest Road Race (and Most Beautiful)
This isn’t your average city race — it’s a mountain-town adventure on pavement. Starting and finishing in downtown Roanoke, the course takes you up (and down!) some of the most scenic miles in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Summit #1: Roanoke Mountain
For the first miles, soak in the energy of the pack as you begin an epic challenge. The course rolls gently through town toward the Walnut Bridge. When you see it, the real climbing begins — a steady two-mile ascent up Mill Mountain.
Once you reach the “Big Ol’ Bikes” art sculpture stay left, and the crowd will begin to spread out. You will follow the Mill Mountain Parkway and tour a series of wooded, winding hills before crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway. From here, you will tackle the crown jewel of the race: Roanoke Mountain.
This climb gains about 780 feet in just two miles and winds through switchbacks with sweeping overlooks. The reward? A breathtaking summit view — followed by a quad-testing descent that’s as tough as it is stunning.
Summit #2: Mill Mountain
After conquering Roanoke Mountain, you’ll return along the Parkway and climb once more to the Mill Mountain Star, where you’ll overlook the Roanoke Valley — and a view of how much you’ve already accomplished.
From there, it’s a fast two-mile drop down Mill Mountain’s “Old Road” before a 2.5 mile reprieve on the scenic Roanoke River greenway before heading into the final challenge.
Summit # 3: Peakwood
Following the greenway section, you’ll head into the tree-lined streets of South Roanoke, known for its beautiful homes and one last major climb – the infamous Peakwood- around miles 19 and 20. When you get there, take a moment to celebrate your third peak. The aid station will be ready with champagne toasts.
The descent from Peakwood is why you should train as much on the downhills as the up.
The Final Stretch
Jefferson St. bridge will transport you back into the downtown district and a 2.5 mile tour through Historic Old Southwest and Highland Park before heading to the finish line celebration back at Elmwood Park.
It’s tough. It’s gorgeous. And every step is worth it.
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