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 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, affordable education for all. 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.
