Cherohala Challenge
- Date
- June 5, 2027
- Location
- 414 Hall St, Vonore, TN
- Distance
- Cherohala Challenge Century - 115 Mile · Metric Century - 62 Mile · Valley Ride - 35 Mile
From the Organizer
The Smoky Mountain Wheelmen proudly present the 24th Edition of the Cherohala Challenge.
The event offers three distinctive rides that almost anyone can find a ride that will fit their skill level with rides of 35, 62, and 115 miles.
Join us Saturday, June 6, for breathtaking views and pride inducing climbs on one of three world class routes.
The 2026 edition moves the start/finish to Vonore to enhance, safety, new routes, and a new overall experience!
The title event, the Cherohala Challenge Century, is not for the faint of heart. This once in a lifetime ride tests riders with 115 miles and 10,350ft of climbing across two states. Riders begin in Vonore heading climb to Deals Gap and brave the fabled 318 curves of the Tail of the Dragon. After besting the beast, riders will descend the mountain into the Joyce Kilmer Forest near Robbinsville, North Carolina. What goes down must come up and riders begin their ascent across the magnificent Cherohala Skyway.
And keeping with tradition, DRAGON SLAYER medals will go to all who conquer the beast in 7 hours or less. Please note this is elapsed time from the mass start not moving time.
The All-New Metric Century takes riders on 62 miles of rolling pavement on two-lane and smaller roads past local homes, pastures, and farms. With 3,700 feet of climbing you'll get your fair share of elevation changes without the brutality of the Skyway. This route allows riders to sit up, appreciate the terrain, and even snap a few photos of their day.
The 35 mile Valley Ride is a hilly and scenic rid through local, low traffic backroads.
No Knight is complete without their retinue so the ride provides you with a staggering amount of support. Experienced SAG vehicles are joined by moto support, mechanics, amazing rest stop crews, and friendly staff.
The Wheelmen are proud of our legacy and want you to come experience one of the Southeast’s premier rides! Start training now to SLAY THE DRAGON!
- All routes are fully SAG supported with well-stocked rest stops.
- Free post-ride meal.
- All riders must wear helmets.
- Custom Event T-shirt for all riders who preregister.
If you self SAG off the course, please report to a rest stop or the race director.
Custom cycling kits:
The initial order window has closed but will reopen June 6th and remain open for one month. Check your email following the ride for more information.
Packet pickup and late registration:
Friday, June 5:
5-7pm, location Vonore School. This is the start location for the ride!
Saturday, June 6, Day of Ride:
115-mile 5:30-6:50am at Vonore School.
35 and 62 mile routes from 6:50-8:20am at Vonore School.
Ride Start Times:
115-mile route starts at 7:00 am.
62-mile route starts at 8:30 am.
35-mile route starts at 8:30 am.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
85°
Typical Low
61°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Tellico Plains, 15 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Vonore, TN
Elevation
945 ft
Nearest Airport
TYS
McGhee Tyson Airport · 22 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Cherohala Challenge, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Vonore, TN
Independence Day 5K
5K
17 miles away
Scholars Run
17 miles away
Lindy's Shoeboxes 4 Soldiers 5k and Fun Run
5K
8 miles away
Run Your Mutt 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk/Run
5K
10 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Cherohala Challenge?
- Cherohala Challenge is a running race held in Vonore, Tennessee on June 5, 2027. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Cherohala Challenge?
- Saturday, June 5, 2027 in Vonore, Tennessee at 414 Hall St, Vonore, TN. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Cherohala Challenge?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Cherohala Challenge
Jun 5, 2027