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Registration Opens for High Country Half Marathon

July 3, 2012. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Institute for Health and Human Services (IHHS) at Appalachian State University announces the High Country Half Marathon to be held on Aug. 25 at 7:30 a.m. 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 3rd-8th grade. The presenting sponsor for The High Country Half Marathon is ExploreBooneArea.com.

All pre-registered participants will receive moisture-wicking Half Marathon shirts, goody bags and signature Triple Crown prizes.  The top three male and female finishers in each age category and the overall top three male and female finishers will receive awards. Special prizes from sponsors will be given away throughout the Triple Crown Events.

The Half Marathonrace 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 Half Marathon will begin in ASU’s Kidd Brewer Stadium.  Out of the stadium, the course will follow a flat River’s St. onto Blowing Rock Road (mile 1 @ Blockbuster).  Taking a right onto Winkler’s Creek Rd., 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 all the way to a left onto Diamond Ranch Road (mile 6 @ mailbox #3030). After another left onto Poplar Grove Road the course winds around and takes  a left onto Shulls Mill Road (mile 8- just past Crestwood) and then a left on Highway 221 (mile 10) into Blowing Rock.  Taking a right onto Clark St (mile 12- #621 Clark St.). the course cruises through the quaint village of BR by winding onto Edgewood, Wonderland Trail,  Laurel Lane and finishing downhill into the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve.

Participants can register online at http://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. Additionally, 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, please visithttp://triplecrown.appstate.edu or call 828-262-7557.