Home

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.

The race is scheduled for Saturday, July 10th, 2021 at 6:30 am – read more about registration and COVID precautions in the updated news release.

Registration opens Tuesday, May 4th at 7 am. 

2021 Grandfather Mountain Marathon

We are in organizational discussions with the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games for the planning of the 2021 Grandfather Mountain Marathon. The current information is within the 2021 Grandfather Mountain Marathon Information PDF.

Home page header photo courtesy of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

The Race

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