The Dirt Circuit

The Dirt Circuit Nestled around a finger of Cherokee Lake, Panther Creek State Park presents the perfect back drop for this ultra-marathon. Where is your finish line?

Nestled around a finger of Cherokee Lake, Panther Creek State Park presents the perfect back drop for this fall ultra-marathon. Offering 12 and 24 hour races, the Dirt Circuit is sure to deliver a challenge to runners of all backgrounds and abilities. For this spectator-friendly race, athletes, vendors, family, and friends are encouraged to enjoy the fun at Base Camp throughout the weekend. You pi

ck where your finish line is. The Dirt Circuit is 3 miles of trail mostly resembling that of a cross country course. The loop course is a combination of wide and single track trails through fields and woods with two wooden bridge crossings. The course winds gently around the park offering many scenic views of Panther Creek. The race starts and finishes at the soccer fields, which serves as Base Camp for the weekend. Everyone is welcome to set up camp anytime after 2:00 pm on Friday and must be packed up by 12:00 pm on Sunday. There are a few registration options depending on your will to suffer:

Individual - 12 Hour Trail Run
Individual - 24 Hour Trail Run
Relay - 12 or 24 Hour Trail Run (up to 6 members). The course may be moderate, but make no mistake…. 12 hours of running is a long time; and 24 hours is just plain crazy!

06/24/2026
06/24/2026

The Cherokee Ultra: Meet the Waucheesi Challenge! ⛰️🏃‍♂️
If you haven't heard by now, we have officially added a brand new distance to the lineup: The Waucheesi Challenge.

If you’ve been wanting to experience the rugged beauty of the Cherokee National Forest but aren't quite ready to tackle the full ultra distances, this is the race for you.
You'll find out why we say

The Details:
• Distance: 24 Miles
• Elevation: 4,500 ft plus of climbing
• The Goal: A literal peak experience. This course takes you straight to the tallest point of the entire race, Waucheesi and back.
• Five aid stations.
• Four total River crossings.

This is the perfect "middle ground" for runners who want to test their lungs and legs on a beautiful climb without the big mileage. You get the views, the river crossings, the vert, and the incredible atmosphere of the Cherokee National Forest in one epic out and back
💥 When: July 18th
📍 Where: Tellico Plains, TN
🔗 Register: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129276

Are you up for the challenge? Can you endure?

Tag your running partner who needs to see this!

CherokeeNationalForest WaucheesiIsntEasy AltraRunning StayOutThere RunTennessee

06/24/2026

Legend Status: The Cherokee Ultra Course Records 🏆⛰️
The bar has been set. As we gear up for the 2026 Cherokee Ultra on July 18th, it’s time to look at the blistering efforts that currently define these trails.

Whether you’re chasing a podium or just trying to beat the sun, these are the marks to keep in your sights.

☠️ The 130K Records (The Endurance crown)
With close to 20,000 feet of gain, the 130K is a true test of grit and endurance. These two haven't just finished; they've mastered the mountain:
• Men’s Record: Luke Bollschweiler | 17:23:19 (’25)
• Women’s Record: Shannon Wheeler Deboef | 19:01:06 (’25)

⚡ The 70K Records (The Mountain speed Test)
10,000 feet of climbing in 46ish miles is no easy feat. These records show what’s possible when you leave it all on the technical singletrack:
• Women’s Record: Katie Jackson | 8:18:38 (’25)
• Men’s Record: Matt Cook | 8:32:20 (’24)

🌲 What to Shoot For in 2026?
"Waucheesi ain't easy," but history is made by those who show up and show out.
Here’s your 2026 mission:
• The Double Buckle: Can you join the ranks of Brian Vermillion who is the only person to finish the 130K twice?
• Be the '26 Benchmark: With the addition of the Waucheesi Challenge (24M) this year, the inaugural course record is officially up for grabs. Who will be the first to claim it? We have our eyes on a few individuals 👀
• Beat the Cutoff: In these mountains, finishing is a victory. Beat that infamous 26-hour cutoff (130K) or 16-hour cutoff (70K) to earn your place in the story of these mountains and cross that finish line!

Training is in full swing. We’ll see you in Tellico Plains.

What's your goal?

CAN YOU ENDURE?

Forest

📸
dawns

03/13/2026

⚡ TWO EPIC RACES 🇺🇲
The countdown is ON! East Coast Adventures is bringing the heat this year with two more high-octane events designed for those who live for the long haul and the post-race party. Whether you’re chasing a PR under the Sunsphere or celebrating freedom with a July 4th tradition, these miles are built for speed and pure celebration.

But listen up: We keep it exclusive. These aren't just races; they're milestones, and spots are disappearing fast.

🏙️ World’s Fair Ultras | April 18th | Knoxville, TN
Presented by:
Get ready to burn up the greenway in the heart of Knoxville! We’re bringing the party to the park with an urban ultra experience that’s as fast as it is historic. Imagine flying past the Sunsphere with a community of runners pushing you toward that finish line festival. It’s high energy, high speed, USATF event, and strictly limited to the first 150 athletes. * The Vibe: Neon lights, city heights, and fast miles.

🇺🇸 17.76 ‘Merica | July 4th | Madisonville, TN
Partnered with: & City of Madisonville.
This is how we celebrate! Kick off your Independence Day with the most patriotic miles in the East. This is our annual "MERICA Run," and we’re pulling out all the stops. Expect red, white, and blue everything, a finish line that feels like a backyard bash, and a community that runs as one. We keep this one tight-knit and legendary, with only 100 spots available.

The Vibe: Pure ‘Merica. Flags, freedom, and fast miles.

🚨 LOCK IT IN BEFORE THEY’RE GONE!
We don’t do waitlists. We do epic experiences. Once these bibs are sold out, you’re on the sidelines. Don’t be the one watching the highlight reel—be the one in it.

🔗 Hit the link in our bio, or here to claim your spot and join the 2026 East Coast Adventures squad!

https://ultrasignup.com/groups.aspx?gid=428

Don't wanna run but want to be apart of the fun, volunteer spots are also open 👌 ☺️

Looking to sponsor our events? Please reach out at [email protected]

KnoxvilleRunning July4thRun LimitedEdition

Address

2010 Panther Creek Road
Morristown, TN
37814

Telephone

+14238367971

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