26.2 miles in these mountains await you
We all know that 26.2 is challenging, whether on a flat course or a hilly one. But the organizers of the Blue Ridge Mountain Marathon take that challenge up a notch. As in way up.
This course, which starts in Roanoke, Virginia, and winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers some 7,200 ft. of elevation change. That’s three mountains worth of climbing and descending. I don’t know about you, but words come to my mind like insane; intriguing; ridiculous; badass; who in their right mind; so cool. If you’d like to see more on it, check out this video.
It’s this mixture of feelings about this challenge that has me still on the fence about whether or not I’ll try it. That and the fact that it’s a mere five days after Boston (should I just set up an appointment with the sock doc now?). But if this seems like a challenge you’d like to take on, the organizers are offering a free entry to the April 21st event to one of my readers.
To enter:
- Tell me in a comment why you want to run America’s Toughest Road Marathon
Bonus entries:
- Be a MZ follower
- Tweet about this contest using @misszippy1 and @BRM26pt2
- Spread the word via your blog or FB page
- I’ll pick a winner via random.org on Dec. 7. Good luck!
I’ve got an adventure race down that way the same weekend – if you end up running, I’ll keep an eye out for you
Abby @ Have Dental Floss, WIll Travel recently posted..Philadelphia Marathon 2011: “The Best Time of Your Life”
Why do I want to run the toughest road marathon? Because last year I “tripled” Pikes Peak: did the Ascent, the Marathon and the Road Ascent within 8 days. Would love to see how this stacks up
Andrea Hill recently posted..The subtlety of DOMS
Andrea you’re just a bad ass. (PS stop running marathons and run ultras)
This might be something I would think about doing but not this time around. Best wishes to all others who enter to win. Thanks for sharing.
Kenley recently posted..Minor Changes, Recent Training News, and the Asics Gel Nimbus
Because “The race even marathoners fear” (san francisco) was too easy?
Paul recently posted..Tuesday Haiku
Love the video. Maybe some day I would love to do this, but not right now. The all the hills kind of scare me. I need to do a few more flat not so hilly marthons before I would take this baby one. Good luck to whoever wins it. The scenery is beautiful from the video.
I would cry if I had to do 7200 on the bike, I dont think thats a good idea for a first mary for me, good luck to those entering
BDD recently posted..Weekly Ramblings
As cool as that looks, I’m gonna pass! Eek
Mamarunsbarefoot recently posted..Form Check
Awesomeness! I’m a recent convert to running (one year), and I just read Born to Run. That book made me want to run mountains while smiling. This race would give me 26.2 miles to practice that technique! Thanks for giving us a chance to run.
And I’m a follower!
Lisa recently posted..Satanists will eat your children
oh wow, how cool! this would be AWESOME motivation for me to try something TOTALLY outside of my comfort zone! We all need goals to push us further and keep us happy and healthy! I would LOVE this
Thanks for hosting…hope I win!
Yikes! It scares me.
Joanne recently posted..Krill Oil and a guest post: Beat Away the Blues with Food
I am thinking of doing the half, but no desire for the marathon. I am taking the year off. Good luck to everyone!
Toughest road marathon sounds like a great way to intimidate myself into training hard for it! Bring it on!
because I’m self-employed which means I need a FREE entry, because I’m a wimp and need a new challenge to get to the next level, because after watching that video & I’m all excited about it, because I love a small race, because this will help me to become strong like MissZippy, and finally, becuz I WANT IT BAD!
I’m a follower here
I’m a follower on Twitter
I added this to my blog
ginny recently posted..28 miles and I’ll be "Ready to Rumble"
I would so love to do this – but will have to wait until 2013 as the racing schedule is already jammed up. Amanda, if you are game for 2013 I will run it with ya!
Jeff recently posted..Turkey Trot Race Report – 5mi
OK, I just have to be honest and say that sounds just awful
…….I don’t think I’m ready for that kind of route just yet. Good luck to everyone else who enters!!
Michael recently posted..Bustin’ Some Bootie!
Last year, I ran the Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon in Nashville, TN and that one has something like 7200 feet of elevation change as well. I would love to see how this one stacks up against “The Monkey”.
Bill recently posted..Race Report – 2011 Talmer Turkey Trot
I just started to run again after a hiatus. I want to prove to my BRAIN that my BODY is still strong and I can train it to do what I used to do!!
What better way to show myself that than training to run a wonderfully non-flat course? 
Man, this sounds just difficult enough to sound really intriguing, but I’m sure my travel budget won’t be road trip friendly then. Boo…
Kate recently posted..Enough is enough
Why I would want to run…something fun to do with friends, add it to my list of crazy things I’ve done!
Well, I just finished my first marathon…so why not just do the most ridiculous road marathon ever next?
Katherine @ Neon Blonde Runner recently posted..NO Cooking on Thanksgiving
And I’m a follower now too, glad I found you.
Katherine @ Neon Blonde Runner recently posted..NO Cooking on Thanksgiving
Wow, I’ve run the hilly Promised Land 50K in the Blue Ridge mountains and was more sore than I’ve ever been (including after my 100 miler!). Add road to that equation and it’s sure to be a real punisher.
I’m in!
ultrarunnergirl recently posted..Thanksgiving Leftovers with a Kick
I would love to be in the draw, but I am not going to make it o the USA next year (no money!!!) but maybe I’ll keep it in mind for when I do cross the big ocean.
Coach Dion recently posted..BIRTHDAY WEEKEND
If there is any other America toughest Marathon. That Is availible i would love to be in that number. This is my life…