Registration opens for the High Country Triple Crown running series

BOONE, N.C. — The Blue Cross NC Institute for Health and Human Services (IHHS) at Appalachian State University announces the High Country Triple Crown. Now in its 15th year, the series is a trio of races covering mountain terrain in Watauga County. All proceeds benefit local youth participating in either the Girls on the Run of the High Country or AppKIDS programs.

As described by Mary Sheryl Horine, associate director of IHHS, “Girls on the Run is an after-school program that inspires girls in grades three through eight to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. AppKIDS is an annual winter clothes shopping program that benefits 90 underprivileged Watauga County K–12 students.”

The High Country Triple Crown consists of three races of varying difficulty and distance. Registration is open at https://triplecrown.appstate.edu.

The first race in the series is The Cub — also known as the Valle Crucis 7-Miler — is presented by Mast General Store. Participants can register online or at the event starting at 6:30 a.m. Racers will receive T-shirts, age category awards and overall awards, and have the chance to win numerous donated door prizes.

May

25

The Cub

Presented by Mast General Store as part of the High Country Triple Crown

May 25, 2019

8 a.m.

The Cub, a.k.a. "Valle Crucis 7-Miler," showcases the beautiful mountain community and countryside of Valle Crucis. This 7-mile mountain road race consists of a hilly, steep and challenging loop beginning and ending at Valle Crucis School. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Girls on the Run of the High Country.

Register now

Other races in the series are The High Country Half Marathon, presented by ZAP Fitness, and The Knob.

Aug

24

High Country Half Marathon

Presented by ZAP Fitness as part of the High Country Triple Crown

Aug. 24, 2019

7:30 a.m.

"Half the distance but just as hard." The High Country Half Marathon is roughly the first half of the Grandfather Marathon which is considered one of the toughest marathons in the U.S. We've added some incredibly scenic views and a nice downhill at the end, which varies from the marathon, but make no mistake, the course is challenging! 100% of the proceeds will benefit Girls on the Run of the High Country.

Register now

Oct

5

The Knob

Part of the High Country Triple Crown

Oct. 5, 2019

8 a.m.

The Knob — 2 miles of pure hill! The Knob begins at Lost Province Brewing Co. in historic downtown Boone and climbs nearly 1,000 feet (300 meters) to Howard’s Knob Park. Plan on plenty of merriment during this race as it is the last event in Appalachian's High Country Triple Crown series.

Register now

Runners who participate in all three races will be eligible to win $1,500 in cash prizes. Registration fees will be reduced for participants who register early or register for all three races. The cost of all three races is $110 if registered by Saturday, May 25.

For more information and to register for The Cub, The High Country Half Marathon or The Knob, visit https://triplecrown.appstate.edu or call 828-262-7557.

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High Country Triple Crown

The High Country Triple Crown is celebrating its 15th year of existence as the premier running series in the High Country. Headquartered in Boone and sponsored by the Beaver College of Health Sciences, the Triple Crown consists of three races of varying difficulty and terrain. All races showcase the breathtaking scenery of the North Carolina mountains coupled with the vitality of the local community.

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Girls on the Run of the High Country

Girls on the Run of the High Country (GOTR-HC) inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through a research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential skills to help them recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one-of-a-kind. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.

Started in 2009, GOTR-HC enthusiastically serves the girls of Watauga, Ashe, Wilkes and Avery counties and is thrilled to have Appalachian State University’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Institute for Health and Human Services, within the Beaver College of Health Sciences, as their affiliate sponsor.

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About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Institute for Health and Human Services

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Institute for Health and Human Services connects Appalachian State University to the community by supporting health and wellness research, interprofessional clinics and community outreach programs. The institute partners with the community to better prepare students to become exceptional practitioners who will continue to address health issues and disparities throughout the region and beyond. Learn more at https://ihhs.appstate.edu.

About the Beaver College of Health Sciences

Appalachian's Beaver College of Health Sciences opened in 2010 as the result of a strategic university commitment to significantly enhance the health and quality of life for individuals, families and communities in North Carolina and beyond. In 2015, the college was named for an Appalachian alumnus and pioneer in the health care industry — Donald C. Beaver ’62 ’64 of Conover. The college offers nine undergraduate degree programs and seven graduate degree programs, which are organized into six departments: Communication Sciences and Disorders; Health and Exercise Science; Nursing; Nutrition and Health Care Management; Recreation Management and Physical Education; and Social Work. Learn more at https://healthsciences.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.