Middle-of-the-Pack Means Something Different at America’s Toughest Road Races

Every race has front runners. They’re fast, focused, and incredible to watch. But every runner who toes the start line for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon signs up for the same climbs, the same descents, the same struggle. Everyone earns their miles on these mountains. And so, we are giving love to the middle of the pack.

Middle-of-the-pack runners show up to #RunBlueRidge with grit, humor, and determination. They’re balancing busy jobs, families, injuries, and early morning alarms just to get their miles in. Middle-of-the-packers aren’t likely to podium. Middle-of-the-packers aren’t likely to PR (not with this elevation change).

The reason middle-of-the-packers show up to #RunBlueRidge is to finish strong, and prove to themselves they can do hard things.

And at this race, doing hard things is the whole point. “Complete, not compete” is our mantra.

Middle-of-the-pack runners embody that spirit perfectly. They pace the climbs, take in the views, high-five volunteers, and cheer for the runners around them. They’re out there for the experience as much as the finish line—and they make the race feel less like a competition and more like a community adventure.

That’s why we created the Middle-of-the-Pack Award.

In each distance: Anthem Star 10K, Foot Levelers Half Marathon, Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, and Altra Blue Ridge Double Marathon, we celebrate the one runner (male, female, or non-binary) who crosses the finish line in the middle of their distance. It’s our way of recognizing that the middle isn’t average. It’s essential.

This year, we’re making the celebration even better. Each Middle-of-the-Pack winner will be met at the finish with some extra celebration and will take home a brand-new pair of Altra running shoes.

Because if anyone deserves fresh kicks for their next adventure, it’s the runners who keep showing up for the challenge.

Stay tuned to hear what we’ve got in store for the back of the pack.