Katie Langley Photo
The fog-shrouded 2013 running of the Stick Boy Mayview Madness 5k race drew more than 360 runners, the largest in race history. This year’s event ~ the 15th annual 5k and the recently added one-mile kids fun run ~ takes place here on Saturday, September 20. Proceeds will benefit Blue Ridge Conservancy’s work with willing landowners and local communities to permanently protect land and water resources with agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational and scenic value in northwest North Carolina.
The scenic 5k run starts at 8:30 a.m. adjacent to the American Legion Hall and finishes in front of Bistro Roca restaurant, where post-race snacks will be provided and awards presented. The course winds through the historic Mayview neighborhood, with magnificent views along the route. With average race day high and low temperatures of 67 and 49 respectively, conditions should be perfect for running (fog notwithstanding). The Kids Run starts in the same location at 8:00 so parents can accompany their kids and still make the 5k start time.
“The Blowing Rock community is always happy to host the Mayview Madness 5k race and its participants. We embrace a healthy lifestyle and outdoor activities, so the Mayview Madness fits right in. It’s really nice to see the kids getting involved now and participating in the One-Mile Fun Run. Because of the involvement of the community and our beautiful backdrop, we continue to see the event grow each year,” said Tracy Brown, Executive Director of the Blowing Rock TDA.
The 5k race will have prizes donated by local businesses for the top three male and female finishers in each age of ten age groups, including a separate category for masters finishers. Additional prizes will be awarded for best costume. Courtesy of Reebok, ZAP Fitness will give away a pair of running shoes to the male and female first place finisher in each category.
As a lead-up to the event, ZAP Fitness will be offering all preregistered participants a series of five free training sessions at Bass Lake every Wednesday evening from August 20 until race day. Each clinic begins at 5:30 with a training run, followed by a coaching session. ZAP Fitness coaches will cover a different topic each week, including a training session designed for kids during each clinic.
Preregistration is on line at active.com, along with information on fees and schedules. Fees increase after September 1.
Blue Ridge Conservancy is a private, non-profit, non-governmental organization incorporated in North Carolina. Since its founding, it has protected close to 18,000 acres in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties. In addition to protecting working farmland, BRC’s efforts have resulted in the creation of state natural areas like Beech Creek Bog, Bear Paw and Bullhead Mountain. For more information visit www.blueridgeconservancy.org.
BLOWING ROCK N.C. (July 2014)
For information: Tracy Brown, Executive Director
Blowing Rock TDA
828.295.4636 tbrown@visitblowingrock.com