The Cherokee - Tellico Plains, TN

The Cherokee - Tellico Plains, TN (July 18, 2026)

The Cherokee is an ultramarathon event held in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, in the Cherokee National Forest. The event uses Tellico Plains High School as the start and finish area and follows established trails and historic routes through the mountains and river valleys.

Distances offered

• 130K - 85 miles, 19,000+ ft gain, 26-hour strict cutoff
• 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, summit of Waucheesi

Course highlights include Warrior’s Passage, Waucheesi Tower, Buck Bald, the Benton MacKaye Trail, the John Muir Trail, Hiwassee River and Reliance, and sections of the historic Unicoi Turnpike. Aid stations offer themed support by day and lantern-lit stations by night. A finisher celebration takes place at the high school and local desserts are provided at the finish.

Race services include live coverage on YouTube with on-course tracking and runner interviews. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each distance; finishers receive a buckle and event swag under the stated registration conditions. Mandatory gear requirements include a water filter, GPX file on device or paper map, antihistamine, headlamp for the entire race, and a whistle. The event policy specifies no refunds or deferrals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.