Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon

Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon takes over Roanoke, Virginia, on April 17-18, 2027. The double marathon (52.4 miles) sets off at 1 a.m., then the marathon (26.2 miles), the marathon relay, the half marathon (13.1 miles) and the Anthem Star 10K all start at 7:35, with a family 1 miler at 7:45 and a 5K on Sunday morning at 9. Known as one of the toughest road races in the United States, it climbs hard along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Proceeds support the Parkway and local charities, finishers get exclusive medals and shirts, local craft beer waits at the end, and the Roanoke Outside Foundation runs the event.

Serious climbing on pavement means your flat-road marathon time is not the target here. Train the descents as deliberately as the climbs, and set an effort-based plan rather than a pace band.