
Race Date
Apr 18, 2026
Location
Roanoke, VA
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.
Race Day
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Start Time
7:35 AM
Giveaway
Race Shirt
Start Location
111 FRANKLIN RD SE STE 333, Roanoke, VA, 24011
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.14 m
Separation
0.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
VA24009RT · Expires 2034 · Blue Ridge Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Median Finish
2:34:40
11:48/mi
Winning Time
1:21:01
6:11/mi
Finishers (2025)
747
States Represented
29 / 50
Gender Split
FASTER 25%
2:11:29
MEDIAN
2:34:40
SLOWER 25%
3:04:33
Start (Low)
47°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
59%
Humidity
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