Full announcement from Appalachian State University below:

BOONE – The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Institute for Health and Human Services (IHHS) at Appalachian State University announces the High Country Triple Crown, a series of three challenging and fun races covering beautiful mountain terrain. All proceeds will benefit Girls on the Run of the High Country, a self-esteeming building program for girls in the 3rd-5th grade.

Headquartered in Boone, the High Country Triple Crown consists of three races of varying difficulty and distance. All races showcase the breathtaking scenery of the North Carolina Mountains coupled with the vitality of the local community.

The first race in the series is The Valle Crucis Cub 7-Miler, which will be held June 16 and is sponsored by Mast General Store. The race begins at 8 a.m. at the Valle Crucis School. Participants can register online at http://www.triplecrown.appstate.edu. Early registration fees are available until June 2 at $25. After June 2 and until race day, the registration fee is $35.

Other races in the series include The High Country Half Marathon, sponsored by ExploreBoone.com, on Aug. 25 at 7:30 a.m., and The Knob, sponsored by Foscoe Rentals on Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m.

Runners who participate in all three High Country Triple Crown races will be eligible to win $1,000 in cash prizes. Registration fees will be reduced for participants who register early or register for all three races. The cost of all three races is $75.

For more information and to register for the The Cub, The High Country Half Marathon or The Knob, please visit http://www.triplecrown.appstate.edu/ or call 828-262-7557.