Training

Fleet Feet Roanoke and Blue Ridge Racing are the official training partners of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon. This allows us to offer Virtual Training for those anywhere in the world, and in-person, local training for runners in the “540” area. Commit to training right and gain the tools needed to successfully cross the finish line on race day.

VIRTUAL TRAINING PROGRAMS

Schedule runs and training on your schedule with a virtual training program that’s designed for the Blue Ridge. All virtual training comes with a custom plan with modification options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced runners. There is also a modification for “flat-landers” or people who plan to run on a treadmill.

The training program includes a private Facebook group for community support, weekly Zoom live Q&A with the race director and other trainers, a weekly newsletter with custom topics, instructional videos on technique and race planning skills, plus a race weekend meet-up and photo.

VIRTUAL FULL MARATHON TRAINING (26.2)

Start Date: Monday, January 2, 2023
End Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023
Goal Race: Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
Cost: $65
Training Length: 16 weeks
Learn More: Virtual Full Marathon Training Details
Registration: CLOSED
Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 2, 2022 (midnight)

VIRTUAL HALF MARATHON TRAINING (13.1)

Start Date: Monday, January 16, 2023
End Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 
Goal Race: Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon
Cost: $50
Training Length: 14 weeks
Learn More: Virtual Half Marathon Training Details
Registration: OPEN!
Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 29, 2022 (midnight)

Epic Challenge, Beautiful Views, A Music Festival, Slow-K Recovery Fun Run, and More!

FLEET FEET LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMS

The Official Foot Levelers Blue Ridge in-person training groups are organized by Fleet Feet Roanoke. These programs are for runners AND run/walkers looking for structure and support while training. Their mentors and resources will help you reach your personal training goals.

Included with registration for the program is a Saturday morning long run AND Thursday evening workouts.

FULL MARATHON GROUP:

Start Date: Monday, January 24
End Date: Saturday, April 22 (race day!)
Start Date: TBA
End Date: Saturday, April 22 (race day!)
Goal Race: Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon
Cost: $TBA
Training Length: 12 Weeks
Kick Off Night: TBA
Registration: Stay Tuned!

HALF MARATHON GROUP:

Start Date: TBA
End Date: Saturday, April 22 (race day!)
Goal Race: Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon
Cost: $TBA
Training Length: 12 Weeks
Kick Off Night: TBA
Registration: Stay Tuned!

10K GROUP:

Start Date: TBA
End Date: Saturday, April 22 (race day!)
Goal Race: Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon
Cost: $TBA
Training Length: 12 Weeks
Kick Off Night: TBA
Registration: Stay Tuned!

FLEET FEET TRAINING PERKS:

  • Fleet Feet coupon book for the training program season
  • Core and strength training (optional) after Thursday Speed workouts
  • Mentors and friends to motivate and encourage you to reach your goals at every single workout
  • Fleet Feet Training Program Shirt to rep at goal race
  • Educational clinics
  • Weekly Newsletters with training plans, training tips and resources, notes from the coach, upcoming events and more
  • MOST IMPORTANTLY being in a group where you will be known by name, treated like family and looked after by people who are truly invested in your success and happiness. We’re your new training family!
  • Private Facebook group for all Spring 2022 Training Program Participants
  • Post-Season Party to celebrate your awesome accomplishments and see your training buddies in something other than running clothes!

Virtual training programs are brought to you in partnership with Blue Ridge Racing. BRR is the race management company that manages the on-course logistics of the Blue Ridge Marathon. With an intimate knowledge of the course, experience racing 5Ks to ultras and a passion for running, owners Molly & Matt Bullington are able to guide runners safely and effectively to reach their training goals for the Blue Ridge Marathon & Half Marathon.

Fleet Feet Roanoke has been voted one of the top running stores in the country more than once. Their mission is to be a welcoming and inclusive organization that inspires, motivates and improves the quality of life for the community we serve. Over the past 11 year they have successfully trained thousands of people to achieve their personal fitness goals. They have the best mentors and resources, and look forward to training you.

Fleet Feet donates 50% of your training fee to the Roanoke Outside Foundation! The foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization whose mission to make outdoor activity and environmental stewardship a core component of our community’s lifestyle, and improve the quality of life for all throughout the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The manage events including the Blue Ridge Marathon, Down by Downtown Music Festival, Go Cross Cyclocross Race, GO Outside Festival — and all proceeds of these events build assets (trails, river access, bathrooms, campgrounds, etc.) and awareness of the Roanoke Region.