The weekend didn’t go as planned for me.
The Shakeout 5K on Saturday was super cold and I was coughing tons and super congested. I decided to sit it out so I could rest for the half on Sunday. They didn’t have my jacket at the Shakeout, so they’re mailing it to me...perfect way to just do the run as a virtual.
Resting Saturday was the best thing I could have done for myself. I woke up still feeling crummy, but a little better. The temp was 32 at the start of the race and 50 when I finished. My ankle has been giving me trouble since summer when I turned it and it decided to pop at mile 5, but I pushed on and kept a pretty steady pace. Overall, the volunteers were pretty nice, the other racers were cool, and the police were good. I did get asked to go on the sidewalk at one point with less than half a mile left even though I was no where close to hitting the race time limit and I let him know that and he said sorry and drove off. 🤔
Yes, I’m a walker and pretty slow but even with everything going on, I somehow managed a PR for my half today. 😯 Did not expect that, at all!
I will suggest this one to others, especially those who want a fast, flag course.
The marathon was just just looped.

I participated in the virtual this year. This was great communication with the RD about the race. It took me a little longer to get my packet, but the email stated if we hadn’t received it, to email and she was very quick to reply saying my packet had been mailed. After seeing the tank and medal, they’re both good quality. The price was amazing! I will definitely do it again if I can’t participate live.

This was my first time participating in Blue Ridge Marathon weekend! It was a great time. I went to expo on Friday and was able to park within a couple feet of the hotel entrance, which was a nice surprise. I also loved I didn't have to pay for parking. Expo was a little chaotic with all the racers showing up, but the race put things together so it would go smoothly and there would be directions on which way to go to make it more efficient. I got to meet Jeff Galloway at the expo, too. I had a VIP band, so race morning I was able to go to the patio to get juice, breakfast, etc. The RD even gave us 'road waffles' to take with us for the run. We had access to restrooms at the local library, so didn't have to wait for the port-o-potties, yet we still ended up needing them right before the race. The line for them went quickly. The race started with a cannon. It was a bit crowded for the first bit and I had just mentioned how nice everyone was to one another except for the person who shoved me out of way and told me to 'move'. Being a walker, I stayed hugging sidewalk, so found this upsetting. The views during the course were AMAZING. The crowds were so supportive as well. They cheered for everyone, there was music, and even jell-o shots. At the top of the mountain (10k course) the volunteers at the aid station were so nice. The family who provided moo-mosas were sweet, just as I had been told about - and of course, the drink tasted great. When I came through the final stretch, I saw racers who had already finished cheering on those still going and it was nice to see. At the finish line I received my beautiful 10th Anniversary medal and there were even cupcakes to celebrate. Vendors were present with a plethora of food. I went back to the balcony with my VIP access and had pizza, shrimp cocktail, veggies, and of course beer! The weekend continued with a concert that night (so much fun)! and a Slow-K (slowest 5K in America)...wonderful addition to the race. I can't wait to do this again next year.

This was my first half marathon. I was not ready for the half, but the race director convinced me to come give it a try. The hills are definitely there! Not many flat areas to this race. It’s a looped course for the marathoners. The race director makes this race amazing. She stays there with you u til the very last person finishes, no matter what their time. The medals are hand made by the Amish. The food around is wonderful, since it is also by the Amish. Everyone is so friendly and it’s lots of fun. Wish this race was still going on.