Blue Ridge Marathon On The Parkway

Vote For Favorite Ad – Win A Free Entry

Help the race organizers settle on an ad. We’ve narrowed it down to our four favorite but we need your help. Share Your Thoughts below – include why and a way to contact you and you’ll be entered to win a free race entry drawn at random on 10/29 – Heck, we may give away a few entries!

#1 4-wheel drive

#2 - Little Engine

#3 - Invisible Wall

#4 - Oxygen needed

58 Comments

On October 15th, 2009 Kara Spangler had this to say:

I like #1 four wheel drive–really gives you a feel….
Kara
On October 15th, 2009 Wendy Brown, DC had this to say:

I LOVE all three! I wish you could do a series! In order of “liking”: #2, #1, #3, #4. Big, hairy, AUDACIOUS marathon!! Can’t wait!!

Wendy Brown,DC
On October 15th, 2009 Neal Turnage had this to say:

The first ad about 4-wheel drive is the best for advertising this race. I honestly love all of them but you want to convey the message that this marathon is tough, not impossible. the 4WD ad says strength and power while conjuring up fun mental images of off-roading adventure. For me it’s the ad least likely to scare off potential participants. If the picture is from the course itself then I’d say it’s even more of a plus because the route looks clean, scenic, cool and safe. The little engine ad is also very good but if I had to pick one I’d go with #1. I plan on running this as my first marathon of 2010 and my second overall (doing RnR LV in December). It would be awesome to win a free registration. Thanks for listening to my input!
On October 15th, 2009 Kevin Green had this to say:

I like #1 too!
On October 15th, 2009 Pam had this to say:

How in the world could anyone pick a favorite?
They are all stellar.
If I was forced to choose, I guess I’d pick #3 because I aspire to look like her ;-)
Not trying to win…I’ve already foolishly entered.
Pam Rickard
On October 15th, 2009 Gordie Zeigler had this to say:

#1. I think it most completely captures the visual beauty of the course, the challenge on the faces of the runners, and the wording wraps it all up in a great expression depicting the challenge this race offers. I am SO STOKED for this race!
On October 15th, 2009 Diane Jackson had this to say:

I like #1 and #2. I suppose #1 best, because of the writing, but I love the picture in #2. I do think #4 may be overdoing it alittle. I wouldn’t want someone to not do this because they were too intimidated-the oxygen mask might be alittle much.
On October 15th, 2009 Brad Coleman had this to say:

I like the oxygen one best, #4. I like #3 w/ the text from #1 on it too.
On October 15th, 2009 Doug had this to say:

I think #1 and #2 are the strongest ads. I think #3 could have a stronger visual and stronger language about what “the wall” entails. I also like #4, put you’ll want to use photos that don’t have an “istockphoto” watermark.
On October 15th, 2009 Barefoot Josh had this to say:

They’re all great, but my vote goes to #2.

#1: The “4wd” gives the image of off-roading, but this marathon is entirely on the road. Maybe a little misleading.

#3: Great phrase, but I want to see the mountain. No offense to the lady. Wait… I want to see a mountain more than a lady? I guess my wife trained me well.

#4: It’s funny, but the image isn’t as striking.

Josh
On October 15th, 2009 Rachel Burks had this to say:

I like #1 & #2. The first one reminds me of the Ford truck commercials and it really brings in a sense of “BAM! this is what this marathon is all about.” The second one more puts a challenge out there. I’d go with the first one! Really grabs the attention.
On October 15th, 2009 John Boggess had this to say:

#1. Shows the kick-a** effort involved in this. Would be nice to have valley scenery behind although the steepness of the road says a lot.
On October 15th, 2009 Courtney Thomas had this to say:

I love #2. It’s funny and the picture captures exactly what I think of when I think about the parkway. I do like the slogan in #1, though. Can we use the pic from #2 and the slogan from #1? haha
On October 15th, 2009 Sara Whittington had this to say:

#2. Great picture and the phrase is really funny.
On October 15th, 2009 Julia Bradford had this to say:

Oh I can see it now…Yeah!

I like #2 because it’s funny and it has the scenery that should really be stressed as part of a Blue Ridge Parkway event. Although I agree with one of the other voters that having a strong woman like that really makes other women athletes pay attention because that’s what we all want to be like.
On October 15th, 2009 Chelle Quinn had this to say:

I really like #1 and #3. #1 captures the beauty of the course and the toughness of the marathon and #3 conveys the strength and power it is going to take to do this thing. #3 will really grab the eye of hard core female endurance athlete and the male ones too! #1 is the best overall marketing tool. Really excited about this event and the valley finally getting its first marathon!!
On October 15th, 2009 David McPherson had this to say:

I would put the words from #2 on the image from #1 and the words from #1 on the image from #2. The first one shows a pretty steep hill, while the second one just looks like it’s out in the middle of no where. Just my two cents. I don’t think you can pick a bad one in any case.
On October 15th, 2009 Gordie Zeigler had this to say:

