"It is truly an amazing event that pushes your body, allows you to see beautiful scenery, and creates amazing memories with old and new friends. I would recommend this race to any runner who truly enjoys the feeling one gets from running. Thanks again!"

That is just one of the enthusiastic comments from one of the more than 800 runners on 78 teams who ran in the 2008 Blue Ridge Relay, which was held Friday and Saturday, September 5-6, 2008. Teams of 4 - 12 runners, along with their enthusiasm, cooperation, and extreme ability to run for 208 miles from Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia to Asheville, North Carolina made this event a remarkable experience for everyone involved.

After 208 miles of running, Jus Running - Norman's Maggots, (in photo) based in Asheville, NC, led the field for the 4th straight year with a time of 21 hours, 53 minutes, and 16 seconds. For the first time in the Relay's 4 year history, three teams set course records: "Norman's Maggots", Asheville, NC in the Open division; "Godiva Masters", Durham, NC in the Masters division (all runners 40+ years old); and "Shaving Time", Goose Creek, SC in the Ultra division (6 or less runners). Norm's Maggots shattered their own course record by more than 45 minutes!

Awards

Pl Division   Team Name	                     City, State       Time	 Pace   # of Runners
1  Open*      Jus Running - Norman's Maggots Asheville, NC     21:53:16  06:19	12
2  Open	      Try Sports, Believe - Achieve  Indian Trail, NC  23:00:05  06:38	10
3  Masters*   Godiva Masters	             Durham, NC	       23:25:53  06:46	12
4  Ultra*     Shaving Time	             Goose Creek, SC   24:49:37  07:10	6
						
1  Mixed      Trailheads	             Carrboro, NC      27:07:38  07:50	12
1  Master*    Godiva Masters	             Durham, NC	       23:25:53  06:46	12
1  Ultra*     Shaving Time	             Goose Creek, SC   24:49:37  07:10	6
1  Women*     The Joy of Six	             Arden, NC	       29:59:09  08:39	6
* denotes a new course or team category record.

The Blue Ridge Relay course offers some of the well-known scenery of the Virginia and North Carolina Mountains, but highlights the beauty of our less-traveled countryside, sounds of our sparkling creeks, the coolness of our mountain hollows, and some very big views. The course is as challenging as it is beautiful with a total gain in elevation of more than 12,000 feet and total loss of almost 15,000 feet.

The organizers of the Blue Ridge Relay were excited this year to be one of seven races in the country, which partnered with the Avon Foundation and their Need for Speed Campaign against Domestic Violence. As a Need for Speed Fundraiser, the Blue Ridge Relay and its runners had the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for children who are victims or witnesses of domestic violence. More than $16,000 was raised by teams, sponsors, and race organizers for this worthy cause. These funds will go to support A Safe Home for Everyone (Ashe County) and OASIS (Watauga County).

The Blue Ridge Relay, runners, and teams are grateful for the support from your community, for your hospitality, for encouraging the runners, and for being courteous while driving. The Relay received generous support, time, and lack of sleep from our volunteers who served as Race Officials, including the many community groups, businesses, friends, and students.

The Blue Ridge Relay is grateful for the support received from Gum Ridge Mill & Flying Pig Furniture, Grayson Highlands State Park, VA, Mizuno, Hometrust Bank of Asheville NC, Mellow Mushroom of Asheville, NC, The Avon Foundation Need for Speed Campaign, Dan'l Boone Inn and Restaurant, SweeTea, Stickboy Bread Company, Hometown Realty, Riverside General Store, Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training, Omega Tees, Ashe County Parks and Recreation, The Blue Ridge Parkway, Road ID, Ashe County Arts Council, and the athletes of the University of North Carolina at Asheville's Track and Cross Country Teams.

Plans are underway for the 2009 Blue Ridge Relay. For additional information visit the Blue Ridge Relay Web site or call (336)-877-8888.