The National College Blue Ridge Marathon, which makes its debut on April 24, has received applications from more than 750 people up to this point — runners willing to challenge the demanding full (26.2 miles) or half-marathon course. The Blue Ridge Marathon will begin on the valley floor, in downtown Roanoke, before winding its way up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and then returning. It’s been called one of the most demanding marathon courses in the country, with several thousand feet of altitude gain.
Pete Eshelman, Director of Outdoor Branding for the Roanoke Regional Partnership and co-chair for the inaugural marathon, is pleased with how well things are going. He’s also expecting a late surge of signees, especially from locals interested in the half marathon. “[Some] will wait to the last minute,” said Eshelman.
Two runners are coming from London, just to run the Blue Ridge Marathon. “It’s [also] their first visit to the U.S.,” notes Eshelman. Most states are represented as well, said Eshelman, “[there’s] a pretty wide range of people coming in.” There are even a handful of barefoot runners taking part.
Some runners have tested the demanding course on their own, checking out the altitude gains. “It’s going to be a challenge,” said Eshelman. Strategically-placed water stops and transportation for those who may give up at certain points are being planned. Musicians will play at venues along the course and Eshelman hopes that spectators will come out in full force to cheer on participants.
The climbs on the course are so demanding that the electric cars being used as pace vehicles see a significant drain on their batteries; Eshelman said more than one will be used in that case.
One major goal of staging a marathon here is to put the spotlight on Roanoke, drawing in people that may not know much about the area. Eshelman and others are encouraging local businesses to welcome out-of-towners, and all marathoners for that matter, saying, “We want to make a good impression.” The marathon will add to the area’s reputation as a running center, augmenting some of the smaller racing events already in place.
Some runners will go home and blog about the marathon, and about Roanoke. “We have lots of bloggers coming in,” said Eshelman. In fact, those who operate established running blogs were given free admission if they want to participate.
Downtown Roanoke Inc. has encouraged its merchant members to offer discounts on the weekend of the 24th. Eshelman has no doubt that the Blue Ridge Marathon will become an annual event, even though marketing efforts were started later than originally planned. Organizers had to wait for the National Park Service to approve a permit allowing runners on the parkway.
National College, based in Salem, “came out of nowhere” to become a title sponsor, which was a huge boost for the effort. Other local businesses have come on board; Carilion will let race officials take a helicopter up to videotape the course. “Things should only get better,” said Eshelman. “We’ll come out of this marathon with an established marketing budget, ready to hit the ground running [for next year].” See blueridgeparkwaymarathon.com for more on the April 24 race.
By Gene Marrano [email protected]