Event Detail Highlights
Capacities:
8K – 75 Runners
30K – 100 Runners
50K – 50 Runners
All events take place January 21, 2023
Directions/Location:
Coordinates 35.4056801, -83.5817022
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.
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
8K – ALL runners have 7 hours to complete the race
30K – ALL runners have 8 hours to complete the race
50K – ALL runners must be through the final staffed Aid Station (mile 23~) by 3:00 PM. Finish line cut-off is 5:30 PM (Sunset is at 5:44 PM). So 9.5 hours to complete the race.
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 Course 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.
#2 – Horse parking lot for Right/Left Loops (@16~ 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 (Aid Station #2 – 16~ miles). There will be a tent with a tarp under it, but plan to make your bag water resistant (ziplock bags work great). 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
Crews are permitted at Aid Station #2. They will need to park at the finish line trailhead parking lot and walk 1/4~ mile up the County Line Road to Aid Station #2. Due to lack of space, tables, canopies, and such are not permitted there or anywhere else along the course. 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 Aid Station #2. 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! Here's the link. A big thanks!
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
Long sleeve gender specific shirt (style may vary)
Some other useful surprise swag
Finishers pizza and other yummies
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. 21, 2023 (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
Fontana Village has discounted rates for our group. 828-498-2211 or fontanavillage.com It’s best to call for reservations directly but they can also be booked online. You will be asked if with a group and you will need to click yes and state you are with the Tsali Frost Foot Fest to get our special discounted rate. Registration deadline is December 31, 2022. They offer rooms, cabins, and camping approximately 30 minutes from the race location. Please thank them for being a host hotel for our event.
Sleep Inn, Bryson City 828-488-0326 has discounted rates for our group. One king size for $80.00 + taxes, two queen for $90.00 + taxes. Be sure to mention Tsali Frosty Foot Fest to get our special discounted rate. Registrration deadline is December 31, 2022. They are located approximately 15 minutes from the race location. Please thank them for being a host hotel for our event.
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. (Shirt sizes guaranteed to those registering by Dec. 1st.) Hop over and like our event Facebook page here to keep up with all the latest happenings. We really encourage you to also join our Life Wide Open Facebook group here too so you can connect with the whole family. Lots of great info and interaction there. We can’t wait to have you join us for an amazing day at the Tsali Frosty Foot Fest! The trails are calling…will you answer?
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Live Phone Tracking, GPS Progress Alerts and Cheers!
We are providing you with RaceJoy as part of the official race experience for the Tsali Frosty Foot Fest.
Download the RaceJoy mobile app in advance to ensure proper phone setup. Invite your friends and family to track you and send you cheers!
Some key RaceJoy features include:
Tsali Frosty Foot is Postponed to January 21, 2023!
Hello Fellow Frosty Footers!
We have been closely monitoring the weather forecasts for the Tsali area this week and have become increasingly concerned about the predicted snow and sub freezing temperatures creating unnecessary hazards and potential harm for all those attending and supporting our event. We have been hoping for improvement as we got closer to the weekend, but unfortunately, that has not happened. It has actually gotten worse.
Earlier this morning, a winter storm warning severe weather notification was issued for the Tsali area. Snow accumulation up to over 2” is predicted Friday and into early Saturday morning with overnight temps in the low 20’s. For those of us coming over the Dragon from Tennessee in the early darkness Saturday morning, the snow accumulation could be more, resulting in extremely dangerous conditions.
While some of the main roads in the Tsali area may be treated and possibly passable, the Tsali access road is somewhat steep and shaded. When conditions are wet and below freezing, it can be rather icy and treacherous, even without snow. Given the predicted conditions, the potential for accidents, especially in the dark, is significant. It’s possible that the roadway could even get blocked, resulting in no one being able to leave until cleared.
We have addressed these issues and concerns with our Command Center and event staff and have made the hard decision to postpone the event until next weekend for the safety of everyone involved. While we are all endurance runners and love and embrace the challenge of outdoor running, it would not be prudent or responsible to even attempt to conduct the event and subject everyone to these predicted conditions and unnecessary dangers.
This decision has not been made lightly or without hours of monitoring the situation and internal discussions. However, this is the right decision to help keep everyone as safe as possible. We realize it will impact everyone's schedule and wallet as it does ours. It will still require many more hours of work for us to reschedule and rearrange everything for next weekend.
We know that for some, next weekend will not be convenient or fit your schedule. We regret that and will certainly miss you. As a one time courtesy for those who tell us can’t make it next weekend, let us know and we will mail you your swag. Just respond to this email by this Monday, January 16th so we can get your goodies set aside and your registration removed.
We appreciate your understanding and support and look forward to seeing everyone who can make it next weekend!
Will, Stacy, and the Frosty Foot Team
Tsali Boating Access parking lot, Tsali Recreation Area, Nantahala National Forest, Almond, NC
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