I think #1 captures so many things about this race. The steepness of the hill. The intensity on the faces. The challenge implied by 4WD.
On October 15th, 2009 Kimberly Painter had this to say:

My vote goes to #1…shows the beauty of the area and the determined faces of the runners. Really kind of covers it all.
On October 15th, 2009 Karen Holden had this to say:

I like #2. I like #1 a lot, but I think it is too much like most ads (including car ads ;-) ) out there. It is very original, and I don’t think many runners would have a problem with the use of the word “Damn” on the ad!
On October 15th, 2009 Steve Durr had this to say:

#1 is favorite. Could change 4WD reference to needing climbing gear (or low gear for climb). Also love the Livestrong shirt on runner.
On October 15th, 2009 John Cremers had this to say:

I vote for #2 since it highlights the beauty of your race location. I would lose the Livestrong shirt if Lance is not somehow associated with the race.
On October 15th, 2009 Barefoot Josh had this to say:

OR, text from #3 on image #2. It’s like he’s literally looking at the wall. That would also work with image #1.

This doesn’t count as a vote – I wouldn’t want to cheat.

Josh
On October 15th, 2009 Leslie Woodruff had this to say:

I definitely like #1. It shows the wide expanse of treeline and an idea of the uphill climb. The full page color is much more vibrant and the 4 wheel drive mention combined with the runners face shows the intensity of the marathon. Awesome!
On October 15th, 2009 Robin Divers had this to say:

I really like numbers 2 and 3. I really love the scenery from #2. I also like the idea of the text from #3 on the image of #2. I’m not really a fan of #4. #1 is okay. I can wait for this race. It’s so exciting.
On October 15th, 2009 Julie Buchikos had this to say:

I love #3. The image truly shows the effort needed to run a race like this one. The women (like myself) will be inspired by it, and the men will figure, if she can…then so can they! The wall text is both humorous to those who truly understand and moving to others. I just ran my first marathon two weeks ago and look forward to competing this one as well! The mountains are calling…
On October 15th, 2009 Matt Parker had this to say:

I like them all, but think that 4-wheel-drive suggests a trail run. I really like #2… How about #2 with the paragraph from #1 added on???
On October 16th, 2009 David Tosch had this to say:

#2 is probably best.
I like #1 – 4 wheel drive. It looks really good but it gives the impression the it is a trail run.
On October 16th, 2009 Pick Your Favorite Ad – Win A Blue Ridge Marathon Entry « Roanoke Outside Blog had this to say:

[...] is the leading vote getter so far. Visit the Blue Ridge Marathon blog to see all three. Share your comments on the blog site and you could win a free entry. Ad 1 of [...]
On October 16th, 2009 Tim Driscoll had this to say:

I vote for #2 (the Little Engine). the scenery is spectacular, and the tag line is a chortle – and a challenge. #1 (Four-Wheel Drive) would be great for a true trail race, in my opinion, but not for the BRM.

I also liked #4 (Oxygen Needed) but I think it is too subtle. (maybe if you added the actual elevation gain on the ad somewhere, I would reconsider…)

thanks again for organizing a BRP marathon – I’m already looking forward to it!
On October 16th, 2009 Jim had this to say:

#2. That’s a great pic.
On October 16th, 2009 Shannon Price had this to say:

All very nice but #2 says it all without needing to say a word.
On October 16th, 2009 Jeremy Headrick had this to say:

I vote #2
On October 18th, 2009 Rob had this to say:

Agree about the mountains…#2
On October 18th, 2009 Barefoot Josh had this to say:

One last thing regarding #1: the Livestrong shirt might be a problem. It makes it look like this is a Livestrong event, there could be copyright issues.
On October 19th, 2009 james had this to say:

I like 4 wheel drive the best
On October 20th, 2009 Laura Hunt had this to say:

My vote is for #2, Little Engine. The design is so clean and the statement portrays your message. The photo and the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains is so beautiful that it doesn’t need any additional text; the picture says it all. Far and away my top pick! Nice work.
On October 20th, 2009 RunningLaur had this to say:

I like the text of #1 but not the photo – this text on the photo for #3 would be nice.

