The Cherokee - Tellico Plains, TN

The Cherokee - Tellico Plains, TN

The Cherokee is a mountain ultramarathon held in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, in the Cherokee National Forest. The event offers multiple distances and follows sections of established trails and historic routes, with start and finish at Tellico Plains High School.

Distances include:

• 130K - 85 miles; 19,000+ ft gain; 26-hour strict cutoff
• 70K - 46 miles; 10,000+ ft gain; 16-hour soft cutoff
• Waucheesi Challenge - 24 miles; 5,000 ft climb and 5,000 ft descent

Course highlights name Warrior’s Passage, Waucheesi Tower, Buck Bald, Benton MacKaye Trail, John Muir Trail, Hiwassee River and Reliance, and the Historic Unicoi Turnpike (Trail of Tears route). The 130K field has a cap and requires prior completion of a 50K or longer within the past 18 months; an early start option is offered for the 130K but is not podium eligible.

Aid stations and on-course services are described as themed during daytime and lantern-lit at night. A finisher celebration takes place at Tellico Plains High School, with awards for the top three male and female finishers in each distance and finisher buckles and swag for eligible registrants.

Mandatory gear requirements include a water filter, a GPX file on a watch or phone (paper map recommended), an antihistamine, a headlamp to be worn for the entire event, and a whistle. Registration closes Fri, Jul 17 at 11:59 PM ET. The event policy states there are no refunds or deferrals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.