Blue Ridge Relay

Thank YOU 2025 Runners!

Hope to see you in 2026...
as we begin the 3rd decade of running the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains!

September 11-12, 2026 (Fri. - Sat.)

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.

The Start! 
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.

The Journey! 
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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. The Finish!
   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 at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC.  Highland Brewing Company will once again be hosting the BRR Finish in their Meadow, with a variety of food trucks, it's big lawn, plenty of shade, picnic tables and of course, Highland Brewing Company.

Boondocks Brew Haus in West Jefferson

Menu

Baked ziti or baked veggie pasta (gluten free and vegan), rolls, garden salad, cookie tray.  Water station will be available.  Beverages (soft drinks and Boondocks Brew) will be available for purchase.

Cost

$15.00 / Person (tax and gratuity included)
When making reservations, it's most convenient to have your full team under one reservation.

Reservation Deadline

Reservations must be made by Thursday, August 28.

Boondocks Address

Boondocks Brew Haus
302 S. Jefferson Ave.
West Jefferson, NC 28694

Details

Day/Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Dinner Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Packet pick-up: 4:30pm - 8:00pm (dinner reservations are not required to attend packet pick-up)

To Make Reservations

Please make your team's pre-BRR dinner reservations in our website Store in the header menu.

To view the 2025 Start By ABC, please click the pdf icon below.

To view the 2025 Start By Category, please click the pdf icon below.

To view the 2025 Start By Seed, please click the pdf icon below.

To view the 2025 Start By Time of Day, please click the pdf icon below.

Thank You 2025 Runners!

Hope to see you in 2026 for
 BRR's 22nd consecutive running!

September 11-12, 2026 (Fri. - Sat.)

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 legs/segments 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4.  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.

5. 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

6. 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 at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC.  Highland Brewing Company will once again be hosting the BRR Finish in their Meadow, with a variety of food trucks, it's big lawn, plenty of shade, picnic tables and of course, Highland Brewing Company.

Blue Ridge Endurance hosts the following unique events.  We hope you'll join us.

Tobacco Road Relay is a 75-mile, one day relay held in the charming Triangle of North Carolina.  Teams of 2-6 runners will Start in Chapel Hill, run through Durham and Finish in Raleigh.  The course, which is divided into 12 Legs, captures the beauty and diversity of the Triangle, and includes greenways, single track trails, state parks, city streets, American Tobacco Trail and quiet residential neighborhoods.  Saturday, April 25, 2026.

The New River Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K showcases the beauty of the New River valley in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.  The New River, one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers, is framed with views of horse farms, Christmas tree farms, the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and the spectacular surrounding river valley.  "Only Big Sur rivals the beauty of the New River course!"  Helene hit the New River Valley hard, but recovery includes bringing back events to this beautiful region in NC's Coolest Corner.  Friday-Saturday, May 15-16, 2026.

Blue Ridge Relay is a 208-mile relay-style running race.  After the Start in Grayson Highlands State Park, VA at an elevation of 4920', teams of 4-12 runners follow the course through the back roads and small towns of Virginia and North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.  Each team will navigate the 36 Legs of the BRR course as they race to the Finish in Asheville, NC.  Hope you'll join us for BRR2025, as BRR enters its 3rd decade.  "Should be found on every Southern runner's must-do list!"  Helene recovery continues, but our small mountain communities want to get life back to normal.  Friday-Saturday, September 11-12, 2026!

Welcome to the Blue Ridge Relay and congratulations on volunteering (or being nominated) to be your team's captain.  You are taking on a potentially challenging and time-consuming task of organizing your team.  Please know that you are greatly appreciated.  The Team Captain is vital to the success and BRR experience of his/her team, as well as to the success of the BRR.  The Captain's Corner page is a brief overview only.  Please reference the full website for all details and please contact BRR at any time if we could assist.

Communication

Once a team is registered, all communication between the team and the Blue Ridge Relay must go through the Team Captain. It is the Team Captain's responsibility to share all applicable information with team members.

Team Seeding

Teams with a 10K seed slower than 10:00/mile should communicate with the race director prior to registration.  The race course and finish line will close Saturday at 6:00 PM.

Team Handbook

The team handbook with course updates, etc. will be available on-line approximately 4 weeks before the Relay.  It is the captain's responsibility to make sure each team member gets a copy. Course maps can be printed from the website. Last minute course changes do happen. Course/Leg changes will be emailed to captains, within 2 days of race day. All changes made the Wednesday prior to the race, will also be distributed at time of Packet Pick-up and Sign-in.  You are welcome to look at the previous year's TEAM HANDBOOK to get a head start.

Team Check-in

1. Team Waiver.  During on-line registration, runners will be required to accept and sign the online waiver.  Teams WILL NOT submit a team waiver at the Start.
   

2. Runner Order submission.  Your team's RUNNER ORDER (pdf) must be submitted at the time of Team Check-in.  All runners must be listed in their running sequence and this sequence must be followed from Start to Finish.

