43rd El Tour de Tucson
About the race
The 43rd El Tour de Tucson takes place on November 21, 2026. Each year about 11,000 cyclists take part, from novice to professional riders.
Since 1983, Perimeter Bicycling events have raised over $138 million for local and international charitable organizations.
El Tour de Tucson was recently recognized by USA TODAY as the country's Top Road Cycling Event, and this year it returns to downtown Tucson.
Finish line party and medallions
Cyclists collect a commemorative finisher's medallion based on distance and/or finish time. The post-ride party includes music, the Dragoon Brewing Co. Beer Garden, numerous food vendors, the El Tour merchandise zone and the Award Ceremony.
Thousands of fans, spectators and cycling enthusiasts gather to celebrate the weekend.
Start and finish
All rides begin and end at the newly renovated Tucson Convention Center in downtown Tucson. The venue hosts the day-of-the-event party and the two-day packet pickup (Thursday and Friday).
Most of the Expo & Fiesta activities are held indoors at the Tucson Convention Center. An outdoor beer garden, main stage and outdoor vending booths are also on site.
Route start times
- The Century (7:00 am start): 102 miles
- 5K Run/Walk (7:20 am start)
- The FUN Rides (8:15 am start): 3 miles / 1 mile
- The Metric Century (9:00 am start): 62 miles / 100 kilometers
- The Half Metric Century (10:00 am start): 32 miles / 50 kilometers
Cancellation policy
Athletes can cancel their registration, but no refund is given.
Refunds are not allowed for this Race.
The course
All rides start and finish at the Tucson Convention Center and the surrounding area. The routes include the Century, the 5K Run/Walk, the FUN Rides, the Metric Century, the Half Metric Century and a Family Fun Ride of 3-mile and 1-mile rides.
Location
City insight: Tucson
Tucson is the county seat of Pima County in southern Arizona and the most populated city in the county. It is the second-most populous city in Arizona after Phoenix, lying 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the United States-Mexico border, and it is home to the University of Arizona. The desert climate brings extremely hot summers, so the cooler months from October to April are the best time to race.