Blue Ridge Marathon Guide 2023

THE OFFICIAL 2023 FOOT LEVELERS

BLUE RIDGE MARATHON RACE GUIDE

RUNNER

WELCOME, RUNNERS!

Dear Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Running Par ticipant,

Welcome to “America’s Toughest Road Race” We’re glad that you’re par t of the event and wish you all the best on your race. Foot Levelers is proud to celebrate our tenth year as title sponsor of this one-of-a-kind event that draws runners f rom around the world to our community

Par ticipating in races like this is an outstanding way to challenge yourself, stay active and practice proactive health. We want to help you perform at your peak and reduce your risk of injuries.

Our custom flexible or thotics are designed to balance and stabilize your entire body f rom its foundation: the feet They ’ re the only ones that suppor t all three of the foot’s arches, for optimal overall health. We encourage you to visit FootLevelers.com to find a healthcare provider who o ers our custom or thotics and or thotic footwear and experience the benefits for yourself

Once again, we’d like to congratulate you on your par ticipation and look for ward to seeing you on Race Day!

Race WEEKEND EVENT SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023

3:00-8:00PM WELCOME PARTY!

3-8PM Packet Pick Up at Elmwood Park

3-8PM Race Expo

• Catch up on the new offerings from Altra, the Official Shoe of the Blue Ridge Marathon.

• Bring your old t-shirts to donate to Recover’s Closed-Loop program!

• Peruse race merch and pick up last-minute items from Fleet Feet Sports Roanoke.

4-8PM Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival on stage. Friday’s show is FREE.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023

RACE DAY!

1:00AM/2:30AM : Double Marathon starts!

5:30-7:00AM : Packet Pick Up on Elmwood Park Stage for those who didn’t make it Friday. No race-day registration.

7:35AM: Race Start!

Awards Ceremonies: We will host awards ceremonies on Elmwood Park Stage.

• 10:30am: Anthem Star 10K

• 12:00pm: Half Marathon

• 2:00pm: Full Marathon, Double Marathon & Relay

8:00AM-3:00PM: Finish Festival in Elmwood Park

• Cheer for runners as they come down the chute to the Finish.

• Runners stop by the Recovery Zone, managed by Fleet Feet Sports, and refuel in Food Tent. Massage, physical therapy, ice footbaths, and more!

• Last chance for 2023 race merch.

• Freedom First Down by Downtown - Shows are going on all day throughout downtown, from acoustic sets to rock n roll, chill outdoor patios to late-night party scenes, and everything in between. You’re bound to find at least one show worth a stop.

• Grab Dinner in Downtown Roanoke. We have great food here, you won’t go wrong.

5:30-10:00PM: Join us back at the Elmwood stage for a live music celebration. Runners will take $10 off tickets if you wear your medal or present your bib.

SUNDAY APRIL 23, 2023

9:00AM: America’s Slowest 5K – the greatest recovery run ever. Coffee, donuts and a Slow K mug instead of a t-shirt. Come for the run, stay for brunch and an artisan market.

That's all folks! We hope you have a great weekend and be sure to tag us when you post! #RunBlueRidge #DxDT @blueridgemarathon

ORTHO LIKE NO OTHER

Only at Carilion Clinic will you find the largest team of sports medicine experts in our region. Because whether it’s surgery to restore movement or innovative treatments to speed healing, our real specialty is getting you back to what you love. Make your appointment today and see the difference our difference can make for you.

spectator zones

1

For hikers from the Star Trail Parking Lot. Walk up the trail less than a mile to intersect the JB Fisburn Parkway and hit the runners at Mile 2. Continue hiking to the star on the trail for the full runners at Mile 13.

2

First Presbyterian Parking Lot. Great location for families with kids. After catching the halfers at mile 6.5 walk over to Sweet Donkey Coffee shop for a treat and then head back to Jefferson street (near the church for mile 11.5). The coffee shop and Jefferson are also on the full course at mile 15.5 and 20.5

3

Street Parking near Wasena Park. For Full marathon spectators only. Walk to Winchester Ave. for mile 23 and then one block over to Winona Ave. for mile 25 and then make a mad dash to the finish (or just run with them).

4

Street Parking near Highland Park. Full Marathon spectators only. Watch marathoners along mile 22 and then walk over to Luck Ave. to catch them at mile 25.5. Then on to the finish line.

DON’T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD THE RACE APP

Make sure to download “Blue Ridge Marathon 2023.” Features include real-time runner tracking, course and parking maps, expo info, and event schedule. Runner tracking lets spectators “watch” runners on a course map, with optional notifications for crossing timing mats and instant finish line results.

P L A Y

UPCOMING VIRGINIA AMATEUR SPORTS EVENTS

Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon (May 6)

Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University (July 21-23)

Virginia Amateur Sports Golf Tournament - Hanging Rock, Salem (Sept 28)

Star City Half Marathon & 10K - Roanoke (Nov 18)

MARATHON BIB INFO

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

Vincent VanGOAT

BIB COLORS

If you’re a spectator of the event it may help to know who is running what distance. Just check their bibs!

