Tsali Ultra

Tsali Ultra

Tsali Ultra is a set of trail races held at the Tsali Recreation Area in Bryson City, North Carolina. The event offers multiple mountain, ultra, and trail (MUT) distances on marked courses that include some stream crossings and natural trail features. The race location is listed as Tsali Road, Bryson City, NC 28702.

Distances

• 8K approximately 4.34 miles
• 30K approximately 16.81 miles
• 50K approximately 30.1 miles

The 50K is held in conjunction with the North Carolina USATF 50 km Trail Championships; eligibility for NC USATF prize money requires valid 2026 USATF membership and at least 12 months North Carolina residency. Cutoff windows are set by distance: 8K runners have 7 hours, 30K runners have 8 hours, and 50K runners have 9.5 hours to finish.

Aid stations provide water, sports drink, snacks, gels, fruit, and occasionally hot broth or chocolate. Several aid stations are unstaffed and water only. This is a cupless race for most drinks, so runners must provide their own drinking container. Personal support crews cannot reach most aid stations by vehicle; one crew access point exists for 50K aid station #2 and requires a short road walk from the start area.

Packet pickup occurs at the boat parking lot on race morning; early pickup is not available. Parking is very limited, and pets are not permitted at the event. If weather creates significant concern, the organizer may postpone the race and will typically announce that decision at least 48 hours beforehand. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.