A North Carolina / Blue Ridge Mountain Marathon Experience! North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the spectacular New River valley are the backdrop for the New River Marathon, Half Marathon & 4 Mile. The New River, one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers, is framed with views of horse farms, Christmas tree farms and the spectacular surrounding river valley. Experience why runners are raving: “I can honestly say New River Marathon is my absolute favorite race~the course is stunning and the people are genuinely kind” (50 Stater) and “one of the most spectacular scenic courses in the land!” Wooden finisher medallions locally crafted from Blue Ridge Mountain wood, locally crafted awards, live music, Stick Boy Bread Co. Kitchen finisher goodies (scones, bagels, fresh fruit), NC based Recover Brand race shirts, and so much more. USATF certified.
The New River Marathon was the 264th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 272nd largest in 2022.
This year 4.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 1.8% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the New River Marathon the 424th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 309th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 96.09 ranks it as the 398th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 14th fastest course in North Carolina.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the New River Marathon a PR Score of 95.94. This PR Score ranks it as the 379th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 14th fastest in North Carolina.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
New River Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 3233 feet (985m) Min Elevation: 2869 feet (874m)
Course updated 09/02/2022
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the New River Marathon
View available accomodations around the New River Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the New River Marathon in 4:36:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
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This was my 14th marathon and by far the most scenic and beautiful stretch I've run. The organizers and volunteers are the kindest folk you'll ever meet. Everything else you need in a marathon? It's all covered without any clutter. Bathrooms and aid stations, the signage, the parking, the goodies at the finish, the T-shirts, and the wooden finisher's medallion--all simple and adequate but nothing overdone. This is a hometown, front porch type of run that will remind you that there are a lot of beautiful people in a world that houses soul-stirring, natural beauty. It's like a jog through the Garden of Eden.
Race Tips
It was very humid on race day and the two hills (around miles 4 & 11) are steep.
4.5 Stars from 2 Reviews
