Race for a Good Cause at Gatlinburg’s Mountain Man March

By Darryl Payne

If you're a runner looking to race for a cause, Gatlinburg's Mountain Man March should be high on your list. In June of 2007, 1LT Frank Walkup, a University of Tennessee-Knoxville alumnus, was killed in Iraq by an improvised explosive device. Originally started as a race to honor this locally known soldier, the Mountain Man March is now a tribute to servicemen everywhere. Held annually in April, the Mountain Man March is inspired by the Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, NM. This unique marathon covers highways and rural roads as well as rugged terrain and mountain slopes.

You don’t have to be in the service to participate. The marathon is open to civilians in addition to active-duty and retired military. Registration provides each racer with a light breakfast, snacks and water along the route plus a commemorative t-shirt. Each participant also receives a free BBQ lunch following the march. Sponsored by the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Army ROTC Ranger Company, proceeds help prepare cadets for deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq and also benefit the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund.

A Variety of Races

Interested in participating? This event offers something for every level of athlete. You may enter as an individual or a member of a five-person team. To promote the military standard of never leaving a comrade behind, each team member must finish within 20 seconds of each other. While the marathon is a total of 26 miles, there’s also a half-marathon for both military and civilians.

All military personnel will enter one of two divisions. Light division entries are required to wear specific military equipment during the march. Heavy division entries must carry at least 35 pounds in their rucksack or backpack. Spectators are encouraged but only allowed at the start and finish lines due to the rugged nature of the race.

If riding is more your speed, make plans to enter the Road March for Warriors. This motorcycle ride takes place along with the Mountain Man March route. The night before the race, bike riders are encouraged to attend the Gold Star Mothers Ceremony. There they can enjoy a free southern rock and blues concert. A variety of commemorative items will be available for sale, such as dog tags, coins, t-shirts, patches and more. All proceeds will benefit the University of Tennessee ROTC Ranger Company, the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association and the National Guard Family Readiness Program.

Observe or Volunteer

The Mountain Man March is a meaningful event to attend, even if you’re not in shape for a marathon. Gatlinburg is a beautiful town, so participants and supporters alike will enjoy the breathtaking scenery. With thousands of entries, volunteers will be needed to help with everything from check-in to snack and water stations along the race route. Don’t forget the spectators. Cheering voices are a great encouragement to runners. Most important of all, purchases and donations can be made that will support some very worthy causes.

The men and women of our armed forces, as well as their families, sacrifice daily for the benefit of others. The Mountain Man March is a way for civilians and the military to honor those who have fallen and help support those who are still with us.