Get Outside newsletter header
In this issue
Weekend Update
Pete's Pick: Support Marathon Runners
Win It: Guided Fishing Trip on the James River
Cool Gear: Gobi Gear Hoboroll
Paddling Film Festival Comes to Hollins
It's Not Too Late to Win FloydFest Tickets
Upcoming Events To Keep Your Eye On
Line Divider 2
WEEKEND UPDATE         
Line Divider 2

PETE'S PICK: SUPPORT MARATHON RUNNERS          
Get out and support runners from all over the Roanoke Region and world this weekend for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon.

The weekend is about so much more than just a race. It is a community gathering that kicks off at 7 a.m Friday morning as runners can join legendary marathoner Bart Yasso and Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter for an easy run starting at Vic Thomas Park.

Later Friday, check out the marathon expo and plenty of live music as part of Down by Downtown. And if you registered, don't miss the Foot Levelers Pasta dinner with speakers Yasso, Shorter, and Bill Rodgers.

Saturday morning the main event gets underway at 7:35 at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Salem Avenue. Several hours later, runners will cross the finish line near the Taubman Museum of Art. Find a place along the course, and make sure to show your support by cheering the runners on! The festivities will continue throughout the day Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) with live music as part of Down by Downtown, a beer garden, food vendors, an art festival, and children's activities near the finish line. Plus, you can check out the awards ceremonies inside the City Market Building at noon (half marathon) and 2 p.m. (full marathon).

In spite of the tragedy in Boston earlier this week, let's show the world what we are made of and get out and show our support for and even inspire a runner or two this weekend.

Get outside!

 Pete Eshelman signature

Pete Eshelman 
Director of Outdoor Branding 

Roanoke Regional Partnership 
Find us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our profile on LinkedIn  

Line Divider 2
WIN IT: GUIDED FISHING TRIP ON THE JAMES RIVER     
Some of the best smallmouth fishing waters in the world are right here in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

And we want you to take advantage of fishing them.

Roanoke Outside is partnering with Confluence Outfitters to give away a half-day fishing trip on the James River. The package, which is valued at $300, includes a trip for one or two fishermen (or women), plus a guide, drinks, and snacks.

Confluence Outfitters is a fishing guide service that boasts over 17 years of experience fishing these waters. Confluence offers guided fishing for smallmouth bass and muskie on the James and Maury rivers.

Line Divider 2
COOL GEAR: GOBI GEAR HOBOROLL         
Packing for any adventure can be a challenge.

The Hoboroll from Gobi Gear makes it a little easier.

The small, lightweight pack is good for grabbing some items for an overnight trip or hike or could be used to organize items inside another bag. The Hoboroll can be carried alone over-the-shoulder or fits easily inside a small suitcase or tote.

But what can you get inside?

The roll has five compartments for your items. Each section is the right size to securely hold one average-sized item. I was able to pack a pair of tennis shoes, t-shirt, shorts, sweatshirt, and pants with ease. Shove everything in and then compress the bag using the straps and close using drawstring end closures. Everything stayed securely in place, although the clothes were a little wrinkled when I pulled them out of the bag.

Learn more about the Hoboroll and get a discount code if you want to buy one >>> 
Line Divider 2
PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL COMES TO HOLLINS     
Watch some of the best videos from 25 years of paddling festivals during the National Paddling Film Festival Roadshow at Hollins University on Friday.

You'll be amazed by the footage from amateur and professional videographers that captures thrilling whitewater canoeing and kayaking adventures.

And it's all for a good cause. The Hollins Outdoor Program will hold a raffle during the event to raise money for Adventure Youth Mentoring, which connects youth to outdoor activities.

If the films aren't enough to inspire you, representatives from Roanoke Region paddling clubs will be on hand to help you get on the water.

National Paddling Film Festival Roadshow
  • When: Friday, April 19 from 7-10 p.m.
  • Where: Hollins University, Niederer Auditorium in the Richard Wetherill Visual Arts Center
  • Cost: $10 (Order tickets online)
Line Divider 2
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO WIN FLOYDFEST TICKETS     

There's one week left in the Roanoke Outside FloydFest 12 ticket giveaway.

 

And it's super-easy to enter. Just fill out the form below for one entry and then head over to Facebook for another entry, plus additional entries for every person who enters using your link. We'll announce a winner late next week. (And if you entered in March and did not win, you do need to enter again to be eligible this month.) 

 

FloydFest 12, on July 25-28, will include four days of camping (if you want to), beer and wine gardens, performance art, a global village, kids' universe, craft workshops, trapeze school, disc golf, mountain biking, and yes, plenty of great live music. 

 

ENTER NOW 

Line Divider 2



Line Divider 2
UPCOMING EVENTS TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON       

Visit The RoanokeOutside.com Calendar of Events for details on these upcoming events!       

  • Spring Up Wolf Creek Bike Ride - 4/27
  • Learn to Stand-Up Paddleboard - 4/28
  • Beginner Outdoor Climbing Clinic - 5/4
  • Gallop 4 the Greenways - 5/11
  • Mother's Day Kayaking - 5/12
  • Beginner Backpacking Class - 5/15 
  • Odyssey 24-Hour Adventure Race - 5/18
  • Appalachian Power Festival 5K and 10K  - 5/25  
  • Strings & Spirits Festival - 6/1
  • Troutville Trail Days - 6/8
  • The Color Run Roanoke 5K - 6/15 
  • FloydFest - 7/25-28 
Line Divider 2
Roanoke Regional Partnership

Roanoke Regional Partnership · 111 Franklin Plaza, Suite 333 · Roanoke, VA 24011
540.343.1550 X 104 · www.roanoke.org