Grandfather Mountain Marathon

The Grandfather Mountain Marathon is 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. 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 5,000 spectators.

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

Runners not able to finish this race in 6.5 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 the 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-June. 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.

There is no race day or on-site registration, only pre-registration is accepted.

Here is an estimate of the course elevation changes:
Start = 3333 feet
mile 2.5 = 3160 feet
mile 4 = 3650 feet
mile 5 = 3500 feet
mile 7 = 3750 feet
mile 8 = 3600 feet
mile 10 = 3750 feet
mile 13 = 3400 feet
mile 15 = 3600 feet
mile 19 = 4000 feet
mile 20 = 4050 feet
mile 21 = 4000 feet
mile 24 = 4100 feet
Finish = 4279 feet