Shut In Race
"Disney is not the happiest place on earth. Anyone believing so has not participated in the Shut In trail race before..."
Read more from 2022 Shut-In Ridge participant Andy Brouwer
"Disney is not the happiest place on earth. Anyone believing so has not participated in the Shut In trail race before. I use the word “participated” purposefully because this race offers up so many ways to be enjoyed that it brings with it its own feeling of belonging just by showing up to watch. For many, the first Saturday of November marks a special “runners homecoming”. The Arboretum offers up a beautiful fall backdrop of the changing seasons while 200 neon clad runners manage their pre-race anxieties. It feels like the entire running community is there, some running, some supporting runners and many just there to bear witness to the eventual legendary stories that will follow over the next few hours. All of them smiling. Hugging each other. Congratulating each other on whatever their journey looked like to get to the starting line that day and whatever will follow the starting gun. Sometimes that journey got to be shared through weekly group workouts or long weekend runs. A chance to push and encourage each other. Sometimes simply passing by someone coming up Ferrin as you’re going down, sharing nothing but a smile, could inspire the rest of your run. If it’s October and they’re on a hard trail, you feel like you know why. It’s a race that requires preparation and sharing the accomplishment of putting in that work with so many in one place is truly joyful.
So, as you lace up those shoes on what will surely be a beautiful first Saturday of November once again, take a moment to be grateful for all that you have and all that you have accomplished to get to the starting line. And mostly, be thankful for getting to share these moments with so such an amazing community who will be cheering for you all the way to Pisgah. And then another mile, thanks, Norm."
- Andy Brouwer, 2022
43RD SHUT-IN RIDGE RACE INFO:
Race Day
The 43rd annual Shut-In Ridge Trail Run will be held in person on Saturday, November 5th, 2022 at the North Carolina Arboretum Visitor Center. The race finishes at the Upper Mt Pisgah Parking Lot, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. All in-person runners must pick up their race bibs before the race begins. Race start is 10:00am. NEW COURSE UPDATE for 2022, see more info under the "Course" section below.
History
The origins of the Shut In race date back to December 13, 1980, when some 64 intrepid men and women assembled to clamor over rocks, roots, and fallen leaves as they followed the trail of the same name originally blazed by George Vanderbilt that led from his home, Biltmore, to his hunting lodge up on Mount Pisgah. Runners have continued that tradition now for 42 years, making Shut In one of the oldest continuous-running races in the region. On the first Saturday of November, 225 runners line up to put their grit to the test on 17.8 miles of a mix of paved road, double and singletrek through Pisgah National Forest in peak fall foliage. See us featured in Trail Runner Magazine on December 2018: https://trailrunnermag.com/races/shut-in-ridge-run.html
Registration
Registration is closed for 2022.
Refunds
If unable to participate on November 5th, please withdrawal your name using Ultrasignup ASAP. This way we can offer your coveted spot to the person at the top of the waitlist. We continue to offer a full refund (minus the service fee) until 11:59PM on September 30. After this point there will be a 50% refund available until 11:59pm on October 21. No deferments or bib transfers. Please do still withdrawal your name at any point if unable to participate, even if it is after the 10/21 date. This way we can fill all possible spots on race morning– we try our hardest to avoid no-shows.
Packet Pickup
All participants will pick up their packets at packet pickup located at the NC Arboretum Visitors Center, which will happen at 8:30am on race day morning. There is NO packet pickup the day before the race.
The Course
Due to permitting constraints with the Blue Ridge Parkway, the course will see a slight extension in 2022. Essentially, the course is getting extended ~.5-1 mile. Runners will complete the same course at usual up to the Upper Pisgah Parking Lot (which is where the Finish usually is located) and WILL CONTINUE FOR AN ADDITIONAL .5-1 MILE. Yes, the 2022 Shut-In Ridge Trail Run will now be ~18.5-19 miles, about .5-1 mile longer than in recent years.
-The finish line will no longer be in the Mt. Pisgah Parking Area
-Participants will run through the old finish line area, then continue on the pavement down towards Buck Spring Gap Parking Area and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
-Participants will run through the Buck Spring Gap parking area, down the access road, and then (LEFT) on the Blue Ridge Parkway for .1 mile
-Participants will cross the Blue Ridge Parkway at the entrance to the Pisgah Picnic Area and access the campground trail
-Participants will run on the campground trail to the No Name Overlook, where the finish line will be.
Course GPS Map here
Cut-Off Times
Bent Creek Road (about halfway) – 2 Hours and 15 minutes
Hwy 151 (about 16 miles into race) – 4 hours
***If your number is pulled at these locations, you are no longer in the race. This is for your safety.
Aid Stations
Aid stations will be stocked with WATER ONLY (no food). All water stops are listed below. Crew are allowed to help runners with nutrition at the aid stations. There will be more significant food and beverages at the Finish.
Water Stop Locations:
Hard Times Road (top)
Walnut Cove Overlook
Sleepy Gap Overlook
Bent Creek Gap
Beaverdam Overlook
Stony Bald Overlook
Big Ridge Overlook
Mills River Valley Overlook
Highway 151 Overlook
Support Crew
As with past years, participants are allowed to receive aid from their crew at any of the points where the course intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway. CREW and SPECTATORS will NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARK at the Mt Pisgah Parking Area, though they are allowed up there on foot.
When you park along the parkway, all four wheels must be off the parkway. If you don't park in this manner, a large fine may be incurred from the park service. DO not direct or stop traffic on the parkway. runners must always yield to cars. Runners are responsible for their own transport back after the race.
- To alleviate traffic congestion and event-related interference with normal visitor use, the Buck Spring Gap and Mt. Pisgah parking areas will be off-limits to event related traffic. The Pisgah Picnic Area parking lot will also be off limits to event related traffic.
- The finish line and all associated set-up will be in the No Name area. The large grassy area will be available for participants to gather and rest if they wish to do so.
- The Pisgah Campground will serve as an overflow for parking and participants pick-up, if needed. There is a very short trail from the campground to the No Name area.
Post Race Celebration / Awards Ceremony
Begins at 6:30PM (actual awards to be announced ~7:30PM) at the Wedge at Foundation Brewery in Asheville after the race (November 5). Cash awards to be given to Top 5 Female and Male finishers. Local artwork (stained glass) awards to be given to Top 20 Female and Male finishers. There is usually a food truck here for those wanting food.
Press
New Finish Line Zone for 2022:
Thanks to this year's sponsors!
