The Cub 7-Mile Race, presented by Mast General Store, winds through the beautiful Valle Crucis countryside. All race proceeds benefit community outreach programs sponsored by AIHW, including Girls on the Run of the High Country and the Hub for Autism and Neurodiversity
The Cub 7-Mile Race will take place on April 20, 2024!
The race starts and finishes at the Valle Crucis School. Packet pick-up and in-person registration will be at Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences on April 19 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Day-of packet pick-up and in-person registration will be at Valle Crucis School on April 20 from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m.
Route Description
The Cub, a.k.a. "Valle Crucis 7-Miler," or "The Baby Bear Run," showcases the beautiful mountain community and countryside of Valle Crucis, NC.
The 7-mile mountain road race begins at the Valle Crucis School and turns right on to Broadstone Rd. The course passes the Mast General Store and the Baird Barn and continues over the Watauga River towards Baird's Creek Rd. The route turns onto Baird's Creek Rd. and climbs up, and up to Dewitt Barnett and the following steep climb to the Danner Cemetery (the most spectacular views of Valle Crucis). From there it's all down hill to the low water bridge, right on to Broadstone Rd., and then back to the school on a rare stretch of flat road to complete the seven mile loop. This route is hilly, steep, and challenging.
View a map of the route (JPG file)
Valle Crucis sets the stage for some of most scenic events in North Carolina. The Valle Crucis School start/finish area has plenty of parking, real bathrooms, great music, and real southern mountain charm.
Water/Aid Stations
All stations will offer water in pre-filled cups available for self pick-up.
- Mile 2.4: water
- Mile 4.8: water
- Mile 6: water
Registration and Fees
Only participants registered by the early registration date are guaranteed t-shirts. Registration is also available in-person at the event or during packet pick-up the night before.
Register for The Cub
Stay tuned for announcement of The Cub 2024 registration dates!
Early registration deadline: March 27, 2024
Regular registration deadline: April 20, 2024
Registration is also available in-person at the event and during packet pick-up the night before at the regular registration fee rate.
Fees
- Early registration fee: $40.00
- Regular registration fee: $50.00
Refunds & Transfers
The Cub adheres to the standard running industry policy that refunds are not allowed.
Unlike the industry standard, however, we do allow registration transfers provided the person to which the registration is being transferred checks in at the registration table to update information prior to the race start. The new person must also complete a participation waiver. Recipients of transferred registrations are not guaranteed a t-shirt or specific t-shirt size.
Participation
All participants registered by the early registration date are guaranteed to receive Cub shirts.
Awards
The top three male and female finishers for The Cub in seven different age categories will receive awards. The overall* top male and female finishers in both the general catetgory and the grandmaster (age 50+) category will also receive awards. Special prizes from our sponsors will be given away during The Cub!
*It is the policy of The Cub that overall winners are displaced from age group categories for awards. All awards need to be claimed within 7 days of the race date.
Volunteer at The Cub
Volunteer with us! We welcome helpers in a variety of positions: setting up, along the race route, at water stations, and at the finish line.
Volunteer applications open during the registration period.