About Us

Roanoke Outside Foundation logo

Our Mission

The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is owned and operated by the Roanoke Outside Foundation whose mission is to make outdoor activity and environmental stewardship a core component of the Roanoke Region of Virginia’s lifestyle by promoting a “conservation through recreation” philosophy.


Our History

In 2010, local runners and a volunteer-led committee crafted one of the most beautiful and most difficult marathons in the US. The elevation profile rose every year until 2014 and now boasts over 7,430 ft. on the full marathon course. Offering stunning overlooks, attentive aid staff, enthusiastic spectators, sweet swag, and what has been reviewed as, “…the best finish line festival ever,” the Blue Ridge Marathon has officially come into its own as a world-class race.

The race made it onto the “World’s 15 Toughest Marathons” List by the Weather Channel, was featured in Runner’s World Magazine, Ranked #1 on “Toughest Half Marathons in the World” by halfmarathons.net and too many more accolades to list in one spot. We have also earned a 100% satisfaction rating on marathonguide.com with hundreds of five star reviews. Read reviews.

Be sure to join us for our other signature events, Go Cross (a two-day cyclocross race series) and the GO Outside Festival (an outdoor sports festival with camping, music, and more than 300 free outdoor activities).


More Info

Questions? Many answers to your race questions can be found in the following places…