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 Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness

The Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness (App Well) 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://appwell.appstate.edu.

About the Beaver College of Health Sciences

Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences (BCHS), opened in 2010, is transforming the health and quality of life for the communities it serves through interprofessional collaboration and innovation in teaching, scholarship, service and clinical outreach. The college enrolls more than 3,600 students and offers 10 undergraduate degree programs, nine graduate degree programs and four certificates across six departments: Nursing, Nutrition and Health Care Management, Public Health and Exercise Science, Recreation Management and Physical Education, Rehabilitation Sciences, and Social Work. The college’s academic programs are located in the Holmes Convocation Center on App State’s main campus and the Levine Hall of Health Sciences, a state-of-the-art, 203,000-square-foot facility that is the cornerstone of Boone’s Wellness District. In addition, the college supports the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness and has collaborative partnerships with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Physician Assistant Program, UNC Health Appalachian and numerous other health agencies. Learn more at https://healthsciences.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.