“The goal is complete, not compete.” Runners gear up for Blue Ridge Marathon

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - The Blue Ridge Marathon is back in Roanoke for its 16th year. Organizers held a welcome party at Elmwood Park ahead of Saturday’s race.

“Runners will be summiting three different mountains. They’ll start with Mill Mountain, head up to Roanoke Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and then they’ll come back down into the city along the Roanoke River Greenway, and then up into South Roanoke to what we call Peakwood, which is our third mountain. Back down into the city through Old Southwest and Highland Park, and then back down here to Elmwood Park,” said Roanoke Outside Foundation’s event organizer Kait Pedigo.

Pedigo said about 3,000 runners from near and far will come to Roanoke for the race that covers twenty 26.2 miles.

“The goal is complete, not compete. So we are America’s Toughest Road Race, so you’re going to be walking. You’re going to be going up and down mountains, and you won’t be the only one walking. So pace yourself, enjoy the aid stations. We have lots of great groups of people on the course cheering you on,” she added.

Runners don’t have to commit to running the full 26 miles and can instead opt for the 13-mile or 10k run.

“We have a handful of people who are doing a double marathon, which means they’re going to run that whole distance twice. Starting at around one o’clock in the morning, they’ll do their first lap, and then they’ll come back and do the second lap with everybody starting at 7.30,” she said.

Pedigo said the event is expected to bring nearly 10,000 visitors to Roanoke, which in turn is estimated to bring about a million dollars in revenue to the city.

“Through the restaurants, through the hotels that they’re staying in, the taxes that they pay on that stuff, the gas that they’re spending, the money that they’re spending at businesses downtown,” said Pedigo.

She said not only does this marathon improve the overall health and wellness of others, but it’s also a way to bring the community together.

“The more people get to see this area, the more positive energy economic impact we have coming into the region. And it really just makes us a better community,” she closed.

Pedigo said the marathon has more than 7,000 feet of elevation change, which could be challenging for freshman runners. Saying most people start training for this around New Years.

The marathon will wrap up around 3 p.m. Saturday, and the roads will re-open.