The Cherokee - Tellico Plains, TN
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
The Cherokee : July 17, 2027
The Cherokee is an ultra running event in Tellico Plains, TN, held within Cherokee National Forest and organized by East Coast Adventures. The event offers multiple mountain-distance races that traverse trails, river corridors, and historic routes in the region.
Distances
- 130K - 85 miles; 19,000+ ft gain; 26-hour cutoff; 50K+ in past 18 months required.
- 70K - 46 miles; 10,000+ ft gain; 16-hour soft cutoff.
- Waucheesi Vert Challenge - 24 miles; 5,000 ft climb and 5,000 ft descent; 12-hour cutoff; no crew.
Course highlights include Warrior’s Passage, Waucheesi Tower, Buck Bald, sections of the Benton MacKaye Trail and John Muir Trail, Hiwassee River and Reliance, and portions of the historic Unicoi Turnpike. The start and finish are in Tellico Plains, with aid stations placed along the course.
Mandatory gear requirements include a water filter, GPX file on a watch or phone (paper map recommended), antihistamine for stings, a headlamp for the entire race, and a whistle. The event has a live coverage component that has included YouTube streaming with on-course tracking and interviews.
Awards include top three male and female in each distance and a finisher buckle and swag guaranteed for registrations completed before June 5. Registration policies note no refunds or deferrals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
