The Cherokee Ultra

The Cherokee Ultra

The Cherokee Ultra is more than a race—it is a rite of passage. Steep climbs, wild rivers, historic paths. Every mile demands respect. Every finisher earns a place in the story. Waucheesi ain’t easy.

Distances and Cutoffs

• 130K — The Crown Jewel
  • 85 miles
  • 19,000+ ft gain
  • 26-hour strict cutoff
  • Field cap: limited
  • Eligibility: Must have finished a 50K+ in past 18 months
  • Early Start Option: 5:00 AM (not podium-eligible)
• 70K — The Mountain Test
  • 46 miles
  • 10,000+ ft gain
  • 16-hour soft cutoff
• Waucheesi Vert Challenge — NEW for 2026
  • 24 miles
  • 5,000 ft climb / 5,000 ft descent
  • Summit of Waucheesi

Course Highlights

• Start/Finish: Tellico Plains High School
• Warrior’s Passage
• Waucheesi Tower
• Buck Bald
• Benton MacKaye Trail
• John Muir Trail
• Hiwassee River & Reliance
• Historic Unicoi Turnpike (Trail of Tears route)

Awards & Legacy

• Top 3 Male & Female in each distance
• Finisher Buckle & Swag (guaranteed if registered before June 1)
• The Cherokee Double Buckle: Finish the 130K twice (any years)

Mandatory Gear

All runners must carry:

• Water filter (straw, flask, or bottle)
• GPX file on watch/phone (+ paper map recommended)
• Antihistamine (for stings)
• Headlamp (entire race)
• Whistle

Registration

Registration opens September 1st.

Policies

• No refunds or deferrals.