Tsali Ultra

Welcome to the Tsali Ultra formerly known as Tsali Frosty Foot

Event Detail Highlights

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.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 hosing 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 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 (All times are EST):

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 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.

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 are 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 acccordingly. 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.
#3 – Midway through Left Loop (@19~ miles). Not staffed, water only!
#4 – Intersection of Left/Overlook/Right Loops (@23~ miles). Medical assistance.
#5 – Intersection of Right Alternate/Right Loop (@27~ miles). Not staffed, water only!

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, 50 K 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 and make adjustments if neeeded. 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 be dropped off at packet pickup and can be picked up at the finish area after the Aid Station closes. You can also take the ¼ mile hike up the road to grab it if you need it before we can get it back to the finish. We are not responsible for any damage, lost, or unclaimed drop bags.

Crew/Spectators. Non-runners are not permitted to utilize the aid station support and must stay out of the way of the runners and all traffic. Spectators are permitted at both the start and finish areas and also along County Line Road from the trailhead parking lot where the finish line is up to the Horse Trailer Parking. Spectators must stay out of the way of the runners and all traffic. We encourage runners' crew and spectators to volunteer at an aid station so in addition to helping to support and encourage their runner, they can do the same for all the other runners too. It’s a great experience!

May I Bring my Pet(s)?
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. This applies to all event participants (runners, volunteers, crews, families, friends, staff, etc.).

What Will I Get?
Unique custom finishers award
Rabbit Long Sleeve Shirts
Finishers food 

What Will the Weather Be Like?
This race is in the middle of winter. Temps average mid 20’s at night and mid to high 40’s during the day. However it could be bitterly cold or a balmy 60 degrees. It usually rains about a third of the month. Snow is a distinct possibility also. So be prepared for any condition and you probably won’t be disappointed! If forecasted conditions are of significant concern, the race will be postponed until the following weekend. That decision will typically be made at least 48 hours prior to the event, but could be less.

Weather Delay Date
Due to weather conditions (after all, this is the middle of January!), the race is subject to being postponed. So by registering, you are accepting the fact that the if the race has to be postponed, the make-up date will be Jan. 31, 2026 (conditions permitting). There will be no refunds if you cannot participate on the make up date since that date has already been advertised. By registering, you are accepting that you will be available if this make-up date is necessary or you will forego participating.

Hotels/Cabins/Camping:  

Stonebrook Lodge
​Bryson City NC
270 Main Street
Bryson City NC 28713

Call to Reserve Your Room and Mention Tsali Ultra to get the Race Discount - 828-488-1616

Click Here For More Details

Are There Refunds/Deferrals/Transfers?
If you want to potentially be reimbursed if you are not able to participate, we recommend you consider purchasing event registration insurance to cover yourself. This option is offered during registration checkout. We do not provide refunds, deferments, rollover credits, transfer of entry fees, etc, regardless of the circumstances. 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?