The Cherokee - Tellico Plains, TN

The Cherokee - Tellico Plains, TN

The Cherokee is a mountain ultrarunning event held in Tellico Plains, Tennessee within the Cherokee National Forest. The race uses Tellico Plains High School as the start and finish location and follows established trails and historic routes, including the Benton MacKaye Trail, John Muir Trail, Warrior’s Passage, Waucheesi Tower, Buck Bald, the Hiwassee River corridor, Reliance, and sections of the historic Unicoi Turnpike (Trail of Tears route).

Distances offered

• 130K - 85 miles, 19,000+ ft gain, 26-hour cutoff, 50K+ within 18 months required
• 70K - 46 miles, 10,000+ ft gain, 16-hour soft cutoff
• Waucheesi Challenge - 24 miles, 5,000 ft climb and 5,000 ft descent, summit included

Mandatory equipment requirements are specified and include a water filter (straw, flask, or bottle), a GPX file on watch or phone (paper map recommended), an antihistamine for stings, a headlamp to be used for the entire race, and a whistle. Aid stations are described as themed with daytime music and lantern-lit stations at night offering warm food and support. Live coverage is planned on YouTube with race updates, interviews, and on-course tracking. Awards include top three male and female finishers per distance and finisher buckles; finisher buckle and swag were guaranteed for those registered before June 1. The event policy states no refunds or deferrals and the field is capped for some distances. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.