BOONE, N.C. — Runners and walkers of all ages may now register for the 15th annual running of The Knob — the third and final race in Appalachian State University’s 2019 High Country Triple Crown series. The series is sponsored by the Blue Cross NC Institute for Health and Human Services (IHHS) within the university’s Beaver College of Health Sciences.

Proceeds from the Triple Crown series benefit Appalachian’s Girls on the Run of the High Country (GOTR-HC) program, which inspires girls in grades three through eight to be healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. In 2018, the race series donated $13,000 to GORT-HC to assist with the program’s scholarship fund.

“The Knob — a challenging run for sure — is a great way to experience a beautiful fall morning and the camaraderie of fellow running enthusiasts,” said Mary Sheryl Horine, race director and associate director of Appalachian’s IHHS.

Beginning in downtown Boone at Lost Province Brewing Co., the uphill race follows a challenging 2-mile route to Howard’s Knob Park. Shuttle vans will be available to transport participants to the starting location after they finish the race.

The registration fee for the race is $20, and participants will receive T-shirts and numerous door prizes donated by sponsors. Food will be provided by Lost Province Brewing Co. and Stick Boy Bread Co.

Awards will be conferred to overall winners and age group winners of The Knob. Following the race, cash awards totaling $1,500 will be presented to the top three male and female overall winners of the Triple Crown series, as well as the top three male and female grandmaster (age 50-plus) competitors.

For more information about The Knob and to register for the race, visit http://www.triplecrown.appstate.edu or call 828-262-7557. Registration on the day of the event will begin at 6:30 a.m. at Lost Province Brewing Co.

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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, 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.