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

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.
• From Bryson City: Take U.S. 19 south for 9 miles to NC 28 west. Turn right on NC 28. Go 5 miles and look for Tsali recreation Area sign on right. Go approximately 1.5 miles to end of road.

🏆 Event Overview

Good Endurance Running will host the NC USATF 50 km Trail Championships on January 17, 2026, in Almond, North Carolina in conjunction with the Tsali 50 km. This is the first time the Tsali 50 km has hosted a NC USATF championship event.

Trail races longer than the traditional marathon distance are considered ultra marathons. Therefore, the Tsali Ultra Qualifies as a Mountain, Ultra, Trail event (MUT).

We are excited once again being hosting the NC USATF North Carolina LDR Championships. In addition to our normal awards we offer to participants, the USATF NC Division will provide the following prizes. To be eligible for NC USATF championship prize money and awards the athlete must be a valid 2026 member of USATF and have resided in the State of North Carolina for more than 12 consecutive months.

USATF North Carolina Website

🚗 Parking Information

PARKING IS VERY LIMITED! PLEASE CARPOOL!!

Packet pickup will start in the boat parking lot Saturday at 6:30 AM EST. (Sunrise is at 7:43 AM EST, so bring your light.) Early packet pickup is not available.

⏰ Start Times

There are NO early starts.

• 50K: 8 AM
• 30K: 9 AM
• 8K: 9:30 AM

⌛ Cut-offs

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.

Murphy’s Branch: Mile 6.5 (Cutoff time of 10:00 AM)
Murphy’s Branch: Mile 13.4 (No Cutoff)
Trailhead: Mile 14.2 (Cutoff time 12:21 PM)
Water Drop: Mile 19.9 (No Cutoff)
Crossroads: (Mile 23)(Cutoff time of 3:00 PM)
Water Drop: Mile (No Cutoff)
Finish Line: (Mile 30.9)(Cutoff time of 5:30 PM)

Cut-off times will be strictly enforced for the safety of the runners and the volunteers.

None of the aid stations can be driven to by runner personal support crews.

🏞️ Course Information

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.

• 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. None of the aid stations can be driven to by runner personal support crews. The only one that crew is permitted at is aid station #2 for the 50Kers. It is up a 1/2~ mile road walk from the start area. Due to permit requirements and lack of space, personal tables, canopies, and such are not permitted there or anywhere else on or near the course. We encourage runners' crew to volunteer at an aid station so they can not only help support and encourage their runner, but also everyone else too. It’s a great experience! Let us know as soon as possible if you’re willing to do that, so we can plan accordingly. A big thanks!

Locations (distances are approximate)

8K:

#1 – Intersection of Right Alternate/Right Loop (2~ miles). Not staffed, water only!

30K:

#1 – Midway through Left Loop (6~ miles). Not staffed, water only!
#2 – Intersection of Left/Overlook/Right Loops (10~ miles). Medical assistance.
#3 – Intersection of Right Alternate/Right Loop (14~ miles). Not staffed, water only!

50K:

#1 – Intersection of Thompson and Mouse (7~ miles). Medical assistance.
#2 – Midway through Left Loop (19~ miles). Not staffed, water only!
#3 – Intersection of Left/Overlook/Right Loops (23~ miles). Medical assistance.
#4 – Intersection of Right Alternate/Right Loop (27~ miles). Not staffed, water only!

🥤 Cupless Race

THIS IS A CUPLESS RACE! Other than for hot liquids/sodas, you will need to supply your own cup/drinking container!

🧳 Drop Bags

50K runners will have access to a drop bag midway through the race. After finishing the Thompson Loop and Mouse Branch, 50K runners return through the start-finish line, serving as a checkpoint around mile 14. This point functions as a complete aid station where runners can access and make adjustments if needed. PLEASE keep your drop bags to the size of a small duffle bag/shoebox. Clearly label it with your name and bib number! These will