The Blue Ridge Marathon is for Runners … And You!
Grab your cow bells and get ready to cheer on runners in the seventh running of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon on Saturday.
Even if you aren’t participating in one of the four races – marathon, half marathon, Anthem Star 10K, or Carilion Children’s Family One-Miler – you can be a vital part of the experience. From volunteers to friendly faces along the route, it takes the support of the community to make runners from all over the country feel at home and give them that final push to cross the finish line.
So come out this weekend. Ring a bell. Make a sign. Shout words of encouragement. Support runners as they power through America’s Toughest Road Marathon. (You can find the perfect spot using one of the course maps.)
And then come out to Elmwood Park and celebrate after the race. There will be plenty of food, beer, and live music. If you can’t make it during the Finish Festival, come back to the Galactic show at 6 p.m. The New Orleans-based funk band features an eclectic mix of vocals and instrumentals and is sure to be a blast. (Tickets are still available.)
5 Ways to Participate in the Blue Ridge Marathon (That Don’t Include Running)
- Cheer on the runners from a spot along the course (bonus points for having a creative sign)
- Volunteer on race day (it’s not too late)
- Watch the races live on WDBJ7 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Come to the Finish Festival and congratulate a runner (track your pals along the way on the race app)
- Get your groove on with live music at Down by Downtown (three days of live music, starting Thursday)
Blue Ridge Marathon
- When: April 16, races start at 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Start and finish at Elmwood Park
- Finish festival: Expect to find food trucks, craft beer, artists and vendors and plenty of live music. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Down by Downtown: Get Galactic tickets online; Friday pre-race concert featuring Rumpke Mountain Boys and Annabelle’s Curse is free