LIMIT: The race is limited to the 1st 500 entries and we typically fill up early May. No on-site registration, no refunds and no switching names !

WALKING: This is NOT a race for walkers and we have a time limit of 6 hours. The race officially ends at 1:00 pm due to the Highland Games Track and Field Events on the track. Also, we do not allow anyone to start the race earlier than race start time at 6:30 am

ENTRY PROCEDURES: There will be NO on-site registration !! There is NO race day registration. Entries are accepted only by US mail or online registration with credit cards.

ENTRY FORM: 2012 Entry

ENTRY CONFIRMATION: Confirmation of entry will be immediate when registering online - or - sent by email (if included on application and written clearly) or self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). Entry list will be updated as frequent as possible on this web site.

PACKET PICKUP: Friday, July 13, 2012 3-5:30 pm at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Appalachian State University, under the bleachers of the EAST side (opposite the press box) and Saturday, July 14, 2012 5:00-6:15 am. You must have valid ID and can only pick up your packet !! You cannot pick up anyone else's packet.

PASTA FEAST and GUEST SPEAKER: There will be a "Pasta Feast" and guest speaker on Friday evening, July 13, 2012 at 6:30 pm (at the ASU Central Dinaing Hall) off River Street. Park in Parking deck, 2nd level and walk across the skywalk). Friends and family members are welcome. You must pre-register for this eventful evening. Cost is $12 catered by Appalachian State University. There are limited tickets available. We generally have about 100 runners at this event. Stories and tips are shared. Guest speaker will be announced soon.

COURSE: The marathon begins at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, NC at 6:30 am at an elevation of 3,333 feet and climbs to an elevation of 4,279 feet where it ends on Grandfather Mountain in Linville, NC. The course is mountainous and very scenic as it winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The course is run predominately on asphalt (3 miles of the course is on gravel). The race will finish at McRae Meadows during the Highland Games, the 2nd largest Highland Games in the world. So make sure you look good at least at the finish in front of those 10,000+ spectators ! NOTE: much of the course will be run on state highway where traffic cannot be stopped to accommodate the runners. No early starts allowed !

AID STATIONS: Gaterade and/or water will be provided at 3,6,8,11,13,15,17,19,21,23 and 25 miles. Fruit, carbohydrates and fluids will be provided at the finish. EMT services on the course provided by Watauga Rescue Squad and at the finish by the Highland Games officials.

T-SHIRTS & MEDALS: T-shirts will be given out as part of the packet pick-up. Commemorative Grandfather Mountain Marathon Medals will be given to every runner who finishes before the races closes at 1 pm.

ACCOMODATIONS: There are many motels in the area. Make reservations early ! Also, you can get housing near the start line in a dorm, see entry form for details. Local Accomodations Or call High Country Host (828-264-1299).

BENEFICIARY: The GMM is non-profit. All proceeds from this race will go to various Watauga County organizations as well as the Appalachian State Track Program. Thank you for your support !

OTHER QUESTIONS: Contact John Weaver