Outdoor Living and Recreation in Boone
September 2010 
All photos and illustrations by Pat Johns ©2010 - present
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The Boone area has a large percentage of residents and visitors who spend their time outdoors running, hiking, kayaking, rafting, swimming and more. From the Bear Race to the Blood, Sweat & Gears Bicycle Race, Boone is attracting athletes from throughout the country to our spectacular sports environment. And you can tell when you walk down King St. that the Boone area does not match the U.S. obesity statistics. 
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This year our area was chosen as the location for the Continental Divide Trail Race, held just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Laurel Springs NC. This 10 kilometer race (approximately 6.2 miles) is described on their website (see link below) as follows: "Our course begins in a grassy clearing overlooking some of the oldest mountains on our planet. The course crosses both sides of the eastern continental divide as it snakes its way up and down technical and primitive trails. I believe our race is one of the toughest trail races in the southeast. Last year, one section of the course picked up it's own nickname, The Rock Climb. It is not actually a rock climb, though you may end up using your hands as you work up this part. And it is only 20 yards. The course climbs a total of 1550 feet for a total elevation change of 3100 feet. "
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Entrants arrived this year on a foggy mountain top at Laurel Springs. As they checked in the sky gradually lightened and by the time the men took off the sun was breaking through to the meadow where the races began. The sun was fully shining when the women started. Most entrants in these races have full-time jobs. Engineers, librarians, nurses and business owners train on their weekends and early mornings well in advance of these competitions. Many compete in a variety of events such as trail runs, marathons, triathlons and bike races. Some even participate in events called super-marathons, events longer than a marathon (approximately 26.2 miles) such as double-marathons and 100-mile races. 
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The winners of this year's run were 25- and 27- years old but runners in their 50s, 60s and 70s posted excellent run times for this event. Athletes compete overall, in their age groups, as teams and/or for the national championship. Awards such as medals and local art are given to the category winners. Food is provided and some bring picnics to celebrate. Many runners are supported at the race by friends and family. 
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The mountainous terrain in this area adds a challenge to each of its racing events. For instance, on September 18 the Watauga County Red Cross will be hosting its first "Run for the Red" fund-raising marathon and half-marathon in Valle Crucis. A marathon is challenging any way you look at it but, rest assured, the Boston Marathon does not have to give a topographic map of its course. A look at the topographic map for the "Run for the Red" marathon (see below) shows a 1700 foot ascent in the first 6 miles of the race, leaving over 20 miles to go. As with the Continental Divide Trail race, this terrain makes these races uniquely challenging events.
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Topographic view of the "Run for the Red" marathon course (see link to their website below)
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We all know that Boone is a great place to live but for many it is also a healthy place to live. Great local food from the farmers' market and all of the opportunity you can imagine to exercise in the most pleasant and inspiring environment. If you don't participate in one of the athletic events go watch one and see what the reverse side of the health care crisis looks like. 
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Some interesting links related to this story :
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