The Cherokee - Tellico Plains, TN
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The Cherokee
The Cherokee is an ultramarathon event in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, inside the Cherokee National Forest. The event offers multiple trail distances that combine long climbs, ridge and river sections, and historic trail segments.
- 130K: 85 miles, 19,000+ ft gain, 26-hour strict cutoff, 50K+ in past 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 of Waucheesi
The start and finish are at Tellico Plains High School. Notable course features include Warrior's Passage, Waucheesi Tower, Buck Bald, the Benton MacKaye Trail, the John Muir Trail, the Hiwassee River and Reliance, and the historic Unicoi Turnpike (Trail of Tears route).
Race operations include a live YouTube broadcast with real-time coverage, runner interviews, and on-course tracking updates. Aid stations have themed daytime support and lantern-lit stations at night. The finish area includes a celebration and local desserts and baked goods.
Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each distance. Registered finishers may receive a finisher buckle and swag if registered before June 1. There is a Cherokee Double Buckle for runners who finish the 130K twice. Mandatory gear includes a water filter, a GPX file on a watch or phone with a paper map recommended, an antihistamine, a headlamp for the entire race, and a whistle. Registration opens September 1. The event policy states no refunds or deferrals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
