Learn more about the Walk Run Pedal Jamz Festival: 5/16/26

Q: First things first! Can you introduce your organization to our readers?

A: The Walk Run Pedal Jamz Festival® — with its focus on fitness, family, and fun — is a free, family-friendly, cost-effective fun fundraiser designed to support nonprofit organizations. This year’s Walk Run Pedal Jamz Festival® in Cleveland, TN will benefit youth programs and provide scholarships for students in the Cleveland community. This festival hosted by the City of Cleveland and the 100 Black Men of Bradley County takes place on: May 16, 2026 at Greenway Park — 775 Raider Dr., Cleveland, TN The event blends fitness, food, vendors, music and fun to create an inclusive event for all ages.

Q: Terra Running is excited to be part of your race! How long has the race been going on?

A: The upcoming festival in Cleveland will be our seventh Walk Run Pedal Jamz Festival® since launching in 2020. In addition to the run, the festival features a casual walk and a bike ride. This is our first year offering a timed 5K run, and we’re excited to have Terra Running Company coordinating it. The 5K is perfect for anyone curious about their pace or preparing for longer races.

Q: What is the course like?

A: The 5K run, the walk, and the bike ride all take place on the Cleveland Greenway, starting right from the park. The Greenway is a scenic, easy-to-navigate path that winds through wooded areas and along peaceful creeks. It’s a well-maintained trail with a nice mix of shaded sections and open stretches, so participants get a variety of views whether they’re walking, jogging, or cycling.

Q: What does the race raise money for?

A: The 5K run raises funds for scholarships supported by the 100 Black Men of Bradley County, which operates mentoring programs at Cleveland Middle School and Cleveland High School. To date, the organization has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to both mentoring participants and non-participants.

Q: What do runners and walkers get for participating in the race?

A: The first 25 people to register for the 5K run will receive a free festival t-shirt. And everyone who registers and signs in will get a free ticket for our special participant drawing at noon, where we’ll be giving away some really fun prizes.

Q: What is something unique about your race you'd like people to know?

A: The Walk Run Pedal Jamz Festival is an all-day event. We start the morning with the 5K runat 9 a.m., followed by a casual walk and a bike ride. These morning events are great for all ages, especially the walk and bike ride, and every donation from those activities goes directly to scholarships for students in Cleveland. The afternoon is completely free to attend and is all about fun. We’ll have food trucks, vendor tents, magic shows, and D1 Training will be there with a timed fitness challenge for young athletes. We also host a toddler walk for children up to age eight — it’s free to participate, the first 50 to sign up get a festival t-shirt and a kids meal, and every toddler receives a medal. Throughout the day we’ll have free giveaways, including bicycles, guitars, gift cards, and other fun prizes. And of course, we’ll have live music. Our featured band this year is the Dexter Thomas Band — a 13-piece group with a full brass section playing hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and today. So bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a day that truly has something for everyone.

Q: What was the idea behind the race?

A: The idea behind the race is to bring the community together through fitness while raising money for scholarships for students in Cleveland. We wanted something that anyone can participate in — whether you’re running the timed 5K, taking a casual walk, or enjoying a relaxed bike ride. It’s about supporting a worthy cause, community, health, and giving students opportunities for a brighter future.

Q: When is packet pickup?

A: The first 25 people to register for the 5K run, the first 25 to register for the casual walk, and the first 25 to register for the leisurely bike ride can pick up their free festival t-shirt at the registration desk on the morning of the festival. And everyone who registers can also pick up their ticket for the free participant drawing at the registration desk that same morning.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share?

A: People can choose to take part in the 5K run, the casual walk, or the leisurely bike ride either in person or virtually. Everyone who signs in on the morning of the festival — whether they’re participating on-site or completing their event virtually — can pick up a free ticket for our special participant drawing at noon. And just as a reminder, the festival is a rain-or-shine event. The festival is FREE to attend and there is FREE Parking.