Tatonka 50k & 20mi

Tatonka 50k & 20mi

Register Saturday, Jan 24, 2026

Tatonka 50k & 20mi starts and finishes in a gorgeous valley of buffalo farms along a bustling creek. Runners ascend the mountain to a stately bird observatory tower on a cliff, equipped with windows facing every direction so that onlookers can see soaring raptors occupying the airspace overhead. After gazing at the stunning shades of blue mountain layers in all directions, they continue along the rolling ridge through meadows and grassy, somewhat rocky trails past deciduous trees, pines, and rhododendron. Returning along the ridge at the state border, runners are greeted with a gradual grassy descent and continued views through the temporarily leafless trees. Finally, the downhill grade increases and gives way to a speedy, winding road through the forest. At last, runners are gifted with a final chance to get ahead, grab a PR, and finish strong on the level, paved road back to where they started. With magnificent mountains on either side, and wide-open views, they are able to stride ahead past quiet, beautiful farms for the last few miles to a welcoming finish line.

There is breathtaking scenery during the entire race, and nearby Paint Bank, VA offers quaint bucolic hotels, an idyllic two-story country store, a picturesque flour mill in mint condition along the creek, and mouth-watering dining at Swinging Bridge Restaurant.

ADDRESS:

Waiteville Community Center. 1735 Rays Siding Rd., Waiteville, WV 24984

This is 50 minutes north of Blacksburg, VA and 50 minutes south of White Sulphur Springs, WV.

START TIME:

7:00 am

THE TERRAIN AND THE GAIN:

The 50k distance boasts a smooth and buttery 4,000 feet of elevation gain. This January race is the perfect start to the ultra year, with palatable uphills and non-treacherous descents. Its location provides a memorable winter getaway. The 20 miler tips the scales at 2,500 feet of gain (and may or may not include a bonus mile for the enjoyment of the running patrons.) This is the ideal 20 miler for the road runner and trail runner alike, offering a solid climb and the reward of a splendid view toward the beginning of the race, followed by an increase in velocity for the epic and gorgeous last two-thirds of the race.

THE TRAIL:

The Allegheny Trail is a 311 mile trail through West Virginia. We will donate to this trail out of the proceeds from this race.

Registration closes: Fri, Jan 23 @ 1:00PM ET

NO REFUNDS: There will be no refunds even if poor weather occurs.