3. Race bracelet issue (one per team, passed between runners at each exchange zone).

4. Race bib issue.  Every runner is required to wear a bib on their front while running.

5. Timing Chip issue: The Finish line will be chip-timed.  Your Leg 36 runner will wear the timing chip on his/her bib for Leg 36 ONLY.

6. BRR T-shirt issue.

7. Vehicle inspection: all vehicles will be inspected upon entry to the Start Line and at EZ6.  Vehicles will be inspected for appropriate size and appropriateness of decorations.

Check-in Options

Option 1: Pre-race dinner - teams may check-in at the prerace dinner on Thursday night from 4:30pm - 8:00pm (dinner served from 5:00pm - 8:00pm).  Teams that pick-up their packets on Thursday, must also check-in at the start line a minimum of 15 minutes prior to their start time.  CLICK HERE to link to the pre-race dinner reservations page.

Option 2: Start line - teams may check-in at the starter's tent on Friday a minimum of 30 minutes prior to their scheduled start time.  

Food and Beverages

Be prepared. The stores in the rural towns of Western North Carolina may not be open around the clock. Teams are required to carry their own food, beverage,  first aid and other supplies.  However, a variety of food sales are made available by community groups at numerous exchange zones.  Please see the Team Handbook for complete details.

First Aid

Each support vehicle should carry a well-stocked first aid kit and ice. Be prepared to know how to use it. Blue Ridge Relay is not responsible for providing First Aid supplies.

Weather Conditions

Please be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. The weather conditions in the Blue Ridge Mountains can vary considerably from lower elevations and other regions of the South.

Communication

Teams are encouraged to have a means of communication between support vehicles and a means of communication to contact local authorities/emergency personnel.  Even though cell phone reception continues to greatly improve along the race route, you will have periods without reception.

Awards:

Please refer to the Team Categories page for details on awards.

FAQ from Captains' Meeting:

1. What new info was discussed in the Captains Meeting?  From year to year we see areas where we can improve in runner safety and as an event.  BRR larger than every town and community that we run through, with the exceptions of Boone and Asheville.  BRR is run largely on rural roads and the communities that we run through aren't used to 200 runners, 400 vans, EZ on the road side, etc...  We emphasize some areas that we believe are critical for runner safety, community safety and to be excellent stewards of communities that BRR runs through.

2. Does the Captain Need to be at the Start / Check team in? No, the captain does not need to be at the Start and is not required to go through Packet Pick-up.  A designated team member can do this...but make sure you are fully prepared with Run Order, etc...

3. Are reflective vests required for daytime running:  Please see FAQ below regarding Blue Ridge Parkway.  EZ Officials have authority to require a reflective vest and any component of night gear, during any time of day, depending on weather conditions.  If it's raining, foggy, etc... please be prepared to maximize runner safety.

4. If I didn't sign up for Text Messaging during registration can I still opt-in?  Text Messaging is NOT for BRR promotion, hype-type texts, etc...  TM is for race day important stuff only...weather alerts, emergency alerts, etc...  Just a great way to communicate with the runners.  We are trying to figure out how to allow runners to opt-in if they didn't sign up during registration. We'll post asap!

5. Safety at night, especially for women?  All of the safety measures should be weighed...pepper spray, companion runner (on your team or partnering with another team's runner).  (RD Note: County/Community Emergency personnel know that BRR is running, the roads we're on and the time of day.  You're on the course with almost 200 other runners and 200 team vans.  Although, there may be periods where you may be running alone...companion runners are great!)

6. Why can't a runner register?  Your team roster may be full...team captain may need to delete runner to open up a spot for the substitute runner.  Also, the new runner may not fit your team's category (e.g. a sub 40 yo runner cannot join a Master team).

7. When/where is team vehicle check-in held?  We do not have a formal check-in for team vehicles.  We see that as a hassle for teams.  However, race officials monitor the team vehicles at the Start and on the course.  If a vehicle size is questionable, it will be measured.

8. How do I handle dogs on the course?  Runner suggestions: carry a whistle, pepper spray (only if dog is aggressively approaching...use your best judgement...not all barking dogs are vicious.  (RD Note: Yes, we are running on rural roads and dogs are possible, but thankfully not the norm.)

9. Has the allowable maximum length of the Team Vans been changed in 2024?  Rule I.1 On Course Vehicles is largely unchanged since 2005.  The important thing here is that your team vehicle plus any rear attachments do not exceed the 20 foot maximum length.  The 15 passenger vans that teams have been using since 2005 are still legitimate, but please verify the length.  Teams with vehicles that exceed the specified 20 foot maximum will not be allowed to check-in.

10. What is RaceJoy and how do we use it?  RaceJoy is Runner Tracking for BRR teams and fans.  The RaceJoy page is now posted under Team Info.  A brief tutorial video offers instructions on installing the RaceJoy app to your cell phone and instructions on how to use the app as a runner, as the team and as a fan.

