the pelotonia experience

Gravel Day

Introduced in 2023 as Pelotonia’s newest event, Gravel Day offers unique gravel cycling and trail running or hiking adventures in scenic, beautiful southeast Ohio.

Gravel Day is proof that, to accomplish great things, sometimes you need to get a little dirty – and you can have a lot of fun doing it. It’s a unique and spirited event where participants come together for a weekend of challenging outdoor adventure and inspiring community connection.

Gravel Day Quick Facts

The inaugural Gravel Day launched in 2023, and in three years, the event has grown to more than 500 participants.

Riders can choose from 11, 25, or 48‑mile looped gravel cycling routes through Athens County’s rolling hills, with elevation gains from 900 to 4,200+ ft.

New in 2025, the Trail Run/Hike features a 3.5-mile looped course that participants can complete as many times as they wish between 10am and 2:30pm.

More than 200 Volunteers make Gravel Day possible – including first aid, gear and mechanical support, and various roles at the finish line celebration.

Gravel Day takes place at the scenic property of Snow Fork Event Center in Nelsonville, Ohio, which is home to the Nelsonville Music Festival.

The Friday Night Community Gathering kicks off Gravel Day weekend with live music, food and drinks, and s'mores by the campfire. Participants can also camp overnight in tents, cars, or RVs onsite.

Participants commit to fundraise a minimum of $1,500 when they register for Gravel Day, with 100% of every dollar directed to innovative cancer research.

Pre-ride orientation sessions, SAG support, experienced first aid and medical coverage, and “Rules of the Road” approach underscore Pelotonia's commitment to participant safety.

Rider Spotlight: Eric Tippett

“The scenery is absolutely the best part. The routes are challenging, but the views are worth it. You get to the top of a climb and look around and think ‘wow.'”

The Pelotonia Experience

Ending Cancer Together

At Pelotonia, the brilliant scientists and doctors working to end cancer – who spend their days in the lab, working on cancer’s toughest challenges – are truly part of this community. They are riding, volunteering, and fundraising right alongside all of you.

gravel day

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Funding Partners

Thanks to our generous funding partners

100% of every participant-raised dollar goes to innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James.