Tsali Ultra

🏃‍♂️ Welcome to the Tsali Ultra

formerly known as Tsali Frosty Foot

📅 Event Detail Highlights

• Date: All events take place January 17, 2026

📍 Directions/Location:

• Coordinates: 35.4056801, -83.5817022
• Directions: Click Here for Directions
• From Asheville, NC: Take I-40 west to exit 27 onto U.S. 19/74. Stay on U.S. 74 west to NC 28 west. Turn right and go 5 miles, look for Tsali Recreation Area sign on right. Go approximately 1.5 miles to end of road.
• From Knoxville, TN: Take U.S. 129 south through Maryville. Stay on U.S. 129 to Deals Gap. Take left onto NC 28 east. Tsali Recreation area sign is 25 miles on left. Go approximately 1.5 miles to end of road.

🏁 Event Highlights

• Championship Event: Good Endurance Running will host the NC USATF 50 km Trail Championships in conjunction with the Tsali 50 km.
• Type: The Tsali Ultra Qualifies as a Mountain, Ultra, Trail event (MUT).
• Eligibility: To be eligible for championship prize money, an athlete must be a valid 2026 member of USATF and have resided in North Carolina for more than 12 consecutive months.
• More Info: USATF North Carolina Website

🅿️ Parking and Pickup

• Parking: PARKING IS VERY LIMITED! PLEASE CARPOOL!!
• Packet Pickup: Starts in the boat parking lot Saturday at 6:30 AM EST.
• Start Times: 50K – 8 AM, 30K – 9 AM, 8K – 9:30 AM.
• Note: There are NO early starts.

⌛ Cut-offs

• 8K: ALL runners have 7 hours to complete the race.
• 30K: ALL runners have 8 hours to complete the race.
• 50K: ALL runners 9.5 hours to complete the race.
• Specific Cut-offs: Listed for various checkpoints throughout the course.

🏞️ Course Info

If you get off course, you will need to retrace your steps and get back on course where you left it. Course cutting is not permitted and will be grounds for disqualification. The 50K and 30K courses have some small stream crossings. Depending on how much rain there has been, your feet may get wet.

• Maps: 8K Caltopo Map, 30K Course Map, 50K Course Map
• Aid Stations: Typical fare including PB&J, oranges, gels, snacks, possible hot broth/chocolate, water, sodas, Tailwind sport drink, etc.
• Non-Driveable: None of the aid stations can be driven to by runner personal support crews.
• Volunteer Opportunity: Runners crew to volunteer at an aid station to help support not only their runner but all others too.

🛍️ Finisher Awards

• What You Get: Unique custom finishers award, Long Sleeve Hoodie, some other useful surprise swag, Finishers food and other yummies.
• Weather Conditions: Prepare for cold temperatures: it could be bitterly cold or a balmy 60 degrees.
• Postponement Policy: If conditions are of concern, the race will be postponed until the following weekend.
• Refund Policy: There will be no refunds for postponement or if you cannot participate on the make-up date.

🏨 Accommodations

• Hotel: Stonebrook Lodge in Bryson City, NC.
• Contact: Call to reserve your room and mention Tsali Ultra to get the race discount - 828-488-1616.
• More Details: Click Here For More Details

🚫 Pet Policy

As much as we love pets, they are not allowed at any time during this event. Please leave them at home or with a caring family member or friend while you are here.

📣 In Closing

Tell your friends and get everyone registered. Hop over and like our event Facebook page to keep up with all the latest happenings. We can’t wait to have you join us for an amazing day at the Tsali Ultra! The trails are calling…will you answer?