11. Due to injuries, my team has less runners / slower seed than we originally submitted.  However, our start time hasn't been adjusted and I'm concerned about falling off schedule or not finishing before 6pm.  Can our start time be adjusted?  We're assuming that the data team captains submitted during registration is still accurate.  If your roster is short runners, we're assuming that you will add runners before the start.  Please email us if your team is short runners, if your team is managing injuries, if your team seed has changed (faster or slower), etc... and we will look at your team's start time.  We want the start time to enable every team to have a successful, rewarding and enjoyable BRR experience.  However, when we set start times, we are looking at the flow of BRR throughout the course and we're projecting teams to finish 9:00am - 6:00pm.

12. Is a NoxGear style vest acceptable for BRR Night Gear?  Yes, NoxGear is a step above BRR required minimum night gear.  The NoxGear style vest must be blinking front and back, must have reflective component front and back, and the runner must have a beam of light (headlamp, chestlamp or flashlight).
    

13. If I start running my leg before the beginning of the defined night hours (7:30pm), do I need to wear my night gear?  Rule I.7 Reflective Vests:  If a runner will be starting his/her leg before 7:30pm and will still be running that leg after 7:30pm, then night gear will be required.  As an example: if a runner is starting Leg 13 at 7:00pm, the runner will be required to wear their night gear for Leg 13.  Leg 13 is a 9.3 mile leg and the runner will still be running after 7:30pm.

14. Is there a Team Handbook 2025?  The 2025 Team Handbook will be published asap.

15. There seems to be big emphasis on rules...are there a lot of new rules?  The Rules are largely unchanged from previous years and largely unchanged from 2005.  2024 is the first year that BRR was not issued a Special Use Permit by the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Asheville District due to safety concerns related to runner rules violations at BRR2023.  Because of this, BRR is heavily emphasizing the Rules and race officials will be strictly enforcing BRR Rules.  Please remember that the Rules are in place for runner and community safety, to be in compliance with BRR permitting entities (i.e. NCDOT, Blue Ridge Parkway, USATF, etc...) and for event management (i.e. the maximum allowable size of team vans, etc...)

16. Are suspender style reflective vests acceptable for Blue Ridge Parkway running in day light hours?  Legs 12 and 13 are run on the Blue Ridge Parkway and runners are required to wear a reflective vest that covers a high percentage of the torso front and back during daytime hours.  The suspender style reflective vests will be great for Night Gear, but do NOT cover a high enough percentage of the torso for the Parkway during daytime hours.  Acceptable styles of vests for Parkway running include:

     

Captains' Meeting:

On-line Team Captain's Meetings will be held at 3 times.  This meeting is for team captains only and team captains need to attend one of the meetings.

• Thursday, August 14, 2025, 8:00pm

• Thursday, August 14, 2025, 9:00pm

• Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 8:30pm

A brief outline of the meeting can be found in the pdf below.

Blue Ridge Relay 2025

2025 Charitable Partner Coming Soon

If your organization would like to be considered as the 2025 Charitable Partner, please reach out via the Blue Ridge Relay Contact page.

Please use the information below to contact the Blue Ridge Relay.

Race Director

Ken Sevensky

Telephone

(336) 877-8888
(Please note that this phone # is the land line for the offices of Blue Ridge Enduranace Ltd and Gum Ridge Mill & Flying Pig Furniture.)

E-mail

info@blueridgerelay.com

Mailing Address

Blue Ridge Endurance
Attn: Blue Ridge Relay
2385 Big Flatts Church Road
Fleetwood, NC 28626

ALERT: COURSE UPDATES SATURDAY, AUGUST 30!

After spending time on the course this past week and meeting with EZ Officials, the following updates apply to the BRR2025 Course as of Saturday, August 30.

GPS Alert

Please use our maps and written directions - do not rely on GPS.  GPS is frequently incorrect in our mountains.  It is very useful to print the individual leg directions/cue sheets and laminate them for the runner of each leg.

Leg-by-Leg Description (2025 Current)

To view a printable leg-by-leg description, including map, elevation, and cue sheet, please click the links below:

LEGS 1-36

EXCHANGE ZONE MAPS

Cue Sheet (2025 Current)

To view a printable turn-by-turn cue sheet for the full course (3 pages), please CLICK HERE. (pdf)

Map Links (2025 Current)

When viewing the interactive maps (the full course and individual legs from the table below), you can highlight a section of the course to view a more detailed elevation chart of that section.  To view a more detailed section:

1. Move your cursor along the x-axis (mileage) of the elevation graph.  Mileage, elevation, and % grade will be displayed.

2. Click and hold a beginning point on the elevation graph.  Drag your cursor and highlight the segment/distance that you wish to view in greater detail.  When you release your mouse, the highlighted segment will be displayed.

3. To return to the full graph, single click "De-Select".

Full Course (2025 Current)

To view an interactive map of the full course CLICK HERE.  This map is for a full course overview only and should not be used by the runners to navigate the course.  For leg details, please reference the other information on this Map Page.

