Press Release
Contributed by Craig Distl
Trail runners of all ages and abilities are invited to Beech Mountain on Saturday, July 27th, for the XTERRA North Carolina 15K/5K Trail Run.
This is a great off-road running experience for any runner wishing to "ditch the city" and traverse a mountaintop of single track and double track trails.
Although the race starts on pavement the town of Beech Mountain, it quickly heads off road and into the woods. The course is comprised of varied terrain, including: rolling hills, uphill climbs, rooty forests and some technical sections.
The race is organized by Dirty Spokes Productions of Dacula, Ga., Dirty Spokes produces trail races, mountain bike races and off-road duathlons across the Southeast.
The top three overall male and female finishers at Beech will receive medals and prizes.
Medals will also be awarded in the following male and female age divisions: 14-under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70-and-up.
Entry fee for the 15K is $35 per person through July 18; and $40 from July 19-26. Race day entry is $45.
Entry fee for the 5K is $25 per person through July 18; and $30 from July 19-26. Race day registration is $45.
Beech Mountain is a ski resort town, so plenty of lodging is available. Additionally, runners and their families are eligible for a 15 percent discount on lodging at Pinnacle Inn Resort.
For complete race details, visit DirtySpokes.com. For lodging info, call (800) 468-5506.
Welcome to Beech Mountain....at 5,506' in elevation, we are the highest incorporated town east of the Rocky Mountains. Imagine living here - we can make it happen!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Bark Park Cleanup Day
This Sunday, June 30th, is a volunteer work day to cleanup the Bark Park, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Bring gloves and hand tools. There are a lot of rocks that are getting in the way of the lawn mowers. Also, there is dirt to be spread and seeds to be planted. Give as little or as much time as you can to help this non-profit park, which benefits all of the visitors to, and residents of, Beech Mountain.
A few people have worked hard to get this park what it is today and is in a beautiful location. Let's help them keep it that way. Come on out and have some fun for a very worthy cause!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Emerald Outback to Host USA 10km Trail Championships
News Release
Submitted by Craig Distl
The USA 10km Trail Championships will be held on Beech Mountain's Emerald Outback trail system this June 29.
These national championships, officially sanctioned by USA Track & Field, move to Beech Mountain this summer after a four-year stint in Laurel Springs, N.C. The races are designed to challenge the country's best 10-kilometer trail runners in a variety of age groups.
Race director Jason Bryant of Mountain Goat Racing in Elkin, N.C., chose the Emerald Outback for its topography, elevation (5,400 feet) and unique terrain. He believes the trail system will be an excellent proving ground for determining the top runners in the nation.
"Running - like life - should be about a challenge," Bryant said. "And that's what this race is. It's a chance to challenge yourself in a beautiful mountain setting."
The championships are open to all male and female distance runners. Champions in the men's open division and women's open division each receive $800 in prize money. Winners will also be crowned in several men's and women's age divisions, as well as in team competitions.
"One of the things I love about this event is it attracts every type of athlete," said Bryant. "It has elite-level athletes and also athletes who only run races on occasion. It also attracts those runners who compete in specific age groups."
Because the championships are open to all, they occasionally produce surprise winners. Last year the men's champ was Durham's David Roche, an unknown on the national trail running scene. Two years ago, the women's title went to Ester Erb of Blowing Rock, an underdog who registered the morning of the event.
"It's a chance for a national championship. A lot of people want that title," Bryant said. "We have people travel from all over the country. It definitely carries prestige."
The championships begin at 9:00 a.m. on June 29. Entry fee is $35 per person until May 31, and $40 through June 15. Runners and their families are encouraged to take advantage of lodging specials on Beech Mountain, as well as activities available to guests in the resort town.
"There's great lodging on Beech for runners and spectators, as well as restaurants and plenty of hiking and things to do," Bryant said. "It's an ideal location for an event like this."
For race details and online registration, go to: MountainGoatRacing.com.
Submitted by Craig Distl
The USA 10km Trail Championships will be held on Beech Mountain's Emerald Outback trail system this June 29.
These national championships, officially sanctioned by USA Track & Field, move to Beech Mountain this summer after a four-year stint in Laurel Springs, N.C. The races are designed to challenge the country's best 10-kilometer trail runners in a variety of age groups.
Race director Jason Bryant of Mountain Goat Racing in Elkin, N.C., chose the Emerald Outback for its topography, elevation (5,400 feet) and unique terrain. He believes the trail system will be an excellent proving ground for determining the top runners in the nation.
"Running - like life - should be about a challenge," Bryant said. "And that's what this race is. It's a chance to challenge yourself in a beautiful mountain setting."
The championships are open to all male and female distance runners. Champions in the men's open division and women's open division each receive $800 in prize money. Winners will also be crowned in several men's and women's age divisions, as well as in team competitions.
