Tatonka 50k & 20mi

TATONKA 50k & 20 miler starts and finishes in a gorgeous valley of 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. 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 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 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 road through the forest.

At last, runners are gifted 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.