Racecation all I ever wanted…
Looking for a getaway that pairs a world-class running challenge with a perfect weekend visiting Top Mountain Town, Roanoke, VA? Look no further than the Foot Leveler Blue Ridge Marathon Racecation weekend, April 17-19.
Racecation (n.) – a getaway weekend to run a race and experience an exciting destination.
This racecation itinerary comes with bragging rights, incredible live music, unique events, and luxury accommodations.
Want to win the ultimate Roanoke Racecation?
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon Racecation Giveaway is on now through February 18. Here’s how to enter:
Register for the race – any distance from Anthem Star 10K to the Full Goat (required) → 1 entry
- Do this and you’re entered. You only have to do more if you want to increase your odds!
Tag 3 friends in the comments of the giveaway posts → 1 entry per friend
- Tell us why you’re running America’s Toughest Road Race this year → 1 entry
Follow @colonyhousemotorlodge on Instagram → 1 entry
The Prize! One winner will be announced on Feb. 19th and receive:
A two-night stay at Colony House Motor Lodge (April 17–19)
Two tickets to see Galactic (April 18)
Two free entries to America’s Slowest 5k Presented by Altra (April 19)
Ok, now for the itinerary…
Friday, April 17th: Arrive & Get Settled
Welcome to Virginia’s Blue Ridge! Whether you’re arriving by car, train, or plane, plan your movements around easy access to Elmwood Park. Elmwood is your spot for the packet pick-up and race expo (3-8pm), and it’s the start/finish on race day.
-> Pro tip: Fly into ROA airport. It is a 15-minute drive to Elmwood Park. Or, if you like train travel, arrive by Amtrak. The station is downtown and just a short 10-minute walk to the park. Both options are quick, efficient, and will minimize headaches as you get into your weekend.
Where to Stay: Pull up to the coolest new spot in town!
When you’re traveling for a race as iconic as the Blue Ridge Marathon, choosing a locally owned place to stay not only keeps your dollars in the Roanoke community — it also gives your racecation way more character than a generic hotel ever could.
A standout option for runners this year is the brand new Colony House Motel Lodge, an historic mid-century landmark motel that was just reimagined into Roanoke’s most effortlessly cool, creative stay.
Our favorite things about Colony House:
- It is just an 8-minute car trip to Elmwood Park.
- Rooms feature upscale furnishings by the local furniture makers at Txtur (swing by their show room downtown, and snag a bite and a cocktail at their restaurant, Stock, for the full experience!).
- Each space is stocked with amenities and upscale retro charm.
Looking for a laid-back vibe with thoughtful luxuries to perfectly match your race-weekend energy? Then, stay at Colony House. For a special rate at the Colony House, head to their website and use code: BRM.
For other options, check out the full hotel portal here, and when you reserve through the portal, part of your reservation will go into our fundraising efforts for the non-profits who volunteer on race day!
Kickoff Fun:
Once you’re checked in, head to Elmwood Park for packet pickup and the Welcome Party. This outdoor market-style expo is the perfect way to pick up your bib and race merch and meeting up with fitness vendors. You can also grab a local brew and enjoy free live music, part of the Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival that runs throughout race weekend.
With more than 50 locally-owned restaurants within walking or quick-car-ride distance, Friday night is the perfect opportunity to fuel up and soak in the Roanoke scene before race day. Find out about dining options here.
Saturday, April 18th: Race Day — America’s Toughest Road Marathon
Race morning starts early in Elmwood Park with an electric atmosphere. No matter which distance you’ve chosen, this course is legendary for both challenge and scenery.
Why it’s epic (in case you weren’t aware):
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon has more elevation change (over 7,400 feet) than any other road marathon in the U.S., earning it the title “America’s Toughest Road Marathon.”
You’ll climb three scenic peaks through Roanoke neighborhoods and along the famed Blue Ridge Parkway before finishing strong in downtown. And all along the route is an epic community of race fans at both sanctioned and rogue aid stations and throughout the city.
-> Pro-tip: The race motto is “Complete, don’t compete.” We highly recommend stopping for photos, walking the steeper sections, and enjoying the champagne toast at the top of Peakwood (if you’re 21+, of course).
After the finish:
Crossing the line isn’t the end — it’s just the start of the celebration. Enjoy the Finish Festival to it’s fullest with a free beer, a visit to the runner’s food tent, music, vendors, and recovery activities like massages, compression boots, and stretching sessions.
Saturday Night: Post-Race Party that’s out of this world.
After you head back to your hotel room to nap and shower (did we mention the water pressure at Colony House is next level?), it’s time to celebrate conquering the toughest miles of your life. This year, we’re happy to share that the post-race party comes with a serious groove.
Galactic, featuring Jelly Joseph
Head back to Elmwood Park for an unforgettable night of live music featuring Galactic, the legendary New Orleans funk band known for high-energy performances, deep grooves, and irresistible dance vibes. Runners with their bibs or medals get in for just $20 (everyone else is $45). It’s the perfect way to shake out tired legs, celebrate big accomplishments, and soak up the electric post-race energy alongside fellow runners, new friends, and local music-lovers. And hey, if your legs won’t dance (who could blame them), there’s plenty of space to stretch out on the hill and soak in the show.
The Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival transforms downtown Roanoke into a full-on celebration. Visit at least one or two shows (including Galactic!) and enjoy being a celebrity as Roanoke celebrates race weekend. Dozens of venues each year all across downtown Roanoke book top acts and put together events designed to welcome visitors, cheer for runners, and show off what we love best about our fair city.
From mountain miles to funk-filled dance moves and the friendliest community, April 18th is shaping up to be a day to remember.
Sunday, April 19th: America’s Slowest 5K Presented by Altra
By Sunday morning, the pressure is off and that’s exactly the point. The America’s Slowest 5k Presented by Altra is Blue Ridge Marathon’s love letter to runners. It’s about recovery, community, and savoring the weekend just a little longer.
This untimed, no-stress 5K takes place along the scenic Roanoke River Greenway, offering roughly 3.1 flat miles, fresh air, and plenty of laughs. Expect Altra running shoe demos, goat yoga, flower leis, and immaculate vibes. The start/finish area is Black Dog Salvage, one of Roanoke’s most unique and beloved spots for art and furnishings (and home of DIY Network’s Salvage Dawgs).
At the Slow-K, everyone gets a donut and cup of coffee. Some runners jog, some walk, some shuffle — and all are welcome. How to win? Be the last person to cross the line and go home with a new pair of Altras.
Stick around after for mimosas and wander through Black Dog’s galleries and show room. Then, when you’re ready to leave this friendly, adventure town, make your way back home with an extra spring in your step for having conquered America’s Toughest Road Races and having had the best best time while doing it.