RED — FULL MARATHON

YELLOW — HALF MARATHON

GREEN — 10K

PINK — DOUBLE PURPLE — RELAY

LIVE RESULTS

Download the Run BRM app to follow multiple runners at the same time. Just enter a bib # or name, and you can follow in real time. Runners will also get notifications of their official chip time and place right when they cross the finish line.

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

Thanks to Parkway Brewery and Beale's Brewery, runners are invited to celebrate their accomplishments with a free beer at the Finish Festival. If you’re over the age of 21, look for the Beer Tag on your bib to redeem yours.

SUNDAY SLOW-K

Dubbed America’s Slowest 5k, this untimed fun run will have a leisurely start of 9 a.m at River’s Edge Park. Presented by Altra, the Slow-K will be the perfect opportunity to demo their newest line of road running shoes and chat about their passion to help people run more naturally and injury-free. The event features group stretches, coffee, donuts and a mimosa bar. In lieu of the standard race shirt, every runner will receive a Slow-K mug. Register onsite from 8-8:30am or sign up at blueridgemarathon.com/sunday-slowk

MAKE YOUR MOVE

TOP 10 REASONS YOUR LIFE WOULD BE WAY BETTER IN ROANOKE

Just a tip, your life could be better. One tiny change and you could…cut your commute, be on a mountain or river two minutes after work, spend less but do more, afford a house, be a change-maker, and have a family while enjoying freedom. It’s simple…make your move.

#1 – Insane Outdoor Culture : Voted Top Mountain Town and Top Adventure Town three years in a row by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine! Why? 1000+ miles of trail, two largest rivers in the state, 1.2 million acres of public land, 32 miles of paved urban trails, 70 square miles of lake – all just minutes from the urban core. Roanokers can’t wait to show off our outdoor assets, connect with our community.

#2 – Cost of Living: The cost of living is 8% below the national average. Groceries, gas, housing, utilities all cost less. That means more disposable income. Calculate Your Savings.

#3 – Arts With a Capital A: Our community places a BIG priority on public art, arts festivals, local artisans, live music, our symphony orchestra, the renowned Taubman Museum of Art, and more. Connect with the arts.

#4 – Affordable Housing: Penny Hoarder magazine named us one of the Top Cities that Millennials Can Afford and Actually Want to Live In. Our housing costs are 16% below the national average. You could actually own a house here!

# 5 – Live Large for Less: We have countless award-winning chefs, fine dining restaurants, speakeasys, breweries, cocktail lounges, and dozens of music venues. The best part? You can enjoy it all without breaking the bank.

#6 – We Got Jobs!: 8,489 job listings open on our regional jobs board right this minute, to be exact. Roanoke is one of the most diverse economies in Virginia. Every industry is represented. Healthcare, advance manufacturing, tech, biotech, tourism, finance, logistics…you name it.

#7 – Ride Your Bike (or Walk) Everywhere: Thanks to our 32 miles of connected paved urban trails, and great sidewalk infrastructure, you can walk or bike anywhere in the urban core, stopping along the way at breweries, restaurants, ice cream shops, climbing gyms, and parks.

#8 – Root for the Home team : If you’re a sports fan, we have minor league baseball, lacrosse, and hockey teams. And we’re smack in the middle between UVA and VT for epic tailgating.

#9 – Find Your People Easy : Networking. Certifications. Mixers. Professional Development. You can get it all with any number of diverse local clubs and groups that are uber-welcoming. Join the Roanoke Regional Professional Network (it’s free!).

#10 – Location, Location, Location: Roanoke is within a days’ drive of 2/3 of the US population. Charlotte and Richmond are just a few hours away; Atlanta, Nashville and NYC just seven hours away. And you can get direct flights and trains to all of them!

GREAT OUTDOORS

Blue Ridge Parkway.

Largest metro in the western half of VA with a regional population of 331,319. 25 colleges and universities

within an hour. Cost of living 12% below national average. “Top 24 Mountain Town in the U.S.”

-Outside Magazine. Over 1,000 miles of hiking and biking trails. Home to Virginia’s second largest lake (Smith Mountain Lake). 25 rivers and creeks. Over 30 miles of urban trails. IMBA Siler-Level Ride Center. 8,200 job opportunities. Home to Carvins Cove, the 2nd largest municipal park in the U.S. Over 100 annual festivals and events. America’s Toughest Road Race: Blue Ridge Marathon.Regional jobs board for career-finding ease. Nationally recognized foodie scene. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Ironman 70.3. Appalachian Trail. Roanoke GO Outside Festival. Longest-running farmer’s market in VA. 30 breweries, wineries, and distilleries. “More All-America City Awards than Any Other U.S. City,” -National Civic League. Over 20 live music venues. Regional airport with up to 44 flights per day. “25 Cities Millennials Can Afford and Actually Want to Live in” -Penny Hoarder. Amtrak service to Northeast and Chicago. Go Cross cyclocross race.

