Tour de Rocky Top
- Date
- July 11, 2026
- Distance
- Tour de Rocky Top
From the Organizer
Welcome to the 20th edition for the Tour de Rocky Top, the Knoxville area's largest cycling event.
After 18 years at Barley's, Race Day Events is returning for the second year to Peaceful Side Social in Townsend. Reviews from the first edition at Peaceful Side were very positive, with the number one improvement being the route "approach" from Townsend instead of from downtown Knoxville. The same great Blount and Sevier Co roads are back again in 2026, along with the much improved post ride meal offered by Peaceful Side this past year.
The 2026 TdRT has expanded yet again to include EIGHT route options. These will include a slightly revised 24 miler, along with moderate 42 and 50 mile options for those not comfortable riding the longer distances. Those longer distances include a 62 and 77, both very similar to last year, along with a new 88 mile route that also avoids Butterfly Gap. The two Butterfly Gap options this year are 60 and 82 miles. Both Butterfly Gap route option finishers will receive Butterfly Gap finisher medals.
For those not familiar, Butterfly Gap is a short but epic 2.4 mile climb, averaging 8.2% but with sections approaching 18%. Butterfly Gap has been targeted for training by many pro cyclists including George Hincapie, Christian VandeVelde, Robbie Ventura, Brent Bookwalter, & Tom Danielson, and has been described by some as the toughest short climb in the southeast.
The final 8 miles of all routes have been changed to make the return to Townsend and Peaceful Side more moderate terrain.
Fully stocked rest stops ~every 15 miles, with all routes fully supported with multiple sag vehicles and moto support. Soft cotton ride logo shirt guaranteed to all riders, as well as DeFeet TdRT logo socks.
The post ride celebration at Peaceful Side Social will again exceed anything seen at previous TdRT editions. Cyclists will enjoy an outstanding post ride meal featuring fresh items from the chef curated menu from PSS, along with two free beers. Tour de France viewing (Stage 8) on several big screens will return in 2026.
Expected participation--350
All routes roll out at 7:30am
Packet pickup:
Thursday (7/9)), Crown Cleaners, 9409 S. Northshore, from 3 to 6pm.
Friday (7/10), Peaceful Side Brewery (MARYVILLE location)), 106 Everett Ave, Maryville, TN 37804, from 3 to 6pm
DAY OF RIDE PACKET PICKUP begins at 6am at Peaceful Side Social, 7967 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882
Day of ride registration is available for $85.
Join the event at Ride with GPS and get premium services provided by Race Day Events
RIDE PARKING at Peaceful Side Social.
Registration Cost Schedule (these prices INCLUDE online processing fees):
$50, Dec 16 thru Dec 25
$60, Dec 26 thru Mar 1
$65, March 2 thru June 21
$70, June 22 thru July 5
$75, July 6 thru July 10
$85, Day of ride
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
82°
Typical Low
63°
Chance of Rain
52%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Townsend 5s, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Townsend, TN
Elevation
1,088 ft
Nearest Airport
TYS
McGhee Tyson Airport · 16 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 Tour de Rocky Top, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Townsend, TN
Scholars Run
13 miles away
Running for Children's Rights to Both Parents - 8 of 50 Half Marathons in 50 States - Tennessee
Half Marathon
Less than a mile away
TN Arsenal Moonlight Mile & 5K
5K
13 miles away
MARINE MUD RUN SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12 HARMONY FAMILY CENTER MARYVILLE AT MONTVALE
13 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 Tour de Rocky Top?
- Tour de Rocky Top is a running race held in Townsend, Tennessee on July 11, 2026. 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 Tour de Rocky Top?
- Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Townsend, Tennessee at Peaceful Side Social, Townsend, TN. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Tour de Rocky Top?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Tour de Rocky Top
Jul 11, 2026