Centered on Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon weekend builds around America’s “toughest road races,” with the marathon, half marathon, 10K, double marathon, team relay and family 1-miler all starting from Elmwood Park and sharing a huge finish-festival downtown. The marathon route is a fully paved road course with roughly 7,430 ft of elevation change, climbing Roanoke Mountain, Mill Mountain (to the famous star) and Peakwood before dropping back into the city for the finish. Alongside race day, the weekend includes a Friday welcome party and expo and a Sunday “America’s Slowest 5K” Slow-K recovery run on the flat Roanoke River Greenway, turning the event into a full racecation. With big mountain views, serious climbing and a music-filled finish festival in downtown Roanoke, it’s a road event that feels as much like a mountain adventure as a city marathon.
Races
The Anthem Star 10K on Saturday 18 April 2026 begins at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke, a 10 km road race organised by the Roanoke Outside Foundation that climbs Fishburn Parkway up to the iconic Mill Mountain Star before a fast descent back to the finish, with about 861 ft (262 m) of climbing and full access to the finish festival.
Also on 18 April 2026, the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon sets off from Elmwood Park, Roanoke, a 21.1 km race organised by the Roanoke Outside Foundation that climbs Mill Mountain to the Roanoke Star before dropping back downtown, with roughly 1,897 ft (≈580 m) of elevation gain.
On Saturday 18 April 2026, the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon starts and finishes at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke, Virginia, a road marathon organised by the Roanoke Outside Foundation with title sponsor Foot Levelers that runs onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and packs about 7,430 ft (≈2,265 m) of elevation change, earning its “America’s Toughest Road Marathon” tagline.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Anthem Star 10K?
How long is the Anthem Star 10K?
Where does the Anthem Star 10K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Anthem Star 10K?
How can I prepare for the Anthem Star 10K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Anthem Star 10K?
The Anthem Star 10K on Saturday 18 April 2026 begins at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke, a 10 km road race organised by the Roanoke Outside Foundation that climbs Fishburn Parkway up to the iconic Mill Mountain Star before a fast descent back to the finish, with about 861 ft (262 m) of climbing and full access to the finish festival.
The Anthem Star 10K is 10km long.
The Anthem Star 10K takes place in Roanoke, VA, USA.
The Anthem Star 10K elevation gain is 262 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Anthem Star 10K?
The Anthem Star 10K on Saturday 18 April 2026 begins at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke, a 10 km road race organised by the Roanoke Outside Foundation that climbs Fishburn Parkway up to the iconic Mill Mountain Star before a fast descent back to the finish, with about 861 ft (262 m) of climbing and full access to the finish festival.
How long is the Anthem Star 10K?
The Anthem Star 10K is 10km long.
Where does the Anthem Star 10K take place?
The Anthem Star 10K takes place in Roanoke, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Anthem Star 10K?
The Anthem Star 10K elevation gain is 262 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Anthem Star 10K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Anthem Star 10K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon?
How long is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon?
Where does the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon?
Also on 18 April 2026, the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon sets off from Elmwood Park, Roanoke, a 21.1 km race organised by the Roanoke Outside Foundation that climbs Mill Mountain to the Roanoke Star before dropping back downtown, with roughly 1,897 ft (≈580 m) of elevation gain.
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon takes place in Roanoke, VA, USA.
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon elevation gain is 580 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon?
Also on 18 April 2026, the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon sets off from Elmwood Park, Roanoke, a 21.1 km race organised by the Roanoke Outside Foundation that climbs Mill Mountain to the Roanoke Star before dropping back downtown, with roughly 1,897 ft (≈580 m) of elevation gain.
How long is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon?
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon take place?
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon takes place in Roanoke, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon?
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon elevation gain is 580 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
How long is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
Where does the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
On Saturday 18 April 2026, the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon starts and finishes at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke, Virginia, a road marathon organised by the Roanoke Outside Foundation with title sponsor Foot Levelers that runs onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and packs about 7,430 ft (≈2,265 m) of elevation change, earning its “America’s Toughest Road Marathon” tagline.
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is 42km long.
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon takes place in Roanoke, VA, USA.
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon elevation gain is 2265 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
On Saturday 18 April 2026, the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon starts and finishes at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke, Virginia, a road marathon organised by the Roanoke Outside Foundation with title sponsor Foot Levelers that runs onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and packs about 7,430 ft (≈2,265 m) of elevation change, earning its “America’s Toughest Road Marathon” tagline.
How long is the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon take place?
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon takes place in Roanoke, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon elevation gain is 2265 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon 2026 or Roanoke Outside Foundation. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon 2026 website.
