Blue Ridge Marathon

Blue Ridge Marathon 2027 Course Analysis

Blue Ridge Marathon is a full marathon held in Roanoke, United States of America. It is scheduled for Saturday 17 April 2027. The course is run on trail surface with 1020m of total climbing, with its high point near 656m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Blue Ridge Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

This is a very challenging course with 1020m of total climbing - well above the average trail marathon - topping out around 656m above sea level. Hill training is essential, and you should expect a slower finish time than on a flat course.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for April, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 13°C and 32°C. Heat is one of the biggest performance factors in distance running - for every degree above 15°C, finish times can slow by roughly 1-2%. Extra hydration and a conservative start are strongly recommended. There is a low chance of rain (16%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Trail

Blue Ridge Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are usually slower than the road equivalent - often by 10-20% - because of uneven footing, technical sections, and frequently steeper gradients, though a smooth, non-technical or downhill trail can run faster than that suggests. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Blue Ridge Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.