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Family Fun Month Underway, A Cool 5 Race Weekend Approaches at Beech Mountain

cool5race
A Cool 5 Race Weekend at Beech Mountain

We’re halfway through June, but there’s still plenty of time to get your crew together and take advantage of Family Fun Month festivities going on now at Beech Mountain — Eastern America’s highest town.

Created to bring folks together to enjoy the splendor of the High Country, Family Fun Month at Beech offers lodging specials, outdoor activities and organized events including guided hikes, tours of the old Land of Oz theme park, parent-child pickle ball outings, mountain biking lessons, scenic chairlift rids, concerts on the lawn, movies under the stars and many more.

“We’ve designated an entire month for families to reconnect. This is a need in today’s society because we don’t spend as much quality time together,” said Kate Gavenus, director of tourism for the town of Beech Mountain. “There are opportunities every day for grandparents, parents, teens and younger children to get out and enjoy activities on the mountain.”

Beech offers all of the amenities of a lodging ski resort town combined with miles of town-maintained hiking and biking trails. Complete with an observation deck and killer mountain views, it’s the perfect summer family getaway.

The highlight of Family Fun Month is the Cool 5 Race Weekend, which will take place June 19-20, and there’s still time for you to get involved.

A Cool 5 Race Weekend has grown from a single race in 2006 into a multi-race format contested over two days. There’s a competition for every fitness level and every member of the family.

The bulk of racing takes place Saturday morning, June 20, with a 5-mile run; 1.5-mile fun run/walk; and a pet-friendly 1.5-mile walk and wag. All three begin at town hall at 8:30 a.m.

“The challenging 5-mile run is known for its views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, ascent to the mountaintop, and fast downhill finish,” said Rory Ellington of the event committee. “The fun run/walk has moderate elevation changes with many locations for spectators to cheer and encourage all racers.”

Meanwhile, the walk and wag features runners of the four-legged variety on a route that circles the town’s Bark Park and includes stations with doggy water and treats.

“On pet-friendly Beech Mountain, we even have a race for ‘man’s best friend,’ ” said town manager Randy Feierabend, “followed by a canine cool down at the Bark Park.”

Kids and other family members are encouraged to participate in the two running events Friday afternoon, June 19.

The first is the Kids’ Cool Popsicle Relay, which takes place at 4 p.m. on the athletic fields at the Buckeye Recreation Center. The free Popsicle relay offers competition in different age groups. Also Friday afternoon is the “Buck-A-Thon” fundraiser in which participants collect dollars for each lap they complete on the Buckeye Rec Center walking track.

Course-side lodging specials are available, along with multiple pre/post-race activities.

Adult registration for the 5-mile run is $25 in advance and $30 race day. Youth registration (12 and under) is $10 for all races.

Entry fees for the Fun Run/Walk and the Walk and Wag are $20 in advance and $25 race day.

Complete details and online registration are available at www.acool5race.com. Details are also available by calling 828-87-3003.

Visit Beech Mountain’s Family Fun Month online for a full schedule of events, lodging packages and more or call 800-468-5506.