Leg Maps (2025 Current)

To view an interactive map of a specific leg, click on the leg below and you will be taken to ridewithgps.com.  These interactive maps are fantastic for runners to look at landmarks, road intersections, elevation changes, etc...  DO NOT use the cue sheets that are associated with these maps.  USE the "printable turn-by-turn cue sheet" that is available at the top of this page.

Leg Summary Chart: (2025 Current)

To view a pdf of the Leg Summary Chart CLICK HERE. (pdf)

To view printable Cue Sheets, please click the pdf icon below.

Driver Info page is current for 2025. 

Map Links

Link to Driving Map to navigate to The Start from West Jefferson and Boone.

To The Start

Links to Driving Maps to navigate around Restricted Roads.

Leg 2

Leg 6

Shuttle EZ12a to EZ12b

Leg 13

Leg 17

Leg 22

Leg 23

Leg 36

Links to Driving Maps to navigate between Transition Zones

START to EZ 6

EZ 6 to EZ 12

EZ 12 to EZ 18

EZ 18 to EZ 24

EZ 24 to EZ 30

EZ 30 to FINISH

Link to Driving Map to navigate to Mountain Running Company, Boone's dedicated running store from EZ12b.
Mountain Running Company, Boone

2025 Driver Handbook

To view the 2025 Driver Handbook, please click the pdf icon below.

The Blue Ridge Relay:

• Does not add any hidden volunteer fees!

• Does not require teams to recruit volunteers!

• Does not require a Park fee for team vans to enter Grayson Highlands State Park!

7-12 runners: 2026 Entry Fee = $1,440
4-6 runners: 2026 Entry Fee = $720

If you'd like to consider purchasing Entry Fee Insurance through a 3rd party, please review this information on RegShield before you register your team.  RegShield is an optional insurance that you can purchase at the time of entry.  Please review the complete RegShield information before opting to purchase.  Purchasing RegShield does not nullify the Blue Ridge Relay Refund Policy or other Policies posted on the Team Withdrawal / Refund page.  If you choose to purchase RegShield, all communication and decisions regarding reimbursement of your entry fee will be through and by RegShield.

To view printable Exchange Zone Maps , please click the pdf icon below. (2025 Current)

A few final reminders before the Start!

Pre-BRR Dinner

Refer to the PRE-BRR DINNER page for full details. 

Substitutions/Additions

Refer to the YOUR TEAM ROSTER page for full details.

Packet Pick-up

Refer to CAPTAIN’S CORNER page for full details.

Runner Waiver

With online registration and online waivers, teams WILL NOT submit a team waiver at the Start.

Runner Order

CLICK HERE for the runner order form that is due at the time of packet pick-up.

Blue Ridge Relay Family: Thank you for all you have done and continue to do with your donations, volunteering and sharing your valuable resources with the the people of WNC.  As a rough estimate, for the projects that we’ve been involved with, the BRR runners have volunteered over 10,000 hours and donated over $100,000.  Y'all are the best!

Along the 208-mile BRR route, a lot of recovery and re-building has been accomplished, but many communities/families/businesses are still re-building.  In addition, many of the community groups that support BRR were tapped heavily during recovery from the flood and have financial needs to continue their regular operations. 

A percentage of every entry fee is used to support the community groups that support BRR.  Please consider an additional donation to the community group(s) of your choice by visiting the Donate page.

Thank you again for your tremendous support!

Our desire in 2003 was to create a relay-style running race that showcased the beauty of our mountain home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.  The adventure that we started took 2 years to develop as we worked to gain the necessary permits and permissions, and to create a course that focused on the beauty of the back-country roads, while minimizing the roadways that most travelers typically see.

In our inaugural year of 2005, the Blue Ridge Relay hosted 10 teams.  We are grateful to the teams that took a chance with us during our first year and continue to be grateful each year for every team that runs with us.

BRR celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024.  As BRR begins its 3rd decade, our desire remains true to our roots…to share the beauty of our mountain home with other runners.

Thanks for running with us.  It is always a pleasure to be your host and to share the breathtaking beauty of our mountain home.

*The Blue Ridge Relay field has a 200 team cap. Once the field cap. is reached, registration will officially close. 

**For your team bag to be accurate at packet pick-up, all roster subs / adds / deletes need to be completed by Friday, September 4.  Rosters can still be modified between September 5 and the Start, but the team bag will not reflect these updates.

To view a printable Leg Summary Chart, please click the pdf icon below.  (2025 Current)

To view a printable Leg-by-Leg description, please click the pdf icon below.  (2025 Current)

Start Line

Grayson Highlands State Park:

• Great place for your whole team to camp.  Campground and Start are within Grayson Highlands State Park.  You'll have an approximate 3-mile drive from the campground to the Start.

• Make sure your make your reservations early!

• 1-800-933-PARK

• Standard primitive tent sites (holds up to 6 people with three 2 man tents) – no electricity/water but access to bathhouse.

