Frequently Asked Questions

Please be sure to review the details provided on the Registration page. If your question is not answered here, email us and we’ll get back to you with an answer!

Is this a Rain or Shine event?

Yes!

What type of running surfaces on the course?

All of the race is run on paved asphalt.

Can I register on the day of the race?

No, the last opportunity to register is at Packet Pick Up and Expo on Friday, April 20, 2012 from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm. A $10 processing fee will be applied. Cash or Check only. There is NO same-day registration.

What is the time limit for the Full Marathon and the Half-Marathon?

The Time Limit for both courses are 8 hrs. That will be a 18:32 min/mile pace for the full marathon course and 37:04 pace for the half. There will be a 7 hr cut off at Mile 22 (full) and Mile 9 (half). Anyone who can not make the 7 hr cut off will be pulled from the course and transported back to the finish line. All walkers will be required to walk on the sidewalks whenever applicable.

What type of liquids/gel do you provide along the course?

We provide non-diluted HEED and water at all fluid stations along the course. Hammer Gel will be available at mile ~14.5 and~ 20.5 for the full marathon and mile ~7.75 for the half marathon.

Where will the water stops be?

Full Marathon - miles: 1.4, 3, 4.2, 5.4, 6.6, 7.4, 9.2, 9.8, 11, 12.1, 13, 14.6, 15.6, 17.4, 18.3, 19.1, 20.5, 22.1, 23.3, 24.5, and 25.4.
Half Marathon - miles: 1.4, 3, 3.8, 5.4, 6.7, 7.7, 8.8, 10, 11.2, and 12.1.

Is the National College Blue Ridge Marathon a qualifier for the Boston Marathon?

No, not at this time.

How do I dress (layers?) for the National College Blue Ridge Marathon?

Weather in Roanoke, VA in the Spring can vary dramatically. 2010 weather was overcast with a high of 63 degrees. 2011 was 55 degrees and rainy. We suggest you bring gloves, a hat and long sleeve shirt. Early in the race, you might have to shed some clothes so don't wear anything too nice in case you want to throw them away (your competitor bib number must be pinned to the front of the clothing you wear since event officials will be inviting unregistered runners to exit the course. You could be mistakenly identified as an unregistered runner if your bib number is not visible). If you want to shed some clothes prior to the race start, you will be able to check them into the Gear Transfer Station and have it transferred to the finish line. See the Weather section of the website for historical race day temperatures.

Are there awards for each age group?

Yes, Awards will be give to the top three males and females in each age group.

Can I run more than one leg of the marathon relay?

Yes, a runner can run 2-consecutive legs; the team must be paid in full. The runner running two legs must be registered twice.

Can I run on a relay team and the marathon at the same time?

Yes, a marathon runner can run the first leg as a team member and then continue as long as they pay the registration for both the relay and marathon and wear both chips.

How many women and men need to be on a Mixed Relay team?

Any combination is acceptable but must include at least one woman and one man.

Is it possible to drive the marathon course?

It's not entirely drivable. You will not be able to drive the back side of Mill Mountain after reaching the Mill Mountain Star and Roanoke Greenway portion. Otherwise, the remainder of the course can be driven.

Will photos be taken along the course and at the finish?

Yes. There will be exciting photo points along the course that will be clearly identified as well as at the finish. Race photos can be viewed and purchased by visiting Action Sports International. You can sign up now to receive an email notifying you that photos are online and ready for viewing. Photos should be online by April 28.

Can someone pick my packet up for me?

We strongly encourage all runners to pick up their own race packet at the Packet Pick Up and Expo on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Taubman Museum of Art from 4:00 pm to 9:00pm. It is important for runners to verify their data and make any necessary changes. However, if it is not possible for you to pick-up your own packet, you may have someone pick it up for you. That person will be responsible for verifying personal race information (name, age, birthdate, etc.) and must bring a release/waiver signed by you - click here to download the release. This is for special circumstances ONLY. Picking up multiple packets for full teams will NOT be permitted.

If I sign up for the half and I later decide that I want to run the marathon, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?

You can transfer from the half to the marathon. You must first register and pay for the marathon and then contact the marathon office via email alerting us of the change. You will be issued a rebate check based on the lowest fee paid. These changes can only be done prior to April 1 and must be communicated through the mail or e-mail.

If I sign up for the relay and I later decide that I want to run the marathon, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?

You can transfer from the relay to the marathon. You must first register and pay for the marathon and then contact the marathon office via email alerting us of the change. You must then notify us of your replacement for your relay portion. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND OF YOUR ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FEE. These changes can only be done prior to April 1st and must be communicated through the mail or e-mail.

If I sign up for the relay and I later decide that I want to run the half, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost?

