Knoxville Gran Fondo 2026

Knoxville Gran Fondo 2026

Presented by Pedal for Alzheimer’s
Road Cycling
Knoxville, TN
Jun 20, 2026
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About This Event

The Knoxville Gran Fondo takes riders through the rolling hills and scenic backroads of South Knoxville, featuring a mix of challenging climbs and rewarding descents that showcase the natural beauty of East Tennessee. The course winds through pastoral countryside, offering cyclists a chance to experience the region’s characteristic terrain of undulating hills and wooded valleys.

What sets this event apart is its strong charitable mission, organized by Pedal for Alzheimer’s, a local organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, and care. Founded by passionate cyclists and advocates, the group creates meaningful community engagement through endurance challenges, bringing together riders who want to make an impact while pursuing their sport.

The event offers both competitive and recreational options, allowing participants to ride for personal achievement or simply enjoy the camaraderie of the cycling community. The June timing provides ideal weather conditions for tackling the South Knoxville terrain, with its signature combination of technical climbs and fast, flowing descents.

Pedal for Alzheimer’s is developing this event as part of a broader Tennessee cycling series, which includes the Elk River Valley 100 in middle Tennessee. This expansion reflects the organization’s growing influence in the regional cycling scene and their commitment to creating quality events that serve both athletic and philanthropic purposes.

The blend of challenging terrain, scenic beauty, and meaningful cause creates an experience that resonates with cyclists seeking more than just another ride.


Pedal for Alzheimer’s

Event Organizer
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Pedal for Alzheimer’s is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to organizing cycling events that raise funds, increase awareness, and provide education with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Founded in 2017 by Josh Crisp and Michelle Brooke-Marciniak, the organization emerged from the success of “Pedal for Pat,” a 1,098-mile cycling event honoring the late University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt, who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2016. The inaugural ride raised over $100,000 for The Pat Summitt Foundation and The Pat Summitt Alzheimer’s Clinic at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. ​

Among its signature events, Pedal for Alzheimer’s hosts the Knoxville Gran Fondo and the Elk River Valley 100, designed to engage cyclists of varying skill levels while supporting Alzheimer’s research and care.​

Knoxville Gran Fondo and Trail Run

Scheduled for June 21, 2025, the Knoxville Gran Fondo and Trail Run offers participants a choice of three cycling routes—25-mile, 60-mile, and 85-mile options—along with a timed trail run approximately 5 kilometers in length. Cyclists and runners will experience the scenic landscapes of South Knoxville, which feature winding roads and enjoyable climbs and descents. Participants can ride or run for personal enjoyment or compete for their fastest times. ​

Elk River Valley 100

Set for August 30, 2025, the Elk River Valley 100 is Middle Tennessee’s Gran Fondo, starting and finishing at West Middle School in Tullahoma, TN. This event features timed route distances of 31, 62, 80, and 100 miles, accommodating recreational riders and competitive cyclists. Participants will traverse the picturesque Elk River Valley, with awards presented to the top three male and female finishers, as well as the fastest climbers (King and Queen of the Mountain). ​

Both events not only offer challenging and enjoyable experiences for participants but also serve as vital platforms for raising awareness and funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

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