• Tent sites with electricity and water also available.

• Group camp site (holds 35 people) – there is one of these and it goes fast.

• Must be at your campsite by 10pm.

• All sites are great – try to get sites 1 – 19 because they are fairly close together.

West Jefferson Hotels:

Holiday Inn Express

Nations Inn

Finish Line

Lots of options.  We’ll post an update if an Asheville hotel offers a group rate.

To view the Blue Ridge Relay Officials' Handbook, please click the pdf icon below.

RaceJoy is available to Blue Ridge Relay runners and their fans!.

1. RaceJoy is real-time runner tracking and offers GPS-based progress alerts at every mile. 

2. RaceJoy is available for the Blue Ridge Relay at no additional cost to the teams, runners or their fans.

3. Runners, who carry their cell phone, can be tracked on each BRR leg by their team and fans.  To be tracked, the runner must carry his/her cellphone and have cell reception.  Please note that the Blue Ridge Relay course does not have 100% cell phone coverage.

4. To learn more about RaceJoy, how to use RaceJoy and it's benefits, please watch this short VIDEO.

5. To view the RaceJoy Map of the course, please CLICK HERE. 

To view the Blue Ridge Relay Rules, please click the pdf icon below.

Please print and complete the Runner Order document below, and please submit at Packet Pick-up.

The Runners Forum is a Facebook group called Blue Ridge Relay Runners Forum.  You can contact other runners via that site.  All posts require approval from the site administrator.  Please CLICK HERE to link.  Thank you.

The Blue Ridge Relay is a road race where a team of 4-12 runners (along with 1-2 vehicles/vans) will rotate through 36 legs (35 exchange zones) as they run 208 miles from the start in Grayson Highlands State Park, VA to the finish line in Asheville, NC. For teams of 12 runners, each relay team member runs 3 legs (4 runners per team = 9 legs per runner) of varying lengths and difficulty and will cover an average total distance of ~16.6 miles. Your team will be on the course from anywhere from 20 to 35 hours. The runners rotate in a set order once the race begins and will be obligated to follow this rotation until the final runner finishes. 12-runner teams typically have 2 vehicles on the course – an active van and a resting van – which will transport their runners/teams. Van #1 will hold runners 1 – 6 and Van #2 will hold runners 7 – 12. Passenger vans seem to work the best for a relay.

Van Example: Van #1 (active van) will come to the start of the race and drop off runner number 1 and then drive ahead to Exchange 1, park in the designated area, and allow runner #2 to warm up. After runner #1 hands off to runner #2, runner #1 will hop in the van and the van will drive ahead to Exchange 2 where runner #3 will warm up and where runner #1 can cool down, while waiting the arrival of runner #2. This process will continue until runner #6 has finished his/her leg. At that point (called the Transition Zone), Van #2 (resting Van with runners 7 – 12) will become the Active Van and repeat the process until the finish line.

Each Blue Ridge Relay team is self-supporting, which means that they will provide their own food, water, sports drink and first aid items.

The Blue Ridge Relay is grateful for the support of our Sponsors:

Host Sponsor

Based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (near BRR Leg 8), Gum Ridge Mill & Flying Pig Furniture has been crafting custom farm tables, furniture, flooring and paneling from reclaimed and unique woods since 2000.  We build to customer specifications from our extensive inventory,  the customer's lumber or we'll source the perfect wood for your special project.

Start Line Sponsor

With two clinics in Jefferson (near Leg 5) and Sparta, our good friends at Schuster Physical Therapy are well connected to and have long been a part of the BRR family, serving at the BRR Start and running on BRR teams. It is always a pleasure.

Start Line Host

One of the most scenic State Parks in the Southeast and the USA, Grayson Highlands State Park and the very gracious staff of Park Rangers has served as host of the Blue Ridge Relay Start Line since 2005 (year 1). If this is your first or twentieth visit to the park, you are in for a treat. Mountain balds, cool temperatures, wild ponies, and big views are the norm. Previous sightings during BRR included buck in velvet, black bear cubs, and so much more.  Grayson Highlands State Park continues to be the epic Start to an epic run.

Finish Line Host

Highland Brewing Company, Asheville's Original Craft Brewery, continues to be Blue Ridge Relay's Finish Line Host. After running 208 miles in challenging and scenic Blue Ridge and Black Mountains, we'll be finishing in the Meadow on Highland Brewery's spectacular campus.  Food trucks, shaded picnic tables, live music, ample lawn, craft beer, of course Highland's indoor Taproom...it's a fantastic way to celebrate your team's achievement.  We love runners, the spirit of the race atmosphere and sharing the excitement of the running community.  It's always a great pleasure for Highland Brewing to be part of your celebration. 

USATF Sanctioned

USATF focus goes well beyond elite world and Olympic class athletes.  Their support on the local running scene can't be touched and BRR is grateful for the continual partnership and sanctioning by USATF.

