One of America's Toughest Marathons
Due to circumstances, the marathon has been canceled for 2022. More information will be emailed to registered runners from Appalachian State University’s Conferences and Events Services.
Welcome to the website of the Grandfather Mountain Marathon! The marathon has been held each year (since 1969) during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, one of the largest Scottish Games in America.
Home page header photo courtesy of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.
The Grandfather Mountain Marathon is a non-profit and all proceeds from this race will go to various Watauga County organizations, as well as the Appalachian State University Track Program. Thank you for your support!
This marathon begins in Boone, NC on the the track at Appalachian State University’s Kidd Brewer Stadium. The marathon then winds through the breathtaking NC Blue Ridge Mountains, over the Blue Ridge Parkway, and 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.
General Information | The Course | Aid Stations | T-Shirts & Medals | Accommodations | Shuttle | Schedule-at-a-glance
Registration for the race has closed. Please note there is no race-day registration.
Spectators – we have a list of locations where you can see your runner along the course and information about attending the Highland Games at the finish line.
Grandfather Mountain Marathon 