#2 as a whole would have to be my choice. The text made me snicker and the photo really captures the scenery.
On October 20th, 2009 Gina Harris had this to say:

I choose #1 because it not only shows the difficulty of the marathon, but the beauty of it also. You can see, on the runner’s faces, that this is an intense and difficult marathon, BUT you can also see determination to finish and pride in being able to run it. I always prefer ads that show at least part of the marathon course close up so I can see exactly what I’ll be running. This is an excellent ad!
On October 20th, 2009 Johnny Nolen had this to say:

#2,#3,#1 in that order. The little engine that could is my mantra.
On October 21st, 2009 Mike MacIntyre had this to say:

As a beginning marathoner who intends on making this my 3rd marathon, I am drawn to #1, #2, and #3. #4 seems like something you would see for a Colorado race. #1 and #2 really appeal to my desire of running new courses that offer a scenic route. #1 and #3 really appeal to my desire of taking on new challenges. I really like #2 for the beautiful view, especially with the added touch of the runner taking in the beauty. I would have to say that #1 appeals to me the most because it shows a beautiful course, highlights the challenge behind the course, and it gives the prospective runner an idea of how it might feel. Maybe you could add the profile at the bottom to further highlight your point.
On October 22nd, 2009 Danny had this to say:

#1 for sure. That shows how hard it is to run uphill and how terrible it will be to try to catch that next person ahead of you. Just terrific.
On October 22nd, 2009 Frazier Hughes had this to say:

4wheel drive is good… does that mean I can wear roller skates?

fraze
On October 22nd, 2009 Frazier Hughes had this to say:

Also…. I’ve never thought before running a marathon… “I may have to walk some of this one.”
On October 22nd, 2009 Pete Jewett had this to say:

I know a lot of people like #1 but I thought trail run the first time I saw it. My vote is for #3 or #4.
On October 23rd, 2009 Bob Light had this to say:

Honestly, I think you can do better than any of these ads. Ok so I just blew my chance for a free entry. I’m probably going to run it anyway so I rather see you get it right than pick one of these ads.

And why will I run it. Because this marathon will, without question, be one of the most scenic and challenging marathons in America. This is what will draw runners to this marathon. Yet, I don’t think you have captured the essence of this. (your logo and the colors do)

You’re close. You need to play on the scenery and the toughness of this course. The background picture needs to be a view from the somewhere on the course like picture #2 but more stunning. Then you need a tagline that speaks to the toughness of the course and a play on the beauty. Something like “see 100 miles run 26.2″, “see the mountains run the mountains”, “Are you tough enough?”, “concour the Blue Ridge”, “”bring your A game”, “like no other marathon”

I would stay away from the four-wheel-drive theme. It’s too much of a reference to a big gas sucking truck. Just the opposite of what most runners are about. Same for ad number 2 with it’s reference to an “engine”. Ads 3 & 4 just don’t even come close to highlighting what you have here.
On October 23rd, 2009 Lauren had this to say:

I vote #1, then #2. 3 and 4 are too generic and look like every other running ad.

#1 has the strongest message, with the obvious climb uphill and the copy explaining elevation changes. It’s a little more positive and challenging, but it lacks the unique Blue Ridge Parkway views.

I love that #2 highlights the breathtaking views. This is the key selling point for this marathon. The copy here is a little too narrow in it’s Little Engine reference. Don’t be afraid to speak broadly to the runners. Be clear over clever. I like Bob Light’s suggestions above-’conquer the Blue Ridge’ or more reference to this amazing mountain range.
On October 23rd, 2009 Mike had this to say:

Yeah, #1-4 wheel drive, I love it. The determination on his face and the terrain in the photo will make me train HARD for this one! I love a good hard challenge.
On October 23rd, 2009 Mike had this to say:

Number 2 – the little engine, is so…BLUNT, it gets the point across!
On October 27th, 2009 Lisa had this to say:

My vote is for #2. I like the scenic view.
On October 27th, 2009 Amy had this to say:

If I had to choose one, I would pick #2 because of the tag line. Who can’t think back to childhood and remember the “Little Red Engine that Could,” as it is the all-american idea of persevering to attain an “unreachable” goal. However, I agree with Bob. While all the ads are creative, I think you can do better to capture the scenery and essence of the course. Perhaps have a little red engine in the shape of a running shoe climbing one of the mountains with steam coming from the back of the engine / shoe. I like the current Adidas campaign with impossible is nothining, something along those lines.
On October 28th, 2009 Brandon had this to say:

#1 works the best, and #2 would be a tight second if the main copy was bigger (like in #1).
On October 29th, 2009 Michele W had this to say:

I Love #2. Says everything you need to know and has the scenery to back it up!
On October 29th, 2009 Blue Ridge Marathon On The Parkway — Winners Announced – Favorite Ad Contest had this to say:

[...] If you didn’t get to see the ads and comments click here. [...]
On October 29th, 2009 Peter Mount had this to say:

#2 is the best by far, but the font for the smaller text is bad. It needs more contrast and to be larger. The worst is #4, it’s confusing and it’s not clear on what it’s selling – looks like an REI ad. The text on the 3rd ad is good but would work better with a picture from the area like #2′s pic.
On November 6th, 2009 andy had this to say:

Go with #1.I like the dudes look …like hes hes getting ready to “whup” somebody !
On November 6th, 2009 Chris Hoye had this to say:

#4 is my favorite.
On January 3rd, 2010 Tim Lawhorn had this to say:

These ads are fantastic – kudos to all involved in their creation

Vote For Favorite Ad – Win A Free Entry

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