2026 Registration Opens
November 1, 2025

1. Your team’s registration constitutes agreement to comply with Blue Ridge Relay Rules and Penalties.  Please CLICK HERE for a complete listing of the Rules and Penalties or visit the Rules and Penalties tab on the drop-down menu of Team Information.

2. Team Captain will register the Team and pay the Team Entry Fee during registration.

3. The Team Captain has the option of creating a Team Password.  If a Team Password is created, then the Captain must share the Password with his/her Team.  The Team Member will be then be required to enter the Password before joining the Team.  A Team Password is not required and Team data will not be exposed if a Password is not used.

4. After the Captain completes the Team Registration, he/she will invite the Team Members to register.  The Captain must share the Team Name and Team Password (if a Password is created) with his/her Team Members. 

5. The Team Captain must be a member of the team.  Once a team is registered, all communication between the team and the Blue Ridge Relay must go through the Team Captain. It is the Team Captain’s responsibility to share all applicable information with team members.

6. Please choose a Team Name that is appropriate for public announcement/media (i.e. no profanity, obscenity, etc…). If a team name is determined to be inappropriate, the team captain will be notified by the Blue Ridge Relay, with a request for name change.

7. If a Team Name is undecided, the Captain can update the Team Name through July 27.
   

8. A team must be composed of a minimum 4 runners and a maximum of 12 runners. Any number of runners between 4 and 12 is acceptable.  If you wish to run with a team less than 4 runners, please communicate with the Race Director before submitting your entry.

9. “Team 10K Average” is the “Team Seed” for your team.  (As your Team evolves, your Team Seed can be updated through July 27, 2026.)
   

   • This is NOT your estimated race pace for BRR nor your past race pace for BRR.

   • This is the actual 10K average for your current team for an average 10K race. This must be accurate to ensure an appropriately seeded start time.

   • When setting Start Times, BRR pads each Team Seed to account for the number of runners on each team, the BRR course, lack of sleep, running multiple legs, the Blue Ridge Mountains, etc...

   • Please enter average pace per mile (e.g. 8:00/mile).

   • Start times for all teams are primarily based upon the 10K seed time. Therefore, the accuracy of your 10K seed time is critical to your BRR experience.

   • Start time requests will NOT be accepted.  Please do not “sandbag” your times (refer to Rules and Penalties).

To view a sample Blue Ridge Relay supply list, please click the pdf icon below.

Team Captain: When you want to manage your personal Blue Ridge Relay registration, your Team's registration or Team Roster, please follow the simple steps below.  The confirmation emails that you received also contain links to manage these items.

Runner: When you want to manage your personal Blue Ridge Relay registration, please follow the simple steps below.

Step 1: Click on your profile icon.

Step 2: Click on Profile

Step 3: Manage your personal and team registration, and edit your group.

Step 4: After clicking on "Manage Registration", use the menu in the header to update your team and personal registration data.

1. Team Categories designated with an * will receive awards, but the Team Category must have a minimum of 5 teams to be award eligible.

2. If the 5 team threshold is not met, the Team Category will then be grouped in another award eligible category.

3. Awards will be presented on the following scale:

   • Less than 5 teams/Team Category: teams grouped in another appropriate award eligible category.

   • 5-9 teams/Team Category: Top 1 team awarded

   • 10-24 teams/Team Category: Top 2 teams awarded

   • 25+ teams/Team Category: Top 3 teams awarded

4. Comparable awards will be presented in the following paired Team Categories:

   • Open / Women

   • Ultra / Ultra Women

   • Master / Master Women

5. Team Categories not designated with an * will be grouped in award eligible categories for awards, but will receive separate designation in the results.

   • Master Mixed : Master

   • Grand Master : Master

   • Master Women : Women

   • Ultra Women : Women

   • Ultra Mixed : Ultra

   • Ultra Master : Ultra

To view the 2025 Team Handbook, click the pdf icon below.  

1. A team may withdraw it’s entry and receive a refund if (and only if) the Blue Ridge Relay field cap has been reached and the Blue Ridge Relay has a wait list.

2. A request for team withdrawal must be received by July 16, 2026 in order to be considered for a refund.

3. Team withdrawals after July 16, 2026 are not eligible for a refund and the entry fee may not be applied to the following year.

4. Entry fees are non-refundable and the team is non-transferable.  If the course is changed, if the race is cancelled, or if the event time is changed due to circumstances beyond race management control, such as act of nature, there are no refunds or transfers to subsequent years.

5. If a team withdraws at any time or does not show at the Start, the team will forfeit it's right to participate in the current year Blue Ridge Relay, including forfeiture of the team bag.  Items purchased by members of the team through the BRR online store will be shipped with an applicable shipping fee.

6. At the time of team registration, the captain will be given the option to purchase Entry Fee Insurance through a 3rd party.  To learn more, CLICK HERE.

