Held in early November each year, Shut In travels along the portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail that was originally an access route for reaching George Vanderbilt’s hunting lodge at Mount Pisgah. The modern-day Shut-In Trail (and the race) follows this grueling route from a low point near the French Broad River (the intersection of Highway 191, the Blue Ridge Parkway) all the way up toward Mount Pisgah. It’s about a 3,000-feet elevation gain, featuring a very technical single-track trail that has some virtually un-run-able climbs.
The Turkey Trot 5K, held appropriately during the Thanksgiving holiday, is a bit less grueling (unless you’ve eaten too much turkey).
Both races need sponsorship to keep the running shoes pumping. Contact Jonathan Poston at staff@gatherlogic.com or visit www.gatherlogic.com to learn more.
— M.W.
