The third annual Mountain Fork Half Marathon is a 13.6-mile race that starts and finishes at the High Knob Observation Tower in Wise County. The race loops through the scenic Mountain Fork watershed, primarily on Forest Service roads, before finishing back at the High Knob Observation Tower. The High Knob Observation Tower stands atop the highest point in the Cumberland Mountains and is located on the Jefferson National Forest’s Clinch Ranger District. High Knob’s elevation rests at 4,230 feet. Five states can be seen from the tower’s platform, including a 360-degree view of peaks as far away as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and West Virginia. All race proceeds benefit ongoing trail development and maintenance on the Flag Rock Area Trails system in the City of Norton’s Flag Rock Recreation Area and on High Knob. See www.mountainforkhalf.wix.com/mtnforkhalf and www.facebook.com/mtnforkhalf for more race details. Race is part of the High Knob Triple Crown running series. See www.highknobtriplecrown.wix.com/hktc for details. 

Jan. 1-March 31: $55; April 1-June 30: $60; July 1-September 18: $65