The Half Marathon will begin at 8:00 am starting in the Roanoke Rapids Lake Park off Oakwood Avenue. The wide park road will allow for a smooth start and for runners to spread out before hitting the trails.
The Roanoke Canal Trail is not your normal trail. It is a flat trail that provides great footing for virtually the entire race. It is honestly a course that is waiting for you to set a PR.
Runners will be able to enjoy the fantastic views along the way running by things such as:
* the original culvert made of stacked stone that contains a stone tunnel.
* the remnants of a massive bulkhead used to generate power from the canal.
* the Roanoke Canal Museum
* wildlife on the trail
* the Roanoke River
* multiple lakes
* and over an aqueduct that was built in the 1800's
It truly is a quiet run through a piece of history. Runners will experience all of this while running under a canopy of trees, over countless bridges, and through peaceful fields.
The Roanoke Canal Trail is a true gem that most runners have yet to discover. You will not want to miss the inaugural running of the Roanoke Canal Half Marathon!
