Welcome to the website of the Grandfather Mountain Marathon held each year (since 1969) during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, one of the largest Scottish Games in America.

This marathon begins in Boone, NC at the Appalachian State University on the track at the Kidd Brewer Stadium, home of the 3-time NCAA Division 1 Football National Champions. The marathon then winds through the breath-taking NC Blue Ridge Mountains, over the Blue Ridge Parkway, up long steep climbs to McRae Meadows where you will be greeted by the sound of bagpipes and an estimated 15,000 spectators.

This unique marathon will provide challenges that are overcome by the rewards.

Runners not able to finish this race in 6 hours are encouraged NOT to participate. The race officially ends at 1:00 pm due to the start of the Highland Games Track and Field events.

We do ask that you read through this website before entering so you are aware of the challenge of the race as well as the challenges of the race logistics, including lodging and parking. We do have a race limit due to the Blue Ridge Parkway event rules and we fill up EVERY year by mid-May. The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games have provided a great deal on a shuttle, as there is NO parking at the finish line. Since hotels fill up months in advance for these Games, we provide unlimited accommodations on campus. So come enjoy our wonderful university through the eyes of a student and share a unique experience with runners from about 25 different states and several different countries.

The is no race day or on-site registration. Only pre-registration is accepted and there is no waiting list.

Please note new 6:30 am start time !!!!