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, December 29, 2025
End Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Goal Race: Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
Cost: $65
Training Length: 16 weeks
Learn More: Virtual Full Marathon Training Details
Registration: OPEN
Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 11, 2026 (midnight)

VIRTUAL HALF MARATHON TRAINING (13.1)

Start Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
End Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
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 25, 2026 (midnight)

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

FLEET FEET LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMS

Fleet Feet Roanoke is committed to your success and has ushered participants across their Blue Ridge Marathon event goals for years. The Blue Ridge Races will be the focus of our Spring programming led by Coach Pat Bateman, with a focus on complete health and longevity. In addition to Fleet Feet Roanoke’s commitment to your success, other perks include:

  • Relevant timely newsletters with both general health and race specific information. These messages will supplement your plan, assist with maintaining motivation, and build your knowledge base through the training.
  • Within a group setting, a personalized training program experience; with a focus on appropriate progression, safety, and mental preparation.
  • On-course training runs to prepare you for the big day in a MEASURED way to reduce risk of injury or burnout.
  • Opportunities to attend educational clinics relevant to your Blue Ridge 2026 journey (in person and/or virtual)
  • MOST IMPORTANT: a group where you will be known by name, treated like family and looked after by people who are truly invested in your success.

Included with your no-fee registration is a schedule of group training run opportunities, up to 4 days a week.
*Please note that participation in any of our group run meetups does NOT require being a member of the Training Program.*

Contact Coach Pat for further details and questions:  coachpat@fleetfeetroanoke.com.

For more information about Fleet Feet Roanoke’s Training Program for BRM Events, feel free to join any of the informational sessions on Saturdays – November 29 through December 20 – at RND Coffee in Vinton at 9am.

Welcome to our training family, whether you’re a First Timer, a Bucket Lister, or a PR Seeker, or anything in between – we’re happy to have you join us!

FULL MARATHON GROUP:

Start Date: December 29, 2025
End Date: Saturday, April 18 (race day!)
Goal Race: Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
Cost: Pay what you can! All proceeds benefit Smiles4Tab
Program Schedule: 16 Weeks
More Info & Registration: https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/roanoke/marathon

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 15+ years 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.