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 Details

• 50 km Trail Championships: 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.
• Eligibility: 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.
• Parking: PARKING IS VERY LIMITED! PLEASE CARPOOL!!
• Packet Pickup: Packet pickup will start in the boat parking lot Saturday at 6:30 AM EST.

Start Times

• 50K: 8 AM
• 30K: 9 AM
• 8K: 9:30 AM
• Early Starts: 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 have 9.5 hours to complete the race
• Strict Enforcement: Cut-off times will be strictly enforced for the safety of the runners and the volunteers

Course Info

• Course Rules: 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.
• Small Stream Crossings: The 50K and 30K courses have some small stream crossings.
• 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.

Drop Bags

• Access: 50K runners will have access to a drop bag midway through the race.
• Size: Keep your drop bags to the size of a small duffle bag/shoebox.
• Labeling: Clearly label it with your name and bib number!
• Pickup: These will be dropped off at packet pickup and can be picked up at the finish area after the Aid Station closes.

Crew/Spectators

• Permitted Areas: Spectators are permitted at both the start and finish areas.
• Volunteering: We encourage runners' crew and spectators to volunteer at an aid station.
• Non-permitted Areas: Non-runners are not permitted to utilize the aid station support.
• Pets: As much as we love pets, they are not allowed at any time during this event.

What Will I Get?

• Awards: Unique custom finishers award
• Shirts: Rabbit Long Sleeve Shirts
• Food: Finishers food

Weather Information

• Average Temperatures: Mid 20’s at night and mid to high 40’s during the day.
• Conditions: Prepare for any condition: rain, snow possible.
• Postponement: The race will be postponed if forecasted conditions are of significant concern.
• Makeup Date: The makeup date will be Jan. 31, 2026 (conditions permitting).

Hotels/Cabins/Camping

• Stonebrook Lodge: Bryson City NC, 270 Main Street, Bryson City NC 28713
• Reservation: Call to reserve your room and mention Tsali Ultra to get the race discount - 828-488-1616
• More Details: Click Here For More Details

Refunds/Deferrals/Transfers

• Insurance: We recommend purchasing event registration insurance.
• No Refunds: We do not provide refunds, deferments, or transfers of entry fees.
• Bib Transfer: Selling/giving your bib to someone else is not permitted.

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?