"One of the things I love about this event is it attracts every type of athlete," said Bryant. "It has elite-level athletes and also athletes who only run races on occasion. It also attracts those runners who compete in specific age groups."
Because the championships are open to all, they occasionally produce surprise winners. Last year the men's champ was Durham's David Roche, an unknown on the national trail running scene. Two years ago, the women's title went to Ester Erb of Blowing Rock, an underdog who registered the morning of the event.
"It's a chance for a national championship. A lot of people want that title," Bryant said. "We have people travel from all over the country. It definitely carries prestige."
The championships begin at 9:00 a.m. on June 29. Entry fee is $35 per person until May 31, and $40 through June 15. Runners and their families are encouraged to take advantage of lodging specials on Beech Mountain, as well as activities available to guests in the resort town.
"There's great lodging on Beech for runners and spectators, as well as restaurants and plenty of hiking and things to do," Bryant said. "It's an ideal location for an event like this."
For race details and online registration, go to: MountainGoatRacing.com.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Winding Down the Season on Beech
As they say, all good things must come to an end. The good thing about a great ski season coming to an end on Beech Mountain is that we can now gear up to a great summer season here.
Taken 3-14-2013
We received another 1" of light, fluffy snow yesterday. The ski slopes are in prime condition for skiing and snow boarding, as well as making use of the skating rink at Beech Mountain Resort. For those who have yet to experience skiing at the highest ski resort east of the Rocky Mountains, make time to come up before the resort closes for the 2012-2013 season. In fact, the snow season has been so good this year that the businesses on Beech Mountain have been able to remain open longer than normal. Restaurants, shopping, ski rentals, game rooms, real estate offices and more are all open and doing well. We hope to see those who want to wind out the winter season with us come visit soon.
With the Bark Park (small and large dog corrals), kite festival, craft fair, fishing derby for the kids, annual July pig roast, hiking, biking, Buckeye Lake Recreation Area, Autumn at Oz (come meet Dorothy and Toto), community yard sale and nearby attractions of Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, Woolly Worm Festival and many, many other activities, events and things to do, Beech Mountain is a great place to make your destination and place to rest your head.
April is normally a slower time for us so that we can transition, clean, spruce up and prepare for our summer residents and guests. The Beech Mountain Club (optional membership for owners of qualified properties) will also be getting ready to open the golf course, tennis courts, cafes and other various amenities. As usual, lots of activities are being planned so make sure you stay in touch with our websites, webcams and our Chamber of Commerce on what is going on at any given time. If you need a list of popular sites to visit, try these:
Webcams:
Beech Mountain Parkway: See road conditions, traffic on BMP (links to other Beech Mountain, Banner Elk and surrounding area cams are also on this site...scroll down for list)
Parkway and ski resort: Road conditions, ski slopes, wildlife activity
Websites:
Beech Mountain Chamber: Accomodations, restaurants, shops, etc., which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Real Estate: Real estate sales and local information
Rentals: Vacation rentals
Weather: Our local forecaster: Ray's Weather
Come visit Beech Mountain, and don't be surprised when you arrive here that we smile and wave to you. We're like that...we love meeting new friends.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Beech Mountain Bark Park...Loved by all in any season
The Beech Mountain Bark Park was spear headed by a couple of our local resident 'puppy moms' a couple of years ago. Nancy Brunzos and Jill Ezell started talking to the powers that be at Town of Beech Mountain, Beech Mountain Club members, friends, family, other dog owners, residents and businesses.
The efforts of Nancy and Jill, along with their recruits, were well paid by establishing the park on property donated and maintained by the Town. Funds were raised to create two fenced areas...one for small dogs and one for large dogs. There is water and bags for cleaning up after the dogs, as well as a pavilion, walking track around the fenced areas, an arbor entrance and a sculpture of a dog. Many private dollars and man hours were invested by many people to establish the park as it is today. Whether it is summer or winter, the dogs love to run and play and the owners are very appreciative to have a place to let them have that opportunity.
Holleigh enjoys running after balls
The pavilion is a great place for owners to watch
The efforts of Nancy and Jill, along with their recruits, were well paid by establishing the park on property donated and maintained by the Town. Funds were raised to create two fenced areas...one for small dogs and one for large dogs. There is water and bags for cleaning up after the dogs, as well as a pavilion, walking track around the fenced areas, an arbor entrance and a sculpture of a dog. Many private dollars and man hours were invested by many people to establish the park as it is today. Whether it is summer or winter, the dogs love to run and play and the owners are very appreciative to have a place to let them have that opportunity.
The large dog park
Great old tree, boulders and bushes are in the park
Access to the park is across from Town Hall down the gravel road between The Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria and Action Realty.
For more information on the park or to donate for its continued improvement and maintenance, please contact Nancy Brunzos at soznurb@aol.com.
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