Running
Ultra
203 km
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo
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Road cycling in United States, Jacksonville
Distances
About
The Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo is a ride for all cyclists, no matter your experience level in the sport. This ride has a bit of everything from the ULTRA course that features 126 miles of the toughest terrain around, down to the traditional 100, 84, 62, 44 and 24 mile routes on the Challenge course and the 50,25 and 12 mile options for the Chief Ladiga Cruise. Some of those distances offer the chance to ride up Mount Cheaha, the highest point in the state of Alabama.
Catering & aid stations
Rest stops along routes with food and drink options; details in Route PDFs and event info.
Pacers
Pacemaker groups are published on the event site for each Challenge route; the ULTRA has pacers for key segments. On race day, pacers ride designated route sections to help riders maintain target times per wave. Check the event website for specific pacers per wave and segment.
Results
View official resultsTypical weather in Jacksonville
Monthly averages based on historical data (2000–present).
Jan63°47°
↑ 07:25
↓ 17:48
Feb67°51°
↑ 07:08
↓ 18:15
Mar73°55°
↑ 07:37
↓ 19:36
Apr79°61°
↑ 07:00
↓ 19:55
May84°67°
↑ 06:33
↓ 20:15
Jun88°73°
↑ 06:25
↓ 20:31
Jul89°76°
↑ 06:36
↓ 20:31
Aug88°76°
↑ 06:55
↓ 20:09
Sep84°73°
↑ 07:12
↓ 19:33
Oct79°65°
↑ 07:30
↓ 18:56
Nov71°56°
↑ 06:54
↓ 17:31
Dec66°51°
↑ 07:17
↓ 17:29
What's included in entry
- Support vehicles on course
- Food and drink at rest stops
- Mechanical support at rest stops
- Course marking and timing
- Event program
- Finisher medal
- Digital results
FAQ
What is the Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo?
The Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo is a road cycling event offering multiple distance options—from 12 miles (Chief Ladiga Cruise) up to 126 miles (ULTRA)—taking riders over scenic Alabama terrain, with opportunities to ride to the top of Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama.
When is the event date?
The main event days are Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17, 2026. Start times vary by distance: 07:33 for longer Challenge and ULTRA routes, 07:36 for 24/44/62/82, and 08:00 for Cruise rides.
Where does the event start/finish?
The event is centered in Jacksonville, Alabama (775 Park Ave NW), with routes traversing local roads and the scenic route up to Cheaha Mountain and back.
Are there rest stops and support?
Yes, there are multiple rest stops along longer routes offering food, drink, and mechanical support. Details are provided in the route maps and event information.
Do I need to be a certain age or skill level?
Riders must be at least 16 years old for Century/ULTRA; 15 and under require Race Director approval. All skill levels are welcome for shorter routes, and pacemaker groups are provided for challenge distances.
Last updated: Jun 5, 2026, 11:51:19 PM
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