- September 10, 2021
Blue Ridge Relay 2021
2021 Blue Ridge Relay
September 10-11, 2021
The Blue Ridge Relay (BRR), which is one of the longest running relay races in the United States, takes place in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. BRR consists of maximum 12 person (4 person minimum) teams that rotate through 36 transition areas as they cover the approximate 208 mile distance of the race.
BRR starts in Grayson Highlands State Park, VA at an elevation of 4920′, near the base of Mount Rogers (5729′), the highest peak in Virginia. The Highlands’ defining feature are the high elevation balds that are spotted with stands of native Fraser Fir, boulder fields and a herd of wild ponies. In addition, the Highlands feature the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.
After leaving Grayson Highlands, BRR primarily follows scenic, country roads as it winds its way through North Carolina’s High Country. In addition to the balds of Grayson Highlands, the course features some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited treasure of the National Park Service…BRR has permission to run 4 legs (almost 20 miles) on the Parkway, all of which capture the big views of the Blue Ridge.
The New River is a designated National Wild and Scenic River, as well as one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers in the USA…BRR runs sections of 4 legs along almost 14 miles of the spectacular New River.
BRR doesn’t run to the summit of Grandfather Mountain (5964′), but the 10.5 miles of Leg 15 wind along Grandfather’s south shoulder.
The scenic beauty of the BRR is also captured in the less known or unnamed sites along the one lane gravel roads of mountain hollows, rolling Christmas tree farms, nighttime legs along many of the mountain rivers and creeks, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge.
BRR runs through many quaint and revitalized small towns and hamlets before the finish in Asheville, NC: -Jefferson -West Jefferson -Todd -Boone -Blowing Rock -Linville -Newland -Spruce Pine -Bakersville -Burnsville
After an epic 208 miles of running and 20-36 hours in a van with some of your closest friends, what better way to finish than in Asheville, NC, which is highlighted in Travel and Leisure’s “The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2020.” Highland Brewing Company will be hosting the BRR Finish in The Meadow, with it’s big lawn, plenty of shade and a variety of food trucks.
