Blue Ridge Double Marathon

The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon Series has earned its title as "America's Toughest Road Marathon" by challenging runners with 3,715 feet in vertical gain in the marathon. The Double Marathoners get a double dose of this elevation, for a total of 7,430 feet of elevation gain. This race is the ONLY marathon that runs along the famously scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and proceeds from this non-profit event benefit the parkway and a dozen local charities every year. The double marathon runners start in the middle of the night and do the marathon course once before starting with the main field for their second lap through the challenging course. All runners are rewarded with unique finishers' medals, shirts and local craft beer at the festival-like finish in downtown Roanoke.