5 running, walking, cycling, and other events in Boone, North Carolina

DETAILS BELOW SUBJECT TO CHANGE

For most up to date details, visit: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-boone

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BOONE GRAN FONDO

Boone, NC

August 2, 2026

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Event Open to All from Beginner to Elite

3 Loops to Choose From

4 Timed Sections in the 80 mile loop – Best Combined Time Wins

Age Group Categories

Awards and Winners jerseys for Gran Route

Awards for Medio and Piccolo Age Winners

Ride with your friends, Race with your friends

Fully Stocked Aid Stations to keep you going

Come Challenge Yourself

Packet pick up:

(Watch for updated Information on these dates and locations the below is from 2025 but will likely be the same)

Saturday from 2:00PM to 6:00PM - 164 S Depot St, Boone, NC 28607

Sunday from 6:00 AM to 7:15 AM - 164 S Depot St, Boone, NC 28607 (at location of race start)

U23 Made Possible By Shimano

Riders who will be 23 years of age or under as of December 31, 2026, are eligible to use the coupon code: U23byShimano at checkout for any of the company’s owned SENA Gran Fondo National Series events including Gran Fondo Florida, Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Highlands Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Asheville, Boone Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Maryland, as well as the 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. The offer is limited to participants under the age of 23 and entrants are verified by their age. Juniors – cyclists under the age of 18 – are eligible to use the same coupon code.

What does the price of your entry include?

• Traffic control

• Fully stocked aid stations with energy product and food

• Four Chip Timed Sections

• Post-race food, beverage, and entertainment

• Goody-bag with various swag items

• Finisher gift for all Gran Route Finishers

• Awards for age-group placement

• Chance to win Prizes and Awards for placement

• Chance to win raffle prizes at post event raffle

• The enjoyment of riding an amazing cycling route

Course Description

In mid-summer, the High Country of North Carolina enjoys 80-degree temperatures while the surrounding East Coast temperatures hover in the high 90s. Early August is a prime time to be in Boone.

After a short downhill and a climb up the gorgeous Shull's Mill road, the course passes the Blue Ridge Parkway and turns onto Hwy 221. This section of road was hand built in the 1890’s across Grandfather Mountain and served as the Blue Ridge Parkway until the 1980’s. This second timed section is like a paved roller coaster.

After passing the Grandfather Park entrance, the downhill into Linville is a local favorite stretch of road. The route passes through the Avery County seat, the town of Newland. The back roads of Cow Camp and Squirrel Creek lead to the North Toe River Valley. Here, riders enjoy a few tranquil moments in the valley before the ascent, and third timed section, on the back of Beech Mountain.

Another nice downhill waits on the other side. The beautiful Bethel Valley brings riders to a climb to the Tennessee State Line to end the forth timed section. From here, the route cruises on a very long gradual downhill grade through the valley and communities of Sugar Grove and Valle Crucis before it takes a climb up Laurel Fork and White Oak roads back to the town of Boone.

Benefiting: Watauga Pioneers Mountain Bike Team

The local NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) team

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We are back on the Boone Greenway Trail for the 16th Annual High Country Turkey Trot! Choose from a 5K or 10K timed race or an untimed Fun Run/Walk.

Taking place on Thanksgiving morning, The High Country Turkey Trot is open to competitive runners, casual joggers, walkers, and fun runners. Far from just a race, the event is fun for the entire family and includes a live DJ, photo-staging area, costumes, and a picnic shed full of food and hot drinks.

NEW FOR 2026: We've updated the course route by reducing elevation gain and improving the terrain. That means less hill climbs and more stable footing! The 5K and 10K races will take you on a scenic trip over mixed terrain (gravel, grass, and paved) through the woods via The Greenway and Kennedy Trails. Official course map to revealed soon!

The Fun Run/Walk will utilize all paved trails throughout the park - making it accessible to everyone, including leashed dogs, strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids.

The High Country Turkey Trot offers prizes for top 3 Men's & Women's finishers in the 5k & 10k timed runs, Finisher Medals for all runners in the 5K and 10K timed runs, and custom High Country Turkey Trot T-Shirts for all entrants*.

All participants are asked to bring non-perishable boxes or canned food items!

The High Country Turkey Trot is LARGEST 5K & 10K in North Carolina's High Country. Join the fun on Thanksgiving morning 2026!

START TIME

• 10K Timed Race Start Time: 8:50

• 5K Timed Race Start Time: 9:00

• Fun Run/Walk Start Time: 9:10

ROUTE TERRAIN

• INTERACTIVE COURSE MAPS: CLICK HERE

• 5K & 10K RACE: Greenway Trail + Path – partially paved, mostly grass and wooded trail/dirt.

• FUN RUN / WALK: Greenway Trail - 100% paved

AWARDS

All finishers will received a custom High Country Turkey Trot finisher medal!

Overall Winners: Top 3 overall men and women will receive custom HCTT swag and a Stick Boy Bread Co. pumpkin pie!

Age Groups: Top 3 in each age group will receive custom HCTT swag! Age groups are as follows: 9 & Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

FIRST AID PROVIDED BY: Watauga Rescue, stationed at the start/finish line.