The Roanoke Times reports that Roanoke economic development officials, runners and business professionals are planning a marathon that they hope will draw people from across the country, boost tourism dollars and stand out as one of the toughest marathon courses around.

The 26.2-mile course will start at the Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke, wind up Mill Mountain and onto the parkway. Runners will climb to the top of Roanoke Mountain, cut back down to the Mill Mountain Star and go through parts of downtown Roanoke. The finish line will be in front of the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.

Other marathons in the Commonwealth have been growing, despite the struggling economy, and are great for pumping tourism dollars into communities. Roanoke homeowners can view this as a great way to show-off the beauty of their town to visitors, enjoy an added annual event, and experience a boost in their local economy.

"The last time marathoners flocked to the Roanoke Valley for a 26.2-mile race was in 1983. But marathons and the festivities associated with them have been growing throughout the country in cities large and small, pumping significant tourism dollars into some communities.

The Roanoke Valley is banking on this success as it markets the outdoors to a population of runners whose sport is named the No. 1 outdoor recreation activity in the country by the Outdoor Industry Association.

Organizers, along with U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, announced Wednesday the coming of a new marathon, coined the Blue Ridge Marathon on the Parkway.

Set for April 24, 2010, its route will cover a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway and sections of Roanoke, with approximately 16 miles of mountain climbing and 10 miles of city roadways."

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