How do I register for the Blue Ridge Marathon?

Registration is open to all runners through RunSignUp and is limited to 750 spots for the full marathon. The entry window closes April 7, 2027. Pricing increases periodically throughout the year, so registering early saves money. Entry fees are non-refundable, but deferrals are available for a $20 fee.

Is the Blue Ridge Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, it is a certified Boston qualifier. That said, the course has over 7,400 feet of climbing and very few runners qualify here. Come prepared for the hills, not a fast time.

What is the time limit?

The time limit is 7.5 hours, which is generous given the difficulty of the course.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course gains and loses over 7,400 feet on an out-and-back route, climbing from downtown Roanoke up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and back. It is widely considered one of the hilliest road marathons in the United States. The highest point is just over 2,100 feet, with sustained climbs in both halves of the race.

What should I expect from race-day weather?

Mid-April in Roanoke typically brings mild temperatures in the mid-50s, but conditions on the ridge can be cooler and windier than in the city. Rain is possible. Layering up at the start and staying hydrated throughout is the smart play.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the Blue Ridge Marathon course is USATF certified.

How big is the field?

The full marathon is capped at 750 runners, making it a small, focused event rather than a large city race.

Sat, Apr 17 · 2027Roanoke, VASince 2010

Blue Ridge Marathon

The Blue Ridge Marathon sends you up and over the ridge lines above Roanoke, with more climbing than almost any road marathon in the country. It is hard in the most honest sense of the word, and finishing it means something.

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BLUE RIDGE · US

Blue Ridge

SAT, APR 17

2027

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Race Overview

EST. 2010

The Blue Ridge Marathon is honest about what it is. It goes from downtown Roanoke straight up into the mountains and back down, and it does not apologize for any of it. The first half climbs onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the views are beside the point when your legs are already burning. The ridge itself, around the turnaround, is the moment that earns the hype. You are on a road above the city, quiet, exposed, completely committed. Then you turn around and have to come back down the same hills you just survived.

This is not a PR course. It is one of the hilliest road marathons in the country, and the finishing rate reflects that. Go in with a plan built around effort, not pace. Save something for the second half climbs, because they will find you. Registration is open and the field is small, so getting in is easy as long as you don't wait too long. The price goes up periodically, so sign up early. If you want a sufferfest that actually means something when you cross the line, this is it.

Field size

—

BQ rate

1%

Below national average

Time limit

7:30

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:44:02

Joseph Darwin

2024

Women

3:13:46

Lorraine Young

2014

The Course

7,430 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑7,430 ft

Total descent

↓7,430 ft

Net elevation

↑0 ft

Highest point

2,146 ft

Lowest point

920 ft

Course shape

Out and back

Same route, both directions

With over 7,400 feet of gain and an equal amount of loss on an out-and-back course, this is one of the most demanding road marathon profiles anywhere. The course climbs from downtown Roanoke up onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, reaching a high point around 2,100 feet before the return. Expect sustained climbs in the first half that will tempt you to bank time. Resist that. The descents are long enough to shred quads if you push them hard early. The back half asks you to climb again on tired legs. A BQ here is genuinely rare. Race this for the finish, not the clock.

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

—°F

High

55°F

What to expect

Mid-April in Roanoke tends to be mild but unpredictable. The average high sits in the mid-50s, which sounds ideal until you factor in that the course climbs into the mountains where it can be noticeably cooler and windier. Dress in layers you can shed early. Rain is possible, and wet descents on tired legs are no fun. It is not typically a hot race, but the effort of all that climbing makes it feel warmer than the thermometer suggests. Hydrate from the start.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration with limited field of 750 runners for the full marathon. Price increases occur periodically throughout the year. Registration handled through RunSignUp. Non-refundable entry fees, but deferrals available with $20 fee.

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