Registration open for the High Country Half Marathon

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Institute for Health and Human Services at Appalachian State University announces the High Country Half Marathon to be held at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 25.

This is the second race in the High Country Triple Crown series and all proceeds benefit Girls on the Run of the High Country, a self-esteem building program for girls in the third- through eighth-grades.
The presenting sponsor for The High Country Half Marathon is ExploreBooneArea.com.

The race debuted in 2011 and participants described it as challenging, exciting and lots of fun, with spectacular scenery.

“We strive to produce well-organized races — attention to detail is important to us,” said race director Stacy Sears. “All of the Triple Crown races showcase the breathtaking scenery of the North Carolina mountains coupled with the vitality of the local community.”

The race begins at Appalachian State University’s Kidd Brewer Football Stadium and follows picturesque roads of Watauga County before ending in Blowing Rock.

Participants can register online and read a full route description at http://www.triplecrown.appstate.edu.
Early registration fees are available until Aug. 7 for $40. From Aug. 8 until race day, the registration fee is $50.

Other races in the High Country Triple Crown Series include The Valle Crucis Cub 7-Miler, which was held on June 16 and sponsored by Mast General Store, and The Knob, sponsored by Foscoe Rentals on Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m.

Runners who participate in all three High Country Triple Crown races will be eligible to win $1,000 in cash prizes.

In addition, finishers of the half marathon will receive moisture-wicking shirts, goody bags, finisher’s prizes, age group and overall awards and chances at numerous door prizes.

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