The Cherokee
About the race
We welcome our Presenting Sponsor for the 2027 Cherokee Ultra: PEOPLES BANK OF EAST TENNESSEE.
Race experience
- Themed and lively aid stations by day, with music, energy and mountain hospitality
- Lantern-lit oases by night, with warm food, firelight and encouragement
- Finisher celebration at Tellico High School
- Local desserts and baked goods at the finish
Awards and legacy
- Top 3 male and female in each distance
- Finisher buckle and swag (guaranteed if registered before June 5)
- Cherokee Double Buckle: finish the 130K twice (any years)
Livestream coverage
Live on YouTube 2026.
- Real-time race coverage as the race unfolds
- Runner interviews
- On-course tracking updates
Registration
Registration opens October 1.
Mandatory gear
All runners must carry:
- Water filter (straw, flask or bottle)
- GPX file on watch or phone (paper map recommended)
- Antihistamine (for stings)
- Headlamp (entire race)
- Whistle
Cancellation policy
Athletes can cancel their registration, but no refund is given.
No refunds or deferrals. Commitment required.
The course
130K
70K
Waucheesi Challenge
The Cherokee runs through the Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains, TN, with steep climbs, wild rivers and historic paths. Highlights 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). The Waucheesi Vert Challenge climbs to the summit of Waucheesi.
Course overview
Steep climbs, wild rivers and historic paths. Every finisher earns a place in the story.
Cutoffs and eligibility
130K
- Must have finished a 50K+ in past 18 months
- 26-hour strict cutoff
- Field cap: limited
- Early Start Option: 5:00 AM (not podium-eligible)
70K
- 16-hour soft cutoff
Waucheesi Challenge
- 12- hour cutoff, no crew, no pacers, no drop bags
Location
City insight: Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains is a town in Monroe County, Tennessee, with a 2020 population of 762. It is home to several surrounding communities, including Coker Creek, Belltown, and Rafter. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot, muggy summers and mild winters, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
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