Recap: Virtual Blue Ridge Half Marathon

Disclaimer: I received an entry to VIRTUAL Blue Ridge Half Marathon to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon embraces the slogan "Be the Goat" because it's one of the hilliest races around. (Image: Blue Ridge Marathon)

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How I Ran My Virtual Blue Ridge Half Marathon 

I ran up and down and up and down the hills in my neighborhood until I reached 2018' of elevation. Whew! (Image: This Old Runner)

One of these years, I'd love to challenge myself with a trip to hilly Roanoke, VA, but this was not that year. 

Instead, I planned to run the half marathon in my neighborhood as a VIRTUAL race participant.

The Virtual Half had two requirements:
• Run 13.1 miles
• Get 1,850′ in elevation gain.

Sure, there are bridges and multi-story parking lots that offer elevation gains. But, I needed to get my race in on Easter weekend close to home. ​

​That meant I had to run hill repeats to meet the elevation requirement.

Luckily, a lot of the hilly streets provide cool shade. (Image: This Old Runner)

I mixed in laps around the lake to break up the hills and to hit my water stops. (Image: This Old Runner)

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My Half Wasn't Pretty, But I Did It

A late decision to run this race meant I wasn't actually half marathon-ready. But, I'm happy with my results. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed the elevation challenge.

Virtual runners submit their results online after running their event.

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How to Add Extra Fun to a Virtual Race

One thing that made this virtual race tons of fun was participating in a virtual relay with my Bib Rave teammates. 

​We roughed out a schedule, and each team member ran their leg of the overall relay.

​We cheered each other on social media, and handed a virtual baton from one runner to the next until all the miles were run.

​You can see me hand off the baton to Lissa @RunNerdGirl in the slideshow below.

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Here are the Rest of My Virtual Relay Teammates

Grab your running friends — near or far — and put on your own virtual relay!

Scott @Beast_Coast_Trail_Running

Stephanie @BlueGrassBAMR

Steffi @steffiruns68

Shannon @GirlsGotSole

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Blue Ridge Marathon Runner SWAG

Artistic red goat design on the half marathon medal.

The Blue Ridge Marathon is one of the few races that doesn't reveal their medals and shirts in advance of packet pickup. I did see this medal online after racers crossed the finish line on race day.

I can't wait to receive my shirt and medal in the mail. I love the red color and artistic rendering of "Be The Goat" on the half medal.

​Race organizers advise virtual racers should expect their packets to arrive in mid to late May. Can't wait!

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Discount Code "BibRave22" = 20% Off Registration

Register and run anywhere and anytime before midnight on April 30, 2022.

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