Everyone is Excited About the Carilion Children’s Family One-Miler

Start a lifelong love of running with your kids as they cross the finish line with runners from all over the country in the Carilion Children’s Family-One Miler.

The race starts right after the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon so kids can experience the thrill that comes with a big time race. (One-miler participants do have a different start time.)

The out and back course on Jefferson Street takes participants past hundreds of cheering fans, and then back to cross the official Blue Ridge finish line. After the race, One-Milers can stay to cheer on 10k and half marathon finishers who will be right on their tails!

It’s the perfect event for the whole family. Every participant gets a finisher medal, shirt, and healthy snacks at the finish. Plus, all proceeds from the event go to the YMCA Splash Water Safety Program, which helps teach children how to swim and play safely around water.

And while race day might be a little crazy for some, this event is structured to make it easy for families. There is plenty of parking near the race start/finish and one-miler participants start at the back of the corral away from other runners so no one gets lost in the excitement of race day.

The marathon is also working with the YMCA, Girls on the Run, and Big Brothers Big Sisters to give away free entries to 50 families through the Carilion Clinic Runner Grant. Free entries are designed to help families in underserved areas get active and involved. Email Julia to learn more.

The family one-miler is just one of the Blue Ridge Marathon races this year.

• Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon: 26.2 miles of mountains, including 7,430 feet of elevation change
• Half Marathon: 13.1 miles of mountains with, 3,790 feet of elevation change
• Double Marathon: Two laps around America’s Toughest Road Marathon course – 52.4 miles – and it is sold out (watch for the double crew as they start Lap 2 with the rest of the pack)
• 4-Person Relay: Team tackles the marathon course together
• Anthem Star 10K: The popular option includes 6.2 miles up Mill Mountain and back down the old toll road
• Carilion Children’s Family 1-Miler: A fun run for any ability or age that starts allows participants to cross the official Blue Ridge Marathon finish line

Blue Ridge Marathon Races

• When: Saturday, April 22 at 7:35 a.m.
• Where: Starts and finishes at Elmwood Park
• Register: Online