Cycling & running events in Memphis, 2026

Memphis Training Notes

Running: Locals start easy runs on the Shelby Farms Greenline when they want steady Z2 without much thinking. The Greenline gives you 65 miles of paved railtrail for base miles. The Wolf River Greenway has 14 miles open on a planned 26-mile route, and it works for longer out-and-back days. The Wolf River Greenway also has a 5-mile winding and shaded shared-use path. Big River Crossing turns a run into a skyline hit across the Mississippi River. The Great American River Run is the anchor event. Mother's Day Run Memphis and Golden Harvest Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Memphis keep the calendar full. The Best Races and local running clubs give newcomers a place to plug in.

Cycling: Cyclists use the Greenline, Wolf River Greenway, and Big River Crossing for everyday miles. Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club brings group rides, ride leaders, and the Bluff City Training Team. Great Rides Memphis and Major Taylor Memphis keep the road scene moving. The 79-mile loop gets into the rotation. Shelby Farms has 10-mile singletrack with ramps, jumps, and a secluded BMX park. The climbs sit north, east, and southeast more than downtown. The climbs run about 4 km with 430 m elevation. The Delta Epic handles the gravel anchor vibe.

Season: Spring is arguably the best time to ride and run here. Memphis gets average spring temperatures in the 60s and 70s, longer days, warmer air, and only the slightest amount of humidity. April brings pollen, so locals adjust intervals and long runs around it. Summer means June, July, and August bring heat and humidity, so early starts matter for both bikes and shoes. Fall can work well when the edge comes off the air. Winter changes the rhythm, and the majority of riders are usually exiled to the stationary bike or the gym while runners lean on shorter loops and steady miles.