COLUMBUS, OH (September 15, 2023) – Pelotonia will host its inaugural Gravel Day on September 30, bringing a new experience to this year’s iconic series of events. Gravel Day, which introduces a more adventurous style of cycling to Pelotonia’s portfolio of ride events, will take place in Nelsonville, Ohio. While this event will be the first-of-its-kind for the Pelotonia community, the effort to raise money for innovative and life-saving cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) remains the same.

“We are awed by the determination and impact the Pelotonia community continues to make, especially in our 15thyear. Gravel Day is an exciting way to extend the Pelotonia experience to new participants and engage the existing community in a new event,” said Joe Apgar, president of Pelotonia. “The community’s fundraising efforts have been incredibly transformational for the future of cancer research, screening and early diagnosis, and Gravel Day is one more way to drive progress toward our One Goal.”

Gravel Day Riders will take on looped routes from a start and finish line at Snow Fork Event Center, showcasing Ohio’s picturesque Southeastern landscape. The 20+, 30+ and 50+ routes feature unpaved roads with optional extensions along a portion of the Baileys Trail System, part of the Appalachian foothills. Additional route details are available at pelotonia.org/gravel-day.

“I’ve been gravel riding for 11 years, and helping to design this year’s course with Pelotonia has been an incredible opportunity to bring together a world-class fundraising experience with a new, exhilarating style of riding,” said Eric Tippett, 15-year Pelotonia participant and Gravel Day Rider. “The courses are challenging – and fun – in all the best ways while showcasing Ohio’s ridgetops and vistas in ways Pelotonia Riders have never seen before. I’m beyond thrilled to help grow Pelotonia’s community and impact with Gravel Day.”

Riders will depart from the start line at 9:30 a.m. and finish between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. depending on the route distance. Volunteer and Rider registration is available at pelotonia.org/register. Spectators and guests are encouraged to join the send-off and finish line celebrations on Saturday and should arrive prior to 9:00 a.m. or after 10:30 a.m. Directional signage and designated guest parking areas will be available.

Now in its 15th year, the Pelotonia community has raised more than $275 million for cancer research. Thanks to the ongoing support of generous funding partners, 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants supports ground-breaking cancer research at OSUCCC – James, including The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology. To learn more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, visit pelotonia.org/impact. Donations will be accepted through October 15 at pelotonia.org.