New For the 2022 Event

We have had to shorten the Challenge several times in recent years, due to Mount Mitchell park access issues on the Blue Ridge Parkway when it is closed for snow.

New for 2022 - In response to the lack of advance guarantee of Summit access, all runners will sign up for the Marathon and if the Summit is available and covered with aid stations on race day, the first 250 runners that want to go to the summit for the full Challenge, and have reached the Parkway Marathon turnaround within the cut-off time, will become Challenge racers and will continue to the Summit.

In a normal year, there are less than 250 runners that reach the Parkway within the cutoff time, so this solution should give anyone who is capable, the chance for a Summit, if it is available to us.

We feel this is a better solution that having to deny folks the chance of a Summit because of a closure at the last minute.

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There is still a limited number of spots available and the lottery will still be the selection method. We will take select 500 runners from the entries. Keep in mind that, if you registered for the 2021 Virtual event, you will get an automatic pass through the lottery - all you need to do is register and pay the entry fee by 12/1/2021!