WHAT IS IT: The Bear Run is a 5-mile challenging run to the TOP of
Grandfather Mtn. This is a running race and is NOT designed to walk the entire race. We have to hold everyone
at the top until the last runner is in. We will have a sag van picking up anyone who does not make it to the 3-mile station
within 50 minutes.
ENTRY PROCEDURES:
There will be NO race day registration. Only pre-registered entries will
be accepted. We will accept the first 800 pre-registered entries. We filled up in April last year and expect to fill up this much early for 2011 !
THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS OF ENTRIES. We have heard every excuse in the book, so please don't ask. You are doing this
for our charities. We will NOT accept email or phone entries. We will accept the online credit card entriesor hardcopy entries with a check.
ENTRY FORM:
2011 entry forms expected Jan 2011.
ENTRY FEE: $30.00
PACKET PICKUP:
We will give entrants two chances to pick up their packets:
RACE START:
The race starts at the intersection of Hwy 105 and Hwy 221 in Linville, NC at 7 pm THURSDAY, July 9, 2009.
COURSE: The Bear Race is a challenging 5 mile run up to the
top of Grandfather Mt.. The race begins in the
beautiful town of Linville at the intersection of Hwy 221/105.
The first couple miles are run on a gravel road as you make your way up the mountain.
As you reach the entrance to Grandfather Mt.,
you SLOWLY wind to the finish at the entrance to
the "Mile High" Swinging Bridge. That view is certainly breath-taking
(that is if you can still catch a breath by the time you reach the top !).
AID STATIONS:
There is one (1) water station at the 3-mile mark. Medical help will be on course or nearby if needed.
We also have a trailing van.
AWARDS: Awards will go to an estimated top 10% male and top 10% female finishers as they finish.
These awards are a unique locally made pottery.
All finishers will receive a Bear medallion.
The Highland Games. will have overall awards to the top 3 winners in both male and
female races. Highland Games awards will be presented at the Opening ceremonies of the Highland Games right after the race.
T-SHIRTS: T-shirts (long sleeve) will be given at packet-pick-up.
Short sleeve t-shirts, hats and a few other items will be available to buy at registration both nights.
SHUTTLE:
A shuttle will be provided to anyone needing to get back to the start line as soon as the LAST finisher crosses the
finish line. These shuttles will run until everyone gets back to the start line. There are ***NO** shuttles from start to finish
for anyone. And, there are no shuttles BEFORE the race.
PARKING PASSES and SHUTTLE INSIDE GRANDFATHER MTN AT THE TOP:
Once inside, cars will be parked in the lower parking area below the finish line. NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE TOP LOT
EXCEPT RACE OFFICIALS. Shuttles will be available from the lower lots to the top. During the race, finishers and spectators
may walk down to lower lots until 8:30 pm. After that timje, no one will be allowed to walk on the road and you must take
the shuttle down. Cars will not be able to leave the lots until the LAST runner has passed the entrance to your lot, then you can leave
ONLY to go DOWN, not up to pick anyone up.
AT THE TOP:
Expect spectacular views at the top, so bring a camera. Take a stroll out on the mile high swinging bridge.
There is a snack bar, gift shop and rest rooms. Be prepared for chilly temperatures and windy conditions.
ACCOMODATIONS: There are many motels in the area. Make reservations early !
Write or call High Country Host for information: 701 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, NC 28607 (828-264-1299).
BENEFICIARY: "The Bear" proceeds will go to various charities in the area and the ASU Track Program.
Thank you for your support !
OTHER QUESTIONS: Contact John Weaver at 828-262-3074
(1) Wednesday, July 7, 2010 5-6:30 pm at Kidd Brewer Football Stadium on the campus
of Appalachian State University (East side)
(2) Thursday, July 8, 2010 5-6:30 pm race day at the tent on the side of the road at the intersection of
Hwy 221/105 in Linville, NC.
Anyone who wishes to have a friend or family member at the finish may obtain 1 parking pass. This pass may be picked up
(one per runner) at packet pick-up. The is available on a first-come, first-server basis. There are limited passes, so
please be kind to your fellow runners ! This parking pass allows you to get into the Grandfather Mtn attraction FREE. But,
you cannot get in before 6:15 pm and must be in by 7:05 pm. NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED IN BEFORE 6:15 or after 7:05 pm !