Tatonka 50k & 20mi

Tatonka 50k / 20 Miler

7:00 am start!!!! <— THE PLACE AND THE RACE: TATONKA 50k & 20 miler starts and finishes in Potts Valley, home to open fields and buffalo farms along a bustling creek. A creature symbolizing majestic strength, Tatonka means “buffalo” in the Lakota language. The animals graze between two mountain ridges four thousand feet in height. (They can usually be spotted between the start/finish and the packet pickup location just a few miles north of the race HQ. Before packet pickup or after the race is a great time to plan to see them.) During the race, runners ascend the mountain to a stately bird observatory tower on a cliff, equipped with windows facing every direction so that onlookers can see soaring raptors (and sometimes low-flying jets) occupying the airspace overhead. After gazing at the stunning shades of blue mountain layers in all directions, they continue along the rolling ridge through meadows and grassy, somewhat rocky trails past deciduous trees, pines, and rhododendron. Returning along the ridge at the WV/VA state border, runners are greeted with a gradual grassy descent and continued views through the temporarily leafless trees. Finally, the downhill grade increases and gives way to a speedy, winding gravel road through the forest. At last, runners are gifted (or cursed) with a final chance to get ahead, grab a PR, and finish strong on the level, paved road back to where they started. With magnificent mountains on either side, and wide-open views, they are able to stride ahead past quiet, beautiful farms for the last few miles to a welcoming finish line. There is breathtaking scenery during the entire race, and nearby Paint Bank, VA offers quaint bucolic hotels, an idyllic two-story country store, a picturesque flour mill (Tinglers Mill) in mint condition along the creek, and mouth-watering dining at Swinging Bridge Restaurant. START/FINISH ADDRESS: Waiteville Community Center. 1735 Rays Siding Rd., Waiteville, WV 24984 This is 50 minutes north of Blacksburg, VA and 50 minutes south of White Sulphur Springs, WV. START TIME: 7:00 am THE TERRAIN AND THE GAIN: The 50k distance offers 4,800 feet of elevation gain. This January race is the perfect start to the ultra year, with palatable uphills and non-treacherous descents. Its location provides a memorable winter getaway. The 20 miler tips the scales at 2,800 feet of gain (and may or may not include a bonus mile for the enjoyment of the running patrons.) This is the ideal 20 miler for the road runner and trail runner alike, offering a solid climb and the reward of a splendid view toward the beginning of the race, followed by an increase in velocity for the epic and gorgeous last two-thirds of the race.

THE TRAIL:

The Allegheny Trail is a 315 mile trail through West Virginia. We will donate to this trail out of the proceeds from this race to: https://www.wvscenictrails.org/ You also have the option to give a little extra at checkout. NO REFUNDS: There will be NO REFUNDS even if poor weather occurs. Fortunately, the road into Waiteville from the east, west, and south is a nice, wide, level paved road. An earlier or later start time may be necessary in the case of a consistently forecasted start time of snow or ice and will be communicated via email and socials. TSHIRTS: Performance long sleeve tees will be given to all starters. Sizes are guaranteed to entrants registered by Dec 16. And you won’t want to miss out on repping that sick buffalo logo! AWARDS: Finisher awards go to finishers in each distance. And top 3 awards this year are custom beanies. CUTOFF: 8.5 hours to complete either distance. NUMBER OF AID STATIONS: 5 for the 50k, 3 for the 20 miler HOSTED BY: Death to Tyrants Trail Running “On your feet and fight!” https://www.dttrunning.com/