Blue Ridge Mountain Relay: 2025 In-Depth Guide

Imagine trading spreadsheets for starry skies, pavement pounding beneath your feet as Appalachian mist rises—the promise of the Blue Ridge Relay, a legendary 208-mile overnight running adventure winding from Virginia’s high country to vibrant Asheville, North Carolina. Equal parts road race, camp-out, and team-building retreat, the course offers sweeping vistas, lung-busting climbs, and bragging rights that last all year.

Trailblazing Through Two States

From wild ponies to beer toasts—every mile tells a mountain story.

The Blue Ridge Relay kicks off at Grayson Highlands State Park, VA, just below Mount Rogers, the state’s highest peak. From this rugged alpine meadow, teams descend onto country lanes, forest service roads, and—pending final permits—sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, before finishing at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville’s River Arts District.

Along the way, runners pass wild ponies, century-old barns, and creek-cooled hollows in North Carolina’s High Country.

Course Highlights

• Grayson Highlands State Park: Start at 4,917 ft elevation, with panoramic views and wild ponies.
• Blue Ridge Parkway: Up to 20 miles along this iconic route (pending closures).
• New River: Scenic 14-mile stretch along a designated National Wild and Scenic River.
• Grandfather Mountain: 10.5 miles of climbing and views along the southern ridge.
• Finish: Highland Brewing Company, Asheville—complete with food trucks and craft beer.

Race Against the Clock

Two days, one sunrise start, zero sleep—and memories for miles.

• Event Dates: September 5–6, 2025 (Friday–Saturday)
• Start Location: Grayson Highlands State Park, VA (just after sunrise)
• Finish Line: Highland Brewing Company, Asheville, NC (Saturday evening–midnight)
• Teams: 4–12 runners per team, covering 36 legs (~16.6 miles per runner on average)
• Support: Leapfrogging vans, transition zones, and designated rest areas
• Weather: Highs in the 70s°F, lows in the 50s°F—perfect for distance running

Finisher Perks: All runners receive handcrafted medals and access to the post-race party at Highland Brewing.

Built for Friends, Families, and Office Legends

Whether you’re clocking splits or cracking jokes, the team bond is the real prize.

• Corporate Teams: Great for team-building and office bragging rights.
• Families: Adults run while kids cheer at exchanges.
• College Friends: Reunite and make road-trip memories.
• Ultra Teams: Push harder with 4–6 runners per team.

Team captains coordinate rosters and logistics. Late registration and substitutions are allowed (fees may apply). Expect van camaraderie, bonfire chats, and synchronized naps to bond the crew.

Thirty-Six Legs, Infinite Legends

Climbs, descents, and glory—plan your legs, then earn the legend.

The 208-mile route features a mix of easy, moderate, hard, and “mountain goat” rated legs. Highlights include:

• Leg 31: 6.7 miles, Mountain Goat difficulty, 1,405 ft climb.
• Leg 32: 9.3 miles, Very Hard, 2,079 ft descent.
• Leg 15: 10.5 miles, Very Hard, 1,207 ft climb.
• Leg 21: 8.0 miles, Very Hard, 1,019 ft climb and 985 ft descent.

Leg maps and elevation profiles are provided pre-race. Captains use these tools to plan nutrition, rest, pacing, and vehicle transitions.

Parking Like a Pro

Park smart, prep hard—because chasing vans takes its own strategy.

• Start Line: Massie Gap Lot at Grayson Highlands (Around $5/day); arrive early.
• Popular Exchanges: Free overflow parking at Newland High School & Barnardsville Community Center (bring headlamps).
• Finish Line: Plenty of city garages and street parking after 7 p.m. in Asheville.
• Bonus: Have cash on hand for local church fundraiser lots en route.

Race Hard, Plan Easy with Tripster

Make your Blue Ridge Relay weekend more than just miles on the road.

With Tripster, you can bundle Asheville hotels, Smoky Mountain tours, brewery visits, and more into a single, stress-free booking. Whether your team wants unique experiences like zip lines, scenic hikes, or hot meals, Tripster’s exclusive discounts and customizable packages help you unwind after every leg.

Forget spreadsheets—Tripster handles the itinerary. Book now and give your team an epic ending to a legendary race.