The results are in!
America’s Toughest Road Marathon just keeps getting bigger, with 2,507 registered runners–an 11% increase over last year; 600 volunteers, a brand new (official) double marathon, 10 non-profit race beneficiaries, plus runners hailing from 43 states and nine countries.
Even though warnings of severe weather forced organizers to cancel the event about five hours in, reviews were glowing (thanks, folks!).
Runner Elizabeth R. Bain of California said this about the race in The Roanoke Times: “What really made this course shine (besides the gorgeous views from the tops of the mountains)? YOU, Roanoke! From the volunteers handing out bibs and shirts at packet pick-up, to the mimosa ‘aid station,’ to the guy driving the bus where I took my DNF [did not finish], everyone was so kind and friendly! Even though I’m a slow, back-of-the-pack runner, every aid station had cheers and cowbells and plenty of aid station supplies for me.”
Foot Levelers booth at the Marathon Expo Friday before the race
We’re proud to support this incredible event every year, and congratulate all who dared to run America’s Toughest Road Marathon. An extra loud shout-out goes to our employees who got up at the crack of dawn to participate as runners or volunteer at the Star aid station!
It takes a village to host a marathon (Foot Levelers peeps in yellow giving out water, snacks, cheers and high fives to runners at the Star Aid Station)
Numbers about the economic impact should be out soon. Last year, the marathon generated more than $592,000, and over the past seven years, the it’s added more than $3.2 million to the local economy.
Our man Barto (center, in black) chugging up Mill Mountain along with other runners. Credit: The Roanoke Times.
Congratulations runners, thank you volunteers, and kudos to organizers from the Roanoke Regional Partnership for another world-class event!
Tammy and her daughter after the event
Some of our employee runners ready for the race: L-R, Barto, Scott, Tyler, Mike and Wayne
Foot Levelers 