With the approach of this year’s Blue Ridge Relay, event organizers are seeking volunteers and sponsors to assist in raising funds for High Country affiliates of Habitat for Humanity.

The relay is a 208 mile foot race in which teams of four to twelve runners traverse a mountain course that begins at Grayson Highlands State Park on the morning of September 11 and is scheduled to conclude in downtown Asheville the following Saturday afternoon. Runners are expected to sprint into Ashe County early Friday morning and are scheduled to conclude the Lost Province leg of the event by that evening.

Throughout the day, spectators and curious onlookers will be able to spot handfuls of runners dotting the roadways of Jefferson, West Jefferson, Fleetwood, and Todd.

Runners from 26 states and Canada will partake in the scenic footrace with the largest concentration of those runners haling from the Piedmont and Triad area of the state.

Gum Ridge Mill & Flying Pig Furniture is the race’s premier sponsors and is directed by Ken and Kristin Sevensky. This year’s race will be hosting 100 teams this year (1,200 runners). Organizers will also have to factor in an additional 200-300 drivers as well as family and volunteers who will be attending the race.

In 2008, the BRR partnered with the Avon foundation and was successful in raising over $16,000 which was divided between A Safe Home for Everyone (ASHE) and OASIS, both of which are domestic abuse shelters in Ashe and Watauga counties.

Organizers may be looking for volunteer help at the Exchange Zones/support stations. A donation to that volunteer’s chosen charity will be made for their participation.

A Post Relay Drawing will be held Saturday night after the race. Runners are eligible to receive prizes donated by regional businesses. Sevensky said it is a great opportunity to promote and highlight local businesses.

For more information on the race, please visit www.blueridgerelay.com or call (336) 877-8888.