The race has been run, but the benefits of it continue. Last
month's inaugural
National College Blue Ridge Marathon drew 942 runners for the marathon and
half marathon and pumped $354,202 in direct and indirect value into the local
economy. Organizers also presented $20,000 to
FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the designated beneficiary of the event. The signature ascents on the
26.2-mile course took place on the Parkway, which is celebrating its 75th
anniversary this year.
Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the
Roanoke Regional Partnership, and
co-chair of the marathon, praised the National
Park Service for permitting access to the scenic highway. He attributed the event's financial success
to community support and sponsors who signed on early. "
National College,
Carilion Clinic,
Valley Bank, and
Finks Jewelers believed in this idea and supported this great
community event almost from the beginning. Their support enabled us to properly market the marathon as a
destination attraction."
FRIENDS supported the event by assisting with the volunteers efforts.
Its network of chapters provided 100 of the 300 volunteers and also, additional
first aid stations through the support of a board member. The organization
plans to use the donation to provide funding for events along the Blue Ridge
Parkway, including the Roanoke Campground Music Program, Peaks of Otter and
Mabry Mill programs, which could not be funded by local chapters, according to
Susan J. Mills, Ph.D, executive director.
The run is touted as one of the most difficult on-road marathons in
America. The course was designed to
connect the Parkway with downtown Roanoke, while showcasing some of the Roanoke
Valley's key attractions, including the greenway system. Plans for next year include more mileage on
the greenway with the completion of the low water bridge in Wasena Park. Organizers are also eyeing one more addition
- another significant hill.
"The runners tell us they loved this course despite the difficulty,"
said Race Director
Ronny Angell, citing early survey responses from
participants that show a 99-percent approval rating. "We want to be sure we have bragging rights
as the toughest race there is, so we're looking at our options," Angell said.
Mark your calendars - next year's race will be held April 16.
