Look for registration to open for the 2023 race in late March!
Date and Logistics
Saturday TBD
7:30am start for all runners; 11:00am cut-off for participants if they have not completed the course.
The 13.1 mile race starts at the Peacock Parking Lot (formerly Raley Parking Lot) on Appalachian's main campus (the physical address of the Peacock Parking lot is 461 River Street, Boone, NC 28607). The race finishes in Davant Park in Blowing Rock. For safety reasons, we no longer allow early starting times for walkers. Organizers caution participants that this race is challenging and should not be considered for first-time half marathoners.
Packet Pick-Up and in-person registration will be at Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences on TBD from 4:30-6:30pm. Day of packet pick up and in-person registration will be at the Peacock Parking Lot from 6:00am-7:00am. In-person registration payment will be limited to cash and checks (payable to ASU).
Parking is free at all Appalachian Student, Faculty and Visitor lots.
Shuttle transportation back to the starting area in Boone will be provided on a limited basis. A dedicated gear shuttle will be available to transport particpant's belongings to the finish line in Blowing Rock.
MORE FUN FOR THE HALF MARATHON-- a 2.5 mile downhill finish to again end in Davant Park in downtown Blowing Rock!
Route Description
"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 United States. 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! If you can complete the High Country Half Marathon, you've got something to brag about!
The Half Marathon will begin in Boone at Peacock Parking Lot. The course will follow a flat River's St. onto Blowing Rock Road (mile 1 @ Boonies). Taking a right onto Winkler's Creek Rd. at Bojangles, the route begins it's curves and gradual uphill following along the picturesque Winkler's Creek. The route will then take a right onto Russ Cornett Road (mile 3) with more curves and gradual uphills and downhills. At mile 4.4, the route will take a right onto Diamond Ranch. Next turn is a left onto Poplar Grove Road then a left onto Shulls Mill Road at mile 7.5. At Highway 221 the course turns left into Blowing Rock. Taking the first road on the right, the course turns onto Laurel Lane looping around the Equestrian Center. Taking another right onto Wonderland Trail and the finest views in the south, the course continues to wind downhill and to the right on Wonderland Trail until a left turn back onto Laurel Lane (near Bistro Roca). The route is completed with a right turn onto Clark Street and a short jaunt to finish at Davant Field.
Water/Aid Stations
Mile 1.8 (water)
Mile 4.5 (water)
Mile 6 (gatorade, water, Gu)
Mile 8 (gatorade, water)
Mile 10 (water)
Race Fees and Registration for The High Country Half Marathon:
On-line registration closes for the half marathon at 11:59pm on TBD. Only participants registered by TBD are guaranteed t-shirts. You may register in-person at the event.
***TBD: $70.00***
*** TBD until raceday: $80.00***
Discounted Race Fees and Registration for all three races of the Triple Crown:
Register for all three Triple Crown races for a discounted rate of $110.00 (this special offer good until TBD)
***Now until TBD: $110.00***
Refunds*
The High Country Triple Crown adheres to the standard running industry policy that refunds are not allowed. Unlike the industry standard, however, we do allow registration transfers provided the person to which the registration is being transferred checks in at the registration table to update information prior to the race start. The new person must also complete a participation waiver. Recipients of transferred registrations are not guaranteed a t-shirt or specific t-shirt size. The entry fee for this year’s event will NOT transfer to next year’s event, no exceptions.
*COVID-19 Exception: If any HCTC race needs to be canceled for public health reasons, registrations will be refunded automatically.
Awards
All participants registered by TBD are guaranteed to receive moisture wicking shirts. The top three male and female finishers for The Half Marathon in seven different age categories will receive awards. The overall* top three male and female finishers as well as the overall grandmaster (age 50+) top three male and female finishers will also receive awards. Special prizes from our sponsors will be given away throughout the Triple Crown Events. Half Marathon finisher's medals will be awarded.
Triple Crown Winners: Runners who complete all three Triple Crown races (The Cub, The Half Marathon and The Knob) will receive special awards. The top three overall* male and female runners as well as the top three overall* female and male grandmasters (age 50+) will split $1,500.00 in cash awards following The Half Marathon on TBD.
*It is the policy of the HCTC that overall winners are displaced from age group categories for awards. This policy also applies to cash awards in the Overall and Grandmaster categories. All awards need to be claimed within 7 days of the race date.
Map Link
Results
2021 Overall 2021 By Age group
2018 Overall 2018 By Age group
2017 Overall 2017 By Age group
2016 Overall 2016 By Age group
2015 Overall 2015 By Age group
2014 Overall 2014 By Age group
Half Marathon Policies
Runners are reminded that the Half Marathon course is on open road. Because of the winding and hilly nature of this course, the following policies have been adopted for the safety of all our particpants.
Strollers: Not allowed
Dogs: Not allowed
Children: Any participant under the age of 14 needs to be accompanied by an adult