GREAT CAREERS

GREAT JOBS

AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

BATH & SPA

BATH BOMBS, MASSAGE & BODY OIL, MINERAL SOAK, & MORE. ENJOY YOUR REST & RELAXATION

The Full GOAT

ALL DISTANCES COMBINE TO TAKE AMERICA’S TOUGHEST ROAD RACES TO THE NEXT LEVEL. 101 ROAD MILES RUN AND 26,280′ OF ELEVATION CHANGE.

A select group of bold souls will take each of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon distances and combine them for the ultimate street cred. That’s: the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon + the Foot Levelers Half Marathon + the Anthem Star 10K + the Blue Ridge Double + their victory lap at the Blue Ridge Slow-K.

Look out for their unique "GOAT" bibs on the course and give them an extra cheer or a fist bump because they are doing something extraordinary!

Brian Walters

Nathaniel Wooden

Matthew Bright

Jason Ford

K.J. Ford

Stephanie Dannenberg

Chris Demars

Ashley Miller

Matthew Dufraine

Libby Boon

Jess Glass

David Bales

Seth Thomas

Tommy Dobson

Sam Cargill

Ricky Scott

Michelle Carlsen

Michael Couch

Soloman Whitfield

Ryan Johnson

Catherine A Rehm

Morgan Patrick

Adam LaChappelle

Jerry L Ballard

Scott Kendrick

This is the first class of runners to attempt the challenge, the Original GOATS (OGs):

I FOUND MY FREEDOM BANKING WITH

Kat Pascal, the co-owner of Farmburguesa, became a Freedom First member after being a part of bigger banks. She felt like she was just a number, but with Freedom First, Kat was able to have a personal relationship with the employees.

Freedom First employees often eat at Farmburguesa, creating a sense of community that Kat didn’t get from working with other financial institutions.

Farmburguesa is a farm to table restaurant with colombian influence, that serves locally sourced burgers, as well as chicken and vegetarian options. The goal is to create the best tasting food for the customers.

Good Vibes in Elmwood Park on Earth Day

Hailing from Michigan, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers are the perfect band for celebrating post-race. They promise attendees a ride on the rainbow across the mountains of Motown, through the fjords of folk, over the archipelagos of Americana, and-at last-into a funky firth, where only the fiercest of friendships can be found.

Opening for Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers are Liv Sloan and the Die Hards followed by Kentucky Ruckus for an evening of rock, jazz, blues, and feel-good vibes. Liv Sloan & The Die Hards are an up-andcoming Martinsville, Virginia-based band. Infusing the sounds of 50’s jazz and classic blues with a 70’s rock flair. Kentucky Ruckus is a bourbon-fueled rock band from the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. A heavy-picked bass style corresponds with the kick drum, and gritty upper-register vocals complete the high-energy, norules rock sound that is Kentucky Ruckus.

GET TICKETS FOR JOE HERTLER & THE RAINBOW SEEKERS HERE .

WANDER OUR DOWNTOWN VENUES AND SEE THE SHOWS AVAILABLE HERE .

Runners, bring your race bib for $10 off your ticket at the gate.

The Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival is excited to play host to Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers in Elmwood Park Amphitheater on Saturday, April 22, alongside the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon race festivities.

B I G O L ' T H A N K S !

Has anyone told you you’re amazing?

Well, we’re here to tell you that you are. Not only are you running up and down mountains (plural!), you’re supporting local charities, helping small businesses, contributing to placemaking efforts, and building regional pride. So yeah, you’re pretty darn amazing.

The Blue Ridge Marathon was started by folks who knew how incredible our big little mountain town is and wanted to show the world and that’s just what happened. Since 2010, it’s become a fixture in the running world, bringing international recognition and inspiring residents to get involved and love where they live. This event has served as an economic development tool, a placemaking initiative, and a source of regional pride for residents (if you’ve ever had a mimosa atop Mill Mountain or gotten beads on your way down Walnut Avenue, you know what we mean). This event, the runners, and the ripple effects are what make our community charming and unique.

Here are some examples of the impact America’s Toughest Road Races have in the Roanoke Region:

economic impact

$8.1 $8.1 million million $218,850 $218,850 donated to local non-profits

outdoor outdoor access access

to local youth

Expanded new trails new trails trail trail maintenance maintenance &

New or improved

water water access access

Help outdoor businesses hire

more more employees employees

Creating an outdoor outdoor sector sector for business

Helping outdoor businesses postpostpandemic pandemic

The Roanoke Outside Foundation, the organization that puts on the Blue Ridge Marathon, is committed to making the Roanoke Region a great place to work, live, and visit by leveraging outdoor assets to drive economic development and placemaking efforts. Your support of this event allows us to continue this important work. So once again, thank you for being amazing and allowing us to make this event, and our community, pretty darn amazing in the process.

-Pete Eshelman, Co-chair of Blue Ridge Marathon and Director of Roanoke Outside Foundation