April 20-21, 2012 in Gatlinburg
In its fifth year, the Mountain Man Memorial March is a challenging 26.2 mile run beginning in Gatlinburg and continuing through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. The first MMMM was held in 2007 with 40 ROTC cadets marching in their boots with 35 lb. rucksacks and carrying a photo of 2LT Frank B. Walkup, IV, a 2005 University of Tennessee graduate and ROTC alumnus. Walkup was killed in action in Iraq in 2007. At the end of that first march, the cadets presented the photo and a Gold Star flag to his mother. The event has quickly expanded into a tribute that honors all our fallen American heroes and has become the largest Gold Star Mother recognition ceremony in the Southeast.
The weekend’s festivities kick-off on the evening of Friday, April 21 with a ceremony honoring Gold Star Mothers at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The Road March for Warriors veterans group also conducts a motorcycle rally show during the event.
The marathon begins on Saturday, April 22 in front of the Hard Rock Café with opening ceremonies beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the run at 9:00 a.m. Entry is open in three categories: Military Heavy, Military Light, and Civilian. Entrants may also register for half- or quarter- marathon distances. For complete registration information visit www.mountainmanmemorialmarch.com or call (865) 974-8101.
Rafting in the Smokies is proud to be a Silver Sponsor for this event to recognize and honor our U.S. service members and their families. We’re offering special discount rates on whitewater rafting and zip lining for participants – so join us for a weekend of patriotic fun in the mountains!
