Inclement Weather Policy

Sometimes, there are weather events beyond our control. (A little rain in the forecast won’t stop us.) But if there is a threat of more severe weather, the Blue Ridge Marathon is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all participants, volunteers, and spectators. If race officials deem the course unsafe because of weather conditions, here’s what you need to know.

  • Race officials may cancel, delay, or change the event in case of extreme weather or other conditions that may affect the safety and health of participants. The race can be delayed for a maximum of one hour from start time. If severe weather hasn’t cleared within one hour, the race will be canceled. The race director and medical director, in consultation with law enforcement, fire/EMS, National Park Service, and other officials, will monitor the weather and make a decision if any action is necessary.
  • The race director may decide to shut down the course after the race has started if weather conditions deteriorate. Runners will be asked to take shelter at the closest aid station (there are 16 along the course) and wait for a shuttle to the finish line. The race will not resume. If you refuse to take shelter and continue, you do so at your own risk.
  • Volunteer course marshals will be released from their positions if the race is canceled. Zone Captains will notify marshals at each location.
  • In the event of a cancellation, all participants who started the race but did not finish before the course was shut down will be transferred to the virtual event. Participants may upload their race time and distance in the virtual results. An email with specific instructions in this instance will follow the event. Only runners who START the race will have this option.
  • Entry fees are nonrefundable. Once race day has arrived, fixed costs are incurred whether the race is held to completion or not. Further, we are a nonprofit organization operated by a small staff and proceeds are donated to nonprofits.

Check the marathon website, event app, Facebook and Twitter for weather updates prior to and during the race.