Caleb Critcher, a systems programmer in Appalachian’s Physical Plant from Deep Gap, competes in the High Country Triple Crown in 2018. All proceeds from the race series benefit local children’s organizations, including Girls on the Run of the High Country and AppKIDS. Photo submitted
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University announces registration is now open for the ninth annual High Country Half Marathon — the second race in the High Country Triple Crown series.
The race, sponsored by Appalachian’s Blue Cross of NC Institute for Health and Human Services (IHHS) in the Beaver College of Health Sciences (BCHS), covers 13.1 miles from Boone to Blowing Rock. All proceeds benefit local children’s organizations, including Girls on the Run of the High Country and AppKIDS.
Of the marathon, Mary Sheryl Horine, race director and associate director of the IHHS, said, “We celebrate the fact that we’ve got a beautiful environment for running in the summertime. Combine that with dedicated volunteers, cool awards and a great cause and you’ve got a race that people travel to from all over the Southeast.”
The High Country Half Marathon debuted in 2011, and past participants have described it as challenging, as it follows the route of the first half of the Grandfather Mountain Marathon.
The race begins on Appalachian’s campus and follows Watauga County roads before ending in Blowing Rock at Davant Field. An awards ceremony following the race will feature overall and age category awards, grandmaster awards for persons age 50 and older, finisher medals and door prizes.
Food and other refreshments will be provided by local brewing companies as well as Hatchet Coffee. Live music will also be staged at the finish area.
Other races in the High Country Triple Crown series include The Cub, also known as the Valle Crucis 7-Miler, which was held over Memorial Day weekend and presented by Mast General Store. Additionally, The Knob, sponsored by Lost Province Brewing Co., will take place in October.
Runners who participate in all three High Country Triple Crown races will be eligible to win $1,500 in cash prizes and a congratulatory award for participating in all three events.
For more information and/or to register for the High Country Half Marathon or The Knob, visit http://www.triplecrown.appstate.edu/ or call 828-262-7557. The registration fee for the marathon is $65 and includes a technical running shirt and a finisher medal.
Presented by ZAP Fitness as part of the High Country Triple Crown
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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.
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