No? You’re still concentrating on your fall marathon? That’s all good and well, but it doesn’t hurt to get out the 2013 calendar and look ahead at race possibilities. Before you know it, the holidays are going to be steamrolling you, so why not take care of some spring plans now?
Bill Rodgers ran the race last year and will be back again this year.
Here’s what I suggest: consider adding the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon to your race plans. It takes place April 20 in the incredibly scenic Blue Ridge Mountain region. It’s a race conceived of and run entirely by volunteers–volunteers who know running and can put on a first-class event. And it will earn you bragging rights, because people, it’s billed as America’s toughest road marathon.
How tough? Well, how about 7,234 feet of elevation change tough? There are three full mountains to ascend and descend. Get this–the first hill starts around mile one and doesn’t end until mile seven. I mean, don’t you want that feather for your cap? Here’s a little preview of what you could tackle, mano a mano:
Top that fun off with a handshake from the race director and chair for every finisher, plus a beer garden at the finish line, along with a climbing wall, vendors, and live music and you’ve got a pretty sweet race package. And because the location is so spectacular, I’d make a weekend out of the trip, bringing the whole family for hiking and other activities.
So I’d say it’s time to get out your 2013 race calendar and start planning. You can register here, or wait until October when I’m going to be giving away an entry. Either way, don’t miss it!
Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post by Roanoke Outside.
hmmmm
I should plan a spring marathon CHEERING OTHERS ON schedule.
some day for me to run.
some day.
Miz recently posted..Standing on my head changed my life.
I like the optimism in this post, of planning for a Spring marathon while it’s still Summer. There’s something nice about the thought that after Fall and Winter it wíll be Spring once again!
Mom’ s Home Run recently posted..Ali Mc runs
Ha ha, I just ran a 10K with “rolling hills”. I couldn’t believe how harsh the hills were!
Just submitted my application for Boston. I am hoping that will be my Spring Marathon.
Kris @ http://www.Kris-Lawrence.com recently posted..Payback for Last Week’s Suffer-Fest
Looks like a great race! And yes, I’ve already started planning my 2013 races!
Betsy recently posted..How I Got Here
I sorta am, in a way
YES!! This one is on my list. Not sure if I’m ready for 26.2 plus 7,000+ feet of elevation gain, but someday it will happen!
Shut Up and Run recently posted..How Sick Is Too Sick?
Wow that sounds like fun!
Robin recently posted..10 Personal Running Questions
I can’t wait to do the full. I’ve done the half twice. While the mountains are tough, the elevation change is just as big of a challenge on the lungs.
David H. recently posted..12 things: Training thoughts
Looks like a great race. I’ve already booked EUGENE MARATHON as my spring 26.2. Can’t wait! It’s crazy how far out we schedule these races, but you can’t beat the early bird prices!
Run with Jess recently posted..The Cupcake Classic 2012
ohmygosh elevation!! But sounds like an amazing race. The Blue Ridge Mountains are gorgeous and what an incredible way to experience them.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..5 Lessons on Injury
No spring marathon, but we’re running Chicago next fall to celebrate Laima’s 40th — you should definitely plan on coming out!
(Kudos on the compensated post!)
Kovas – Midwest Multisport Life recently posted..Bad Little Falls Audiobook Review
You know I love a good vertical challenge….but it’s a bit too far from me, and I can get some good vertical gain races here in Colorado. One day when I win the lottery, though
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Jill recently posted..August’s Top Ten…..Or Thirteen
I have already planned my spring ultra marathon! I will be running the Umstead 100 mile endurance run on April 6th 2013. I have the Weymouth Woods 100K in January, and the Uwharrie Mountain 40 miler and Black Mountain Marathon if Feb. The Blue Ridge Marathon sounds awesome, but I will still be in recovery from the 100.
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Gene recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Buggin’ Out!
This race sounds like a torture session:) Have you ran it before?
hikermom recently posted..Three Things Thursday
I LOVE that you are talking about spring races! I’ve already registered for Eugene 2013 and when I tell people that (the non-running friends) they look at me like I have a screw loose… well, maybe I am a little nuts, but it’s so much fun!
GreenGirlRunning recently posted..CIM Training Week 5 & My Best Run Yet!
I like planning ahead too! I don’t know if that marathon will be on my 2013 race calendar just yet, but I’m not ruling it out for the future
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..I Finished C25K, What’s Next?
yes. yes I have planned my spring marathon
katie recently posted..Rev3 Cedar Point Half: race report
OH, and great video. Thanks for posting. I helped make it when I was still working at FL.
David H. recently posted..12 things: Training thoughts
That sounds like a seriously impressive course and fun finish.
Are you going to tackle it?
Abby @ Change of Pace recently posted..Post IM
OMG! Looks amazing.
Elle recently posted..Grocery Shopping – Love it or Hate It?
No marathons this fall for the first time in a few years, which means that I’m already starting to look at spring ones. But if I do sign up for one, it’ll be with an eye toward a BQ – so I’ll probably stick to flatter terrain
Abby @ Have Dental Floss, WIll Travel recently posted..Storming the Castle: The Adidas Terrex Five-Day Adventure Race
I started planning 2013, but not any marathons. I don’t want to start that until after NYC.Let’s see if I can have a good one…this time around! and then I will think about the next!
Kristy (@KrisRunTri) recently posted..Bitches Be Bitchin’
That Blue Ridge Marathon seems like a very tempting challenge. I’m putting a pin in that one
One of my bucket list races was to run something – anything – with however many of a special group of ladies I’m friends with could get together in one spot. Next spring, I’ll get to run with several of them at the Oakland Marathon as part of a relay team!
Jen @ ConcreteNCoffee recently posted..Two and a Vlog (Giveaway!)
I haven’t yet planned for my 2013 races but I do know I will be running a Spartan Sprint at some point
Kierston recently posted..WIAW: FUelling UP!
Holy cow! I could not even imagine that. Maybe one day…but definitely not yet. I bet it is beautiful though.
So let me get this straight – you want me to run the “toughest” road marathon around and then climb a wall? Couldn’t I just go straight to the Beer Garden?
Jamoosh recently posted..Inspiring? Me? Come on now…