You can transfer from the relay to the half. You must first register and pay for the half and then contact the marathon office via email alerting us of the change. You must complete the Relay Team Change Form (download-able form via our website) and fax it to the marathon office and notify us of your replacement for your relay portion. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND OF YOUR ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FEE. These changes can only be done prior to April 1st and must be communicated through the mail or e-mail.

If I sign up for the marathon and I later decide that I want to run the half, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost?

You can transfer from the marathon to the half. To switch, send an email to the marathon office indicating your name and desire to switch. The office will make the switch for you and confirm via email. There will be no refund of the difference paid when switching from the full marathon to the half marathon. These changes can only be done prior to April 1st.

If I sign up for the marathon and I later decide that I want to run the relay, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?

You can transfer from the marathon to the relay. You must first register and pay for the relay and then contact the marathon office via email alerting us of the change. You will be issued a rebate check based on the lowest fee paid. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND OF YOUR ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FEE. These changes can only be done prior to April 1st and must be communicated through the mail or e-mail.

I have read that it sometimes helps if a friend joins you to run for a few miles at the end of the marathon (i.e. miles 22-24) for moral support. What are the marathon rules about this?

Due to liability considerations, and out of respect for the registered participants, non-registered runners are not permitted to run or walk within the boundaries of the official marathon course. Friends may stand adjacent to the edge of the defined course and cheer the participants on! Friends must NEVER cross the finish line or enter the finish zone which begins approximately 2/10 mile before the finish.

Can a race bib be transferred to someone else?

No. Bibs are not transferable. Transferred bibs will result in disqualification.

I was injured after registering for the race. Can I get a refund or defer until next year?

No - there will be NO refunds or deferments. We incur fixed costs for each runner based on registration numbers. As a result, we are not able to allow any refunds.

Can I wear headphones while racing on the National College Blue Ridge Marathon and Half Marathon course?

Runners participating in the National College Blue Ridge Marathon may use portable listening devices not capable of receiving communication.

Will you mail or email confirmation to me?

If you register online, you will receive a Confirmation Email immediately. We do advise early registration. Registration fees increase the closer it gets to race day.

What is the half marathon route?

The Half Marathon will start at 7:30am in front of the Taubman Museum of Art on Salem Avenue (the same time and location as the marathon). The Half Marathon course runs the established marathon route up to the 3 mile mark, turning right and running to the highest point on Mill Mountain and Famous Mill Mountain Star. The runners will continue on the Marathon course down the backside of Mill Mountain, connecting to the Roanoke Greenway. The Half Marathoners will continue on the Roanoke Greenway. At mile 7.3 of the Half Marathon course, which is mile 16.5 of the marathon, the Half Marathoners will take a left on 26th street and run .5 miles before continuing on the marathon course at mile 21. The Half Marathoners will continue on the Roanoke Greenway toward the finish as the Marathoners. Runners will be notified of the Half Marathon turn off via signage and speakers. See the Half Marathon course map for further details.

Where should I park?

There are public parking garages throughout the downtown area. Click here to view a map of parking garages.

Are showers available on race day?

Yes, shower facilities will be available for free at the Downtown Kirk YMCA located at 520 Church Ave. To use the Y’s facilities, you will show your bib at the front desk. There will be directions in with your Final Instructions.

How do I change a member of my Relay Team?

It is imperative that the registration data associated with your race number does, in fact belong to you, the participant. While it may seem harmless to run under an unauthorized number, it does convey serious consequences to the organizers and participant field alike. Correct information allows medical staff to correctly identify participants in need of treatment and ensures accuracy of race results and awards. If you wish to change your team relay registration, you may do so with the following restrictions. Email the information of both the current member and the replacement member to pete@roanoke.org. You must include full name, address, emergency contact, phone, email, and DOB. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING RELAY CHANGE (SOME CHARGES APPLY). Changes requested prior to April 5, 2012 will be processed at the marathon office and will not incur an administrative fee. Changes will not be processed between April 5, 2012 and April 20, 2012. Change forms will; however, be accepted and processed at the Packet Pick up and Expo, held on April 20, 2012. RELAY TEAM MEMBER CHANGES PROCESSED AT THE EXPO WILL INCUR A $10 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE PER PARTICIPANT. Corrections of personal data can be made free of charge.

Will I be able to pick up my timing chip Friday, April 20, 2012 at Packet Pick up?

All runners (except Relay Teams) will utilize disposable chips for 2012. This means that you can pick your chip up Friday at Packet Pick up.

Will there be massage therapists available?

Yes! They will be at the finish line. These are volunteers and are charging $1/min. with a 10 minute minimum (cash only and all proceeds go to Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway). For runners it is a recovery massage. Spectators can get in on the action too.