2025 Blue Ridge Relay Runners from across the USA!

(Runners as of July 18, 2025)

As a USATF Sanctioned Event, the Blue Ridge Relay is required to comply with USATF standards, including the U.S. Center for SafeSport: Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies.  Please join us in creating a safe and rewarding athletic environment for our children, youth and runners of all ages.

Unfortunately, our long time Van Rental partner, Enterprise, has determined that sponsorship with the Blue Ridge Relay is no longer possible. However, teams are welcome to use the Blue Ridge Endurance corporate account # 53SA320 to receive a discount with Enterprise on vehicle rentals during BRR. When using this corporate account, a Young Driver (21-24 years) Fee waiver will also apply.

Van Rules

Rule I-1: On Course Vehicles: Each team is limited to two vehicles, preferably vans, minivans, or SUVs (not to exceed 6'9" wide by 20ft in length). NO MOTOR HOMES, LIMOUSINES, BUSES, OR TRAILERS.  This applies to all exchange zones and transition zones.  It’s critical that you know the size of your rental or personal vehicle well in advance of the start.  If a violation occurs at the Start, the team will not be allowed to check in and will not be allowed to start.  If a violation occurs at an exchange zone or transition zone, race management will be notified and the team will be disqualified.  It is a violation for a 15 passenger van to transport a rear cargo carrier.

Many "Thanks!" to teams who shared their BRR experience!

Cheers!...Here's to celebrating YOU!

(Below is just a sample of BRR videos produced.)

2024 Big Bad Wolves (2nd Place Overall)

2024 36 Legs: A Blue Ridge Relay Story

2024 The Hoostice Bretheren

2022 Fillnow Coaching

2020 Fillnow By The Dozen

2020 Dashing PIrates

2020 Oak City Sweat Machine

2019 One Day I Felt Like Running

2019 Frank's Old Boys

2019 DHG Life Beyond Numbness

2018 Too Cool For School

2017 Team Bandwidth / Team Republic

2015 Shake and Bake

2014 Drunken Dinner Party Decision

2013 Norm's Maggots

2013 Ultra Mohawks

2013 Collected Soles

2013 12 Things of Xmas

2011 That's How We Run

2008 Norm's Maggots

The Volunteer Waiver will be posted once USATF sanctioning is finalized, which is typically 8-9 months before BRR.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Blue Ridge Relay!  The Blue Ridge Relay course is staffed by over 200 volunteers.  We're thrilled to partner with community groups based in the communities through which BRR runs.  BRR makes a financial contribution to each community group for their time, energy and enthusiasm in support of BRR.  Through 2023, BRR contributions exceeded $400,000.  Your participation as a Relay Official should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.  If your community organization would like more information on being involved in BRR, please let us know: info@blueridgerelay.com or 336-877-8888.

Steps for Volunteer Registration

1. Contact the Blue Ridge Relay for detailed volunteer opportunities.  Most volunteers staff the Start, Finish and 35 Exchange Zones (support stations) along the 208-mile course.

2. Each volunteer community group will have one primary contact who will lead/captain their respective volunteer team.

3. Each volunteer is required to sign a waiver.  CLICK HERE to view your printable Volunteer Waiver. (pdf)

4. Volunteer Waivers will be collected by the Blue Ridge Relay.

5. Volunteer assignments will be made on a first-come basis.  (Most years we may have 1-2 openings for a new volunteer team.)

6. A BRR representative will schedule a meeting with your volunteer captain to review the assigned site and provide the necessary supplies.

7. To learn more about volunteering, please CLICK HERE to see the Volunteer Handbook.

General Blue Ridge Relay Information

The Blue Ridge Relay is a 208-mile running relay, comprised of teams of 4-12 runners/team. The course is broken up into 36 stages or legs, each of which is run by one runner per team. Each runner on a 12 person team will run 3 times. Each runner on a 4 person team will run 9 times. The shortest leg is 2 miles, the longest is 10 miles, and the average is 5.8 miles.

Each Exchange Zone is located at a church, park, business, school, private property, or other location on the course, which has permitted the Blue Ridge Relay access to their property. An Exchange Zone is the location where one runner passes a wrist strap (rather than a baton) to the next runner.

Each team is permitted two support vehicles, which are most often vans. The support vehicles transport the teams between Exchange Zones. As a runner finishes his/her leg, he/she will pass the wrist strap to the next runner. The runner, who just finished, gets into the team support vehicle, which drives to the next exchange zone to wait the arrival of the active runner.

Most exchange zones will be staffed with 3-4 volunteers. However, several Exchange Zones will be staffed with 8-10 volunteers. Approximately 200 Relay Volunteers are needed to make this is a successful relay. Your effort and enthusiasm is vital to the success of this relay.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Volunteers must be a minimum 13 years old. If under the age of 18, the volunteers MUST be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or organization/group leader.

