Over the hills and far away: Tsali Ultra race returns to WNC
Ultra-runners from across the country participate in the annual Tsali Ultra race, which takes place at the Tsali Recreation Area. Tsali Ultra photo
Returning for its 15th installment, the annual outdoor race, the Tsali Ultra, will be once again held at Tsali Recreation Area on Fontana Lake in Graham County.
Offering up 50K, 30K and 8K races, the marque event will also serve as the NC USATF 50 km Trail Championships, with participants hailing from 15 states and Canada. This will be the first time the championships will be held at Tsali.
“The trails at Tsali are fun, flowy and fast, with unparalleled scenery overlooking the blue waters of Fontana Lake and the wild woodlands of Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” said Tsali Ultra Race Director Gordon Turner.
Turner also heads Good Endurance Running, who took over the event this year. He recently spoke to The Smoky Mountain News about what it means to be a longtime runner, why the sport of ultra-running is so unique and what it feels like when you find that ideal rhythm and pace on a jog.
Smoky Mountain News: With running, give me a timeline of your running life/career. Where did it begin? Why? And tell me how running began to take a prominent, important place in your life and passions?
Gordon Turner: I’ve been running for about 20 years. I started when I met my wife. We just ran for fun, enjoyed it and felt that it contributed to a healthy lifestyle. It was something we loved doing together and going to participate in local races.
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Later on, I met Shawn and Nikki Daugherty, one of our partners [at Good Endurance Running]. Shawn owns GT Races, a local timing company in Kentucky and asked me to start timing with him. And I’ve been helping do that for around 10 years. We had been timing this event for a few years and that’s how we eventually ended up taking it over.
When we were presented with the opportunity to take over this event, we knew the perfect couple to join us was Brian and Shelley Gajus. They organize the “No Business 100,” a 100-mile race spanning Kentucky and Tennessee. Between the three of us and our spouses, we all share a passion for running, exercise and endurance sports. All of us own another race called The Pistol Ultra in Alcoa, Tennessee.
SMN: Ultra-running. How would you describe just what it is, in terms of the physical nature and emotional toll involved in this very unique sport and group of individuals? And how did you find yourself in that special realm of running? What’s been your biggest takeaway in doing so?
GT: Ultra-running is a unique and demanding sport that pushes the boundaries of physical endurance and mental toughness. Physically, it requires sustained effort over long distances — often on challenging terrain like mountains, trails or remote landscapes.
The physical toll includes muscle fatigue, exhaustion and sometimes discomfort, but the mental challenges are just as significant. Ultra-running forces you to confront doubts, push past limits and stay focused over hours or even days.
Emotionally, ultra-running creates a bond among participants. The community is incredibly supportive, filled with individuals who understand the shared struggle. It’s not just about competing, it’s about camaraderie, cheering each other on and celebrating the achievements of everyone involved.
SMN: If someone were to look into pushing their running endurance and goals beyond the normal 5K-10K realm, what advice would you give to those curious in testing the waters of ultra-running? It’s a big leap for many basic runners, but something pretty much all runners have thought about trying at some point.
GT: If someone is looking to push their running endurance beyond the typical 5K-10K range, my advice is to focus on taking the first step and getting started. The biggest challenge is simply committing to progress.
Many runners begin with 5K events because they’re accessible and plentiful, then move on to half-marathons, marathons and eventually ultra-distances. It’s a gradual journey that builds both physical and mental endurance over time.
When it comes to gear, the right equipment can make a huge difference. I recommend visiting your local running store to get fitted for shoes that match your running style and the terrain you’ll be training on, whether it’s trails or roads. A good pair of shoes is essential to prevent injuries and keep you comfortable on those longer runs.
Ultra-running is a big leap, but it’s worth exploring. Start small, build consistency and embrace the process — you might surprise yourself with how far you can go.
SMN: When you’re in the midst of a run, right as your find your ideal pace and mental state of peace and serenity, where do your thoughts go? What are you feeling? What is that space like for you to inhabit when you find yourself in it?
GT: The key to achieving your race goals lies in consistent training. You need to commit to those long runs and build endurance to ensure you’re prepared for race day.
During tough training moments, when motivation wanes or the runs feel impossible, focus on what inspired you to start, whether it’s a personal challenge, a memory or a goal.
Having a mantra or slogan can help push you forward when you feel like giving up. Often, your mind will tell you to quit, but overcoming those mental obstacles is what leads to success.
As a runner, race director, and timer, I’ve seen firsthand the pride and accomplishment on people’s faces when they cross the finish line. That feeling is why we push through the hard moments — whether running ourselves or supporting others in their journey.
Ready to run?
Featuring 50K, 30K and 8K races, the annual Tsali Ultra race will kick off on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Tsali Recreation Area in Almond.
For more information, a full schedule of races and/or to register for any of the events, click on runsignup.com/race/nc/almond/tsaliultra.
