Firewater Ultra

Greenback, United States • 25 Oct 2025

Firewater Ultra : event overview

Firewater Ultra is a trail running event held on the East Lakeshore Trail along the east side of Tellico Reservoir in Greenback, TN. This is the 11th edition. Distances offered include:

  • 100K
  • 50K - 2 Per Relay
  • 50K Sunrise
  • 50K Sunset
  • 25K Ruck (about 22.5K)

The finish line is at the southern terminus of the trail, Wildcat Pointe (Trailhead #10). Organizers provide published documents with details on aid station locations, distances between aid stations, cutoff times, crew access, drop bag locations, and pacer rules.

Course format and 25K Ruck details

The 100K course runs the full length of the trail out to Canal Branch Trailhead (Trailhead #1) and returns to Wildcat Pointe. The 50K course begins at the northern end at Canal Branch and runs back to Wildcat Pointe. Both 50K options travel the same north-to-south section; the Sunset option starts later in the day and runners should bring headlamps. The 50K Relay splits the 50K course between two teammates; the first leg meets the second at Sinking Creek Trailhead (Trailhead #4) so the second leg can finish at Wildcat Pointe.

The new 25K Ruck covers roughly the second half of the 50K course. Ruck weights are specified as dry weight: male/non-binary 30 lb, female 15 lb, boys under 15 - 20 lb, girls under 15 - 10 lb. Weigh-in is required 30 minutes to 1 hour before the event begins, and removal or reduction of weight during the event is not allowed. Finisher recognition for the Ruck includes a custom patch at weigh-in. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

100 km
100k
50 km
50k - 2 per Relay
50 km
50k Sunrise
50 km
50k Sunset
25 km
25k Ruck
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Enjoy scenic trails along Fontana Lake with Great Smoky Mountain views at the Tsali Ultra on January 17, 2026, offering 8K, 30K and 50K options. The 50K also serves as the NC USATF Trail Championship for a competitive challenge.

Take on the Wanderers' Trail Race on January 25 at Maryville College Woods. The chip timed 5k winds over hills, streams and roots, with a kids trail mile and youth 5k for a family friendly day of scenic trail running.

Join the Wesley Woods Trail Race on Feb 7 for scenic, hilly trail runs and a kids gravel mile at Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend TN. Multiple distances from a 3 mile loop to a 12 mile challenge, with proceeds supporting camp ministries.

Take on the flat, scenic Eureka Trail at Gone Loco on Feb 8, 2026 with distances from 11 miles to a 55k qualifier. Limited to 150 entries, the race adds an 11 mile ruck division and livestream coverage along a runnable woodland route.