The official start to Roanoke’s tourist season is finally upon us! Every year over a thousand runners are called to our beautiful mountain city to conquer “America’s Toughest Road Race”, The Blue Ridge Marathon. Our city welcomes each and every one of them with a music festival, fine restaurants, and a race that includes a 7,340 ft elevation gain/loss. The race starts promptly at 7:35 am and sends runners straight to Mill Mountain for a two-mile climb, after reaching the summit, runners are treated to rare chance to run a closed portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway to Roanoke Mountain. This portion of the race includes 2 major climbs and descents before being faced with the toughest climb of the day- ascending Roanoke’s own Roanoke Mountain. The view from the top is a great reward but runners beware as the descent can be tricky. Too many runners have made the mistake of descending the mountain too quickly and wearing out their knees and legs. After the descent runners make their way to the “Star” for another scenic overlook before descending Mill Mountain via the “old road” and being treated to a perfect Mimosa at the Dye House. There is a short reprieve as runners trek the scenic greenway to South Roanoke where they are greeted by enthusiatic spectators and even members of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra playing “Chariots of Fire”! Offers of gel packs, gatorades, frozen grapes, and jelly beans are rained down on the runners as they make their way down Avenham Avenue and mentally prepare for the last big climb of the day. Peakwood Drive. Peakwood Drive challenges the already tired runner’s legs with multiple switchbacks and steep climbs. There is salvation at the top as beer is always offered by the residents on West Ridge Circle before runners begin yet another descent and begin to take on more rolling hills through Roanoke’s historic Old Southwest neighborhood before heading downtown for a photo finish.
And just like that, months of training come to an end. Sound worth it to you? Most would say no, but I’ve talked to a lot of runners and they all say, “I’ll do it again next year.”
It’s amazing really, the drive and the determination that makes a human being run 26.2 miles for nothing more than a medal and bragging rights.
Living on the race course I see the early morning, the late evening and sometimes the nighttime runners out squeezing in training runs. To train properly, many local runners actually train on the race course which entails running on a two-lane residential street with no sidewalks and no room to run on the edge.
In these last days before the race, I urge runners to be very aware and take heed of the following safety precautions.
Dog Attacks
Every runner’s worst nightmare. Imagine running peacefully through a quiet neighborhood and being chased by an aggressive dog.
If you are chased…
Slow down to a slow jog or even walk. Most likely, the dog will loose interest in you and you can no longer be chased. Keep walking away from the dog but keep an eye on him just in case he decides to attack.
If you are attacked…
Get down, cover your head and get into a ball. Minimize the dog’s access to your neck, abdomen, and face as much as possible. Scream as much as possible to attract attention and get help.
Road Running
If you run before sunrise or after sunset…
Flourescent clothing will not be enough to make you visible. You must wear reflective clothing, armband lights, and preferably a reflective safety harness. Headlamps are inexpensive and provide light for your path. Armband lights can be seen by drivers facing you as well as those behind you. One on each arm is best if you are taking a route where you will need to cross streets.
Running on roads with traffic…
If possible, alter your schedule to avoid busy times such as the 5:00 pm rush hour. Always run facing traffic and if running during the day, wear bright flourescent clothing.
Make eye contact with drivers, especially when crossing streets. Avoid the use of headphones which may distract you and keep you from hearing an oncoming car.
Running on Greenways with bicycle traffic…
Avoid the use of headphones. Wearing headphones will keep you from hearing a cyclist’s warning bell.
Do not make sudden U-turns. Running on the right side of the greenway is recommended, so when it is time to turn around many runners and walkers tend to turn to the left and risk running into the path of a fast moving cyclist. This can be a horrible mistake! Runners and walkers should step off the right side of the greenway, stop, turn and look left before re-entering the greenway. Practicing this 5 second routine could save your life and the life of the cyclist and prevent serious injury. After all, we’re out there for our health, not to get hurt!
Congratulations to all of this year’s 2017 Blue Ridge Marathon runners. Now go carb load and get ready to race!
If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog attack, cycling accident, car accident or DUI accident, call The Thomson Law Firm today for a FREE consultation. (540) 777-4900
