See You at the Finish Line

Making it to the finish line is more than just an accomplishment for runners who are participating in the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, Half Marathon and Anthem 10K, it’s also where you’ll find the biggest party of the weekend.

With food trucks, local craft beer, artists and vendors, free live music, free massages and food tent for runners, awards ceremonies, swag from sponsors and lots of cheering, there’s something for everyone. (Plus the events are right in the heart of downtown Roanoke.)

“One of the best finish line festivals so far. Craft beer, live music, fantastic food and free massages! To top it off, Roanoke is a great town. I definitely recommend this marathon. But be warned, you definitely EARN your medal,” said J. Cullen from Baltimore after the 2014 race.

The Finish Line Festival is open and free to the public from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Elmwood Park and Amphitheater.

Here are some of the other things that you will find:

• Award ceremonies: Star 10K at 10 a.m., half marathon at noon and full marathon at 2 p.m.
• Family Y Zone: Head over to Franklin Street between Elmwood Park and downtown Roanoke, where the road will be blocked off with a plethora of activities for runners, families and spectators with a climbing wall, bouncy house, putting greens, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, Human-sized Foosball, cornhole, and make your own medal craft for kids.
• Fleet Feet Sports Recovery Zone: Runners will be pampered with complimentary massages from local therapists, chiropractic adjustments, ice baths, free access to Addaday Therapy Sticks and foam rollers, and recovery yoga sessions by Floyd Yoga Jam.
• Race swag: The top three finishers in each age category will receive a hand welded “runner’s spike” built by a local welding school and powder coated right here in Roanoke and every runner earns a finisher’s medal, plus a pair of special “Roanoke” running socks from Farm to Feet.