Tatonka 50k
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Tatonka 50k & 20 Miler
Tatonka is a winter trail event in Potts Valley near Waiteville, West Virginia, with the start and finish at the Waiteville Community Center, 1735 Rays Siding Rd., Waiteville, WV 24984. Two distances are offered:
- 50k, 4,800 feet elevation gain
- 20 mile, 2,800 feet elevation gain, may include a bonus mile
The course climbs to a bird observatory tower on a cliff, with windows facing all directions and views of raptors and occasional low-flying jets. Runners follow a rolling ridge through meadows and grassy, somewhat rocky trails lined with deciduous trees, pines, and rhododendron. Along the WV/VA state border the route provides a gradual grassy descent, then a winding gravel road through forest, and finishes on a level paved road past farms.
The 50k uses sections of the Allegheny Trail, a 315 mile trail through West Virginia, and a portion of race proceeds will be donated to West Virginia Scenic Trails. Event logistics include a cutoff of 8.5 hours for each distance, five aid stations for the 50k and three for the 20 mile, and no refunds in the event of poor weather. All starters receive a performance long sleeve tee, with sizes guaranteed for entrants registered by Dec 16. Finisher awards are given for each distance and custom beanies are awarded to the top three finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.