History of the Stick Boy Mayview Madness 5K Race

The idea for the Mayview Madness 5-K race came from Brenda Moretz Speckman, a native of the area, and her passion to help preserve the mountains of the HIgh Country. The race was started in 2000, when Brenda's husband, John, was serving on the Board of the High Country Conservancy (HCC). Both Brenda and John were comitted to protecting the mountains, and Brenda wanted to start a fund-raising race that ran through Blowing Rock. She felt that such a route would be challenging to runners, provide breath-taking vistas, and remind everyone of the beneficiary of the race proceeds. Boy was she right!

The Mayview Madness 5-K Race name came from a hotel that once sat overlooking the gorge. The legendary Mayview Manor was a Summer destination for authors, celebrities and movie stars seeking respite from the heat of the flat-lands. The hotel closed in 1966 and was demolished in 1978, before interest in preserving historic structures would have saved it from the wrecking ball. The Mayview Madness 5K race to "save the places we love" goes by where the inn once stood. Several years into the race the gorge below the race route caught on fire, but the runners endured the smoke and ran anyway.

From the very beginning, the race has had an excellent turnout. The first year, 108 people turned out to run the race for the mountains. This number has stayed steady over the years, with 112 runners in 2006. Proceeds from the event have grown steadily to a total in 2006 of $8,700.

Several people have taken on the labor of love required to make sure the race is successful. Holly Ambler, a former HCC Trustee, worked with Brenda Speckman from the beginning of the race and assumed sole responsibility from 2003 through 2006. In 2007, HCC staff took on planning for the race, with volunteer, ReVonda Crow, serving as Race Coordinator.

Over the years, the race logo showing a running bear has been re-designed several times, and has become a collector's item with runners. This year, the bear is chasing the icon of Stick Boy Bread Co., Stick Boy himself. Apprently that bear is interested in the tasty treats Stick Boy has to offer!

The Mayview Madness 5-K could not happen without the continued help of the town of Blowing Rock. The race begins at Blowing Rock Elementary School, and officials there have graciously allowed race participants to use the school's facilities over the years. The rescue squad is on hand if any emergencies occur and the police ensure road safety. In addition, loyal sponsors contribute to promotion and financial support of the race. Of course, volunteers and runners are truly the backbone of this amazing event.

The mountains are in a race of sorts themselves: a race of time. As their beauty becomes more widely known and coveted, they are prey to development in ways that will rob them, and us, of their natural grandeur. HCC is very proud to continue with the Mayview Madness 5-K to give all who participate - volunteers, citizens of the High Country, HCC Staff and Trustees, sponsors, and eager runners - the opportunity to help these mountains win!

Mayview Madness 5K Race Sponsorship Levels

$1,000

$500

$250