The third annual Grey Highlands Gran Fondo is being deemed a great success after raising an estimated over $100,000 over the weekend.
Event Executive Director Reuben McCallum says over 230 cyclists took part in the fundraiser for the Markdale Hospital on Saturday.
“It’s four bike routes with the longest being 120 kilometres and it really pulls together the whole community around the event which is neat,” says McCallum. “They took participants through Grey Highlands, Blue Mountains, Meaford, and Chatsworth.”
He says the Grey Highlands Gran Fondo draws cyclists from across Ontario to participate.
“The majority of our riders came from the GTA, we had riders from Ottawa and west down into Hamilton and surrounding areas. We do pull from Collingwood as well, there are a couple cycling clubs in the area that support us as well, and I think the farthest rider came from Texas,” says McCallum.
They are still waiting for the total amount raised to be calculated, but McCallum says they surpassed their goal of $80,000.
“We are working with Brightshores Health System and the money will be going towards highest priority needs in spaces like the emergency department at Markdale and others focused on patient care,” says McCallum.
He says this year’s event helps sets the stage to break records for the next Gran Fondo in 2026.