2. A volunteer cannot be a member of a Blue Ridge Relay team.

3. Volunteers are not allowed to have young children with them at an exchange zone – there are just too many dangers.

4. Time Requirement - Volunteers will work one shift that is between 4 - 8 hours.

5. Location - The Relay course covers 208 miles between Grayson Highlands State Park, VA and Asheville, NC. Location requests will be considered, but not guaranteed. Volunteers representing the site used as an Exchange Zone will be assigned that specific Exchange Zone.

6. Time of Day: The Relay starts 5:00am Friday and finishes 6:00pm Saturday. The runners run through the night. Some Exchange Zones require daylight hours, others require night coverage.

7. Volunteer assignments will be finalized no later than one month before the Start of BRR.

8. All volunteers must complete the volunteer waiver.

9. All volunteers are covered under the Blue Ridge Relay's Liability Insurance Policy, which is received through USA Track & Field.

10. Volunteers are NOT required to attend a pre-race meeting.  However, a member of the Blue Ridge Relay staff will contact your captain to discuss location of assignment, responsibilities and what to expect and to answer any questions.  Each volunteer captain will receive exchange zone supplies in advance of the race. 
    

Responsibilities

Exchange Zone Volunteers will serve as Relay Officials and will have the following responsibilities:

1. Record bib numbers of incoming runners and outgoing runners.

2. Record time of wrist strap exchange between runners.

3. Monitor for rule violations. (Ruling on violations is the responsibility of the Race Director and Relay Committee.)

4. Direct support vehicle parking.

5. Supervision of the Exchange Zone site.

6. Ensure that the exchange zone site is maintained and thoroughly cleared of trash.

Safety and Courtesy

Your safety and the safety of the runners, fellow volunteers and community are of critical importance.  Always be alert to all vehicles and aware of your surrounding.

The Departments of Transportation in Virginia and North Carolina, and the Blue Ridge Parkway have permitted the Blue Ridge Relay access to the roadways. County Sheriff Departments, Municipal Police Departments, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol have been informed of the Blue Ridge Relay. Roads will remain open to normal, community traffic. The Blue Ridge Relay, Relay staff, Relay volunteers, Relay participants, Relay spectators, Support Vehicle drivers, etc… must obey all traffic laws, at all times, and must not interfere with normal traffic.

As stated earlier, each Exchange Zone is located, with permission, at a church, park, business, school, private property, or other location on the course. The Blue Ridge Relay could not exist without the support of these landowners. Please follow property owners' requests and please be diligent to ensure no trace is left behind.

1. Once the 200 team field cap has been reached, teams may be added to the wait list.

2. To be added to the wait list, a team’s registration must be complete, which includes submitting your team’s entry and entry fee.

3. The team captain will receive email confirmation of Wait List status.  If a team chooses to be removed from the Wait List, the team captain will receive 100% refund of the entry fee.

4. If your team receives entry, your team roster must be submitted according to the guidelines outlined on the Your Team Roster page.

5. All wait listed teams will be notified of their entry status no later than Friday, July 17, 2026.  If a wait listed team is not accepted into the field, the team captain will be issued 100% refund of the entry fee.

Captains:

1. Captains will register the team and pay the Team Entry Fee during registration.

2. Captain must be member of the Team.

3. After the Captain completes the Team Registration, he/she will invite the Team Members to register.

4. The Captain can delete runners from the Team Roster, but the Captain cannot add runners to the Roster.

5. The Captain can update Team Name, Team Seed and Number of Runners through July 27, 2026.

6. Your Team Roster must be completed by July 27, 2026.

7. Team Members who do not register by July 27 will be required to pay a $15 late fee, which will be applicable July 28 - Race Start.

8. Team Members can be deleted / added / substituted up to Team Check-in at The Start.

Team Members:

1. After your Captain registers your team, each Team Member can then Join the Team.

2. Team Member entry fee = $0 through July 27, 2026.

3. To register after July 27, 2026 Team Members will be assessed a $15 Late Fee to register.

4. Team Members can be added up to Team Check-in at The Start.

5. Team Members who register after July 27 cannot be guaranteed a correct shirt size.

Substitutions / Additions / Deletions:

1. Deleting a runner after July 27 does not require the $15 fee.

2. After July 27, teams can substitute and add runners.  A $15 fee per roster change is required.

3. Team bags will be packed by Saturday, September 5, 2026.  Roster changes after September 4 can still be made on-line, but will not be reflected in the team bag.  Because of limited cell reception at the Start, sub/add/deletes at the Start must be completed using a printed hard-copy of the sub/add/delete form (see pdf below) and must be accompanied by the $15 sub/add fee per roster change.

4. Substitutions/Additions made after July 27 cannot be guaranteed a correct t-shirt size.  Extra shirts in all sizes are ordered in anticipation of roster changes and 98% of the time we're able to match the shirt size of the new runner.

5. All runners must register online.  HOWEVER...if your team has a last minute substitution or addition, because of limited cell service at the Start, please complete this substitution or addition by using the form below.  Please submit this form at Team Check-in / Packet Pick-up at the Start.  A last minute substitution or addition will begin 8:00pm, Thursday, Sept 10.