| If you're a runner looking to race for a cause, | | | | military equipment during the march. Heavy division |
| Gatlinburg's Mountain Man March should be high on | | | | entries must carry at least 35 pounds in their rucksack |
| your list. In June of 2007, 1LT Frank Walkup, a | | | | or backpack. Spectators are encouraged but only |
| University of Tennessee-Knoxville alumnus, was killed | | | | allowed at the start and finish lines due to the rugged |
| in Iraq by an improvised explosive device. Originally | | | | nature of the race. |
| started as a race to honor this locally known soldier, | | | | If riding is more your speed, make plans to enter the |
| the Mountain Man March is now a tribute to | | | | Road March for Warriors. This motorcycle ride takes |
| servicemen everywhere. Held annually in April, the | | | | place along with the Mountain Man March route. The |
| Mountain Man March is inspired by the Bataan | | | | night before the race, bike riders are encouraged to |
| Memorial Death March in White Sands, NM. This unique | | | | attend the Gold Star Mothers Ceremony. There they |
| marathon covers highways and rural roads as well as | | | | can enjoy a free southern rock and blues concert. A |
| rugged terrain and mountain slopes. | | | | variety of commemorative items will be available for |
| You don't have to be in the service to participate. The | | | | sale, such as dog tags, coins, t-shirts, patches and |
| marathon is open to civilians in addition to active-duty | | | | more. All proceeds will benefit the University of |
| and retired military. Registration provides each racer | | | | Tennessee ROTC Ranger Company, the East |
| with a light breakfast, snacks and water along the | | | | Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association and the |
| route plus a commemorative t-shirt. Each participant | | | | National Guard Family Readiness Program. |
| also receives a free BBQ lunch following the march. | | | | Observe or Volunteer |
| Sponsored by the University of Tennessee-Knoxville | | | | The Mountain Man March is a meaningful event to |
| Army ROTC Ranger Company, proceeds help | | | | attend, even if you're not in shape for a marathon. |
| prepare cadets for deployment to Afghanistan and | | | | Gatlinburg is a beautiful town, so participants and |
| Iraq and also benefit the Children of Fallen Soldiers | | | | supporters alike will enjoy the breathtaking scenery. |
| Relief Fund. | | | | With thousands of entries, volunteers will be needed to |
| A Variety of Races | | | | help with everything from check-in to snack and water |
| Interested in participating? This event offers something | | | | stations along the race route. Don't forget the |
| for every level of athlete. You may enter as an | | | | spectators. Cheering voices are a great |
| individual or a member of a five-person team. To | | | | encouragement to runners. Most important of all, |
| promote the military standard of never leaving a | | | | purchases and donations can be made that will |
| comrade behind, each team member must finish within | | | | support some very worthy causes. |
| 20 seconds of each other. While the marathon is a | | | | The men and women of our armed forces, as well as |
| total of 26 miles, there's also a half-marathon for both | | | | their families, sacrifice daily for the benefit of others. |
| military and civilians. | | | | The Mountain Man March is a way for civilians and the |
| All military personnel will enter one of two divisions. | | | | military to honor those who have fallen and help |
| Light division entries are required to wear specific | | | | support those who are still with us. |