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.