ROANOKE, Va. – It was a dreary day in the Roanoke Valley, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the runners in the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon.
With the countdown and firing of the canon, the 2017 Blue Ridge Marathon was underway. Runners hit the asphalt, tackling three mountains on the course, totaling more than 7400 feet of elevation change.
If that wasn't enough, there were a few slippery slopes along the way. But that didn't deter runners from finishing their race, whether it was the full or half marathon.
"Take it slow and steady. Enjoy the mountain on the run up and just run free on the down hills," said Kristy French. She ran the half marathon in two hours, 12 minutes and 22 seconds.
This year's first place marathon winner on the men's side was 22 year-old Tim Gruber, from Richmond, Virginia. This was his first time running a marathon, clocking in at three hours and 57 seconds.
"Just being patient through the hills and just being positive. That was big, because it's a mind game. There's no trick to it. You just have to zone out," said Gruber.
On the women's side, it's a hometown runner who took the top spot. Roanoke native Sarah Glenn clocked in at three hours, 28 minutes and 43 seconds in the 10th marathon of her career.
"The rain was great. It cooled us off, because it was pretty hot today and humid. Pretty tough conditions. I've done it a couple of times, and this was the toughest. This was the toughest year for me," said Glenn.
The marathon did end on a sour note, as it was cancelled at four hours, 52 minutes into the race. But organizers say there was an increase in the number of runners this year.