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The Cherokee - Tellico Plains, TN

Tellico Plains, United States • 18 Jul 2026

Located in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, The Cherokee Ultra runs in the Cherokee Forest and offers 130K with 19,000 ft gain, 70K with 10,000 ft gain, and the 24-mile Waucheesi Vert Challenge with 5,000 ft climb and 5,000 ft descent. Start/finish is Tellico Plains High School. Course highlights include the Benton MacKaye Trail, John Muir Trail, Hiwassee River, and the Unicoi Turnpike (Trail of Tears route). The event blends day-time themed aid stations with lantern-lit night sections, finishing with desserts. Mandatory gear includes a headlamp, water filter, GPX/map, and whistle. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United States Tennessee Tellico Plains

Race information

Website Registration
85 mi
19000 m+
130k
46 mi
10000 m+
70k
24 mi
5000 m+
Waucheesi Challenge
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

FSR 100

Copperhill - 26 mi from Tellico Plains

Tackle the FSR 100, a scenic 100 mile loop through Tennessee and North Georgia with roughly 15,000 feet of climbing. Start at Thunder Rock Campground and chase river views, fall colors, and a rewarding mountain road challenge.

Firewater Ultra

Greenback - 21 mi from Tellico Plains

Take in Tellico Reservoir views on runnable East Lakeshore Trail at Firewater Ultra, with 100K, 50K sunrise or sunset, relay, and a new 25K ruck. Enjoy lakeside singletrack and a sunset finish option for the 50K.

Tsali Ultra

Graham County - 27 mi from Tellico Plains

Tsali Ultra offers 50K, 30K and 8K trail races along the scenic Tsali Trail system beside Fontana Lake near Bryson City, NC. The 50K doubles as the NC USATF 50 km Trail Championship with prize money and well supported aid stations.

Gone Loco

Athens - 18 mi from Tellico Plains

Take on the scenic Eureka Trail in Athens TN with options for a 33 Miler 55k, an 11 Miler, or an 11 Mile Ruck. Limited to 150 runners, the 55k is a Cherokee Ultra qualifier and features aid stations plus awards for top finishers.