The MMMM begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 17 in downtown Gatlinburg and proceeds up Hwy. 321 to Pittman Center. The marathon course includes stretches of highway and rural road in addition to rugged terrain and mountain slopes. Entry is open in three categories: Military Heavy, Military Light and Civilian. Entrants may also register for half- or quarter-marathon distances as well.

            Inspired by the annual Bataan Memorial Death March staged in White Sands, N.M., the concept has evolved into a tribute to all service members and draws thousands of participants each year. The UT Army ROTC conceived this event in Gatlinburg to demonstrate its appreciation for those who have sacrificed and continue sacrificing so much for this great country by walking a mile (or 26.2) in their boots. Hence the motto of the event, “Support the Future, Honor the Past.”

Late registration will be held at the Gatlinburg Inn from 1 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 16. The marathon march starts in front of the Hard Rock Café in downtown Gatlinburg on Saturday morning, with the opening ceremony at 8:30 and start time at 9.

For complete registration, entry fee, course, entry category, safety and frequently asked questions information, visit www.mountainmanmemorialmarch.com.

Festivities will begin on Friday, April 16 at 7 p.m. with a ceremony honoring East Tennessee Gold Star Mothers at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in service of our country. Each mother will be recognized in the opening ceremony by presenting a Gold Star Flag to a team marching in honor of the fallen service member. The team will carry the flag and will return it to the mother at the completion of the march; symbolizing “Honor through Action.” This event has become the largest Gold Star Mother recognition ceremony in the southeast and is gaining national recognition.

The march benefits the Wounded Warrior Project by making a donation in Lt. Walkup's name. The donation includes 20 percent of all proceeds and 100 percent of all on-site collections, as well as monies collection in some pre-event fund drives.

Sponsors include EOD-Technologies, the City of Gatlinburg, AMVETS, Rothschild Catering, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, The Gatlinburg Elks Lodge, the Harriman chapter of The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Food City, Smart Bank, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, PMSI, Road March for Warriors, Kohl's, Harley Davidson of Gatlinburg, Strommer Caterpillar, Pilot Travel, ORNL Credit Union, United States Automobile Association (USAA) and the Gatlinburg Inn.

To coincide with the march, the Road March for Warriors (RM4W) will hold a pancake breakfast and a motorcycle ride to show their support for the event. For more information about RM4W and the group's planned activities, see http://www.roadmarchforwarriors.com/Details.htm.

            Raised in Woodbury, Tennessee, Frank B. Walkup, IV, always wanted to be like his father and serve in the Army. Upon his graduation from the University of Tennessee in 2005, Frank was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. A graduate of Airborne, Air Assault, and Ranger School, Walkup was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. In the summer of 2006 he was deployed to Iraq as a platoon leader.

He was killed on 16 June 2007 in Rashaad, Iraq, by an improvised explosive device that detonated near his position during a dismounted patrol. He is survived by his parents, eight brothers and sisters, and his college sweetheart, Sabita Walkup.

For more information on the Mountain Man March, call (615) 513-7814 or e-mail