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Beyond Category Cycling Bike Shop in Blowing Rock Presents The Ascent, Annual Endurance Marathon

by Becky Petchenik

July 24, 2013  On Aug. 11, Beyond Category Cycling bike shop in Blowing Rock will host The Ascent: a 9.25 mile bike race and 3.7 mile run at the Blue Ridge Mountain Club on State View Road in Boone. Competitors can choose to participate in just the bike ride, just the run or both.  

The Ascent 4x6 postcard - front - rev1

The cycling race, which begins at 10 a.m., is on a track is 9.25 miles long with 3,200 feet of ascension at an average grade of 5.9 percent.  The running track is 3.7 miles with 1,300 feet of ascension, with the event starting at noon.  For those who participate in both events, prizes will be awarded to those with the best combined times. Competitors must be registered by July 30 to be guaranteed a correctly sized race shirt.

The course is completely closed, and the track is paved from start to finish with beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the entire course. Supporters can watch from anywhere along the track and join competitors at the finish line. After the event, there will be a post-race party at the Watson Gap pavilion.  Concessions will be available, and everyone who participates will receive a free t-shirt.

For more information, visit the event website at highcountryrun.com.