A little sweat

a lot of community

We run every week and mix in walks, hikes, paddles, and more

always free, always local.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

OUTSIDE’S BETTER WITH FRIENDS — AND IT’S EVEN BETTER WITH YOU!

BECAUSE OUTSIDE’S BETTER WITH FRIENDS.

Knoxville Movement Collective (KMC) is Knoxville’s outdoor social club — a free, nonprofit community built around movement, connection, and adventure. From weekly runs to bike rides, hikes, and paddles, we bring people together, get you moving, and make the outdoors the best part of your week.

Collage of three outdoor scenes. First shows a group of five friends taking a selfie near a waterfall surrounded by green trees. Second features a large group of friends gathered outside a building, smiling for the camera on a sunny day. Third displays a group of people on paddleboards and kayaks on a lake under a partly cloudy sky.

We’re a women-founded nonprofit focused on movement,

getting outside, and living fully in Knoxville.

SEE US ON

SOCIALS

🚴‍♀️ Knoxville, the ride is on! KMC bike events are here and we’re just getting started. Huge shoutout to Coach Greg for leading our first greenway ride last night. We’ve got recreational, road, and mountain biking for every level &
The summer we spent with you 🤍 It’s hard to believe our very first event was June 1st. From run club miles to spontaneous ice cream dates, this summer has been one to remember — all thanks to YOU. We’re so grateful for the love a
New to Knoxville or just want to explore more of the city? 🐆 Our Thursday night run with Coach Maria visits a different local spot each week — the perfect way to meet people, get outside, and see more of what Knoxville has to offer. This week
So many new friends and faces at Monday Night Run — you made it our biggest one yet! 🐆 Let’s keep the energy going with Coach Maria’s Thursday Night 5K tomorrow at 7:00PM, starting from Crafty Bastard (4th & Gill). We’ll
From racing at the Out-Cider 5K, to Sunday miles at @partialcafe, to cooling off at the quarry, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside in Knoxville! 🐆 📅 This week’s lineup is live under our “THIS WEEK” highlight. 🏃&zw

FIND YOUR PACE. FIND YOUR PEOPLE.

FIND YOUR PACE. FIND YOUR PEOPLE.

Our PURPOSE

Knoxville is home, and giving back matters to us.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Keep Knoxville Beautiful as our official charity partner.

As a nonprofit ourselves, we believe in sharing what we receive — a portion of the funds we raise is dedicated to supporting KKB’s mission of keeping our city clean and green.

Beyond financial support, we team up for volunteer events throughout the year, combining our community with theirs to make a bigger impact for Knoxville.

A black and white logo featuring a sun with leaves, a shield, and banners reading 'Knoxville' and 'Beautiful'.

Knoxville Movement Collective has been featured in local news outlets and community publications, sharing our story and the movement we’re building. We’re honored to have our mission recognized and to inspire more people to get outside and get connected.

IN THE NEWS

  • Knoxville Movement Collective group photo after a community run in Knoxville, TN — featured in Knox News for free outdoor events including running, cycling, paddling, and hiking.

    Knox News Features Knoxville Movement Collective

    Knox News highlighted KMC as one of Knoxville’s best ways to meet people and get moving, featuring our free outdoor meetups and growing community.

    Read the Article
  • A young woman standing outdoors near a large tree, with a lake and green trees in the background on a sunny day.

    Knoxville Voyager Spotlights Knoxville Movement Collective

    Knoxville Voyager sat down with Founder Ashley Johnston to talk about the inspiration behind KMC, the growth of our community, and what’s next for Knoxville’s outdoor social club.

    Read The Article

Hi, I’m Ashley!

I’m originally from just north of Atlanta, but I came to Knoxville in 2019 for school at UT and never left. This city quickly became home in the best way.

Being outside has always been where I feel most like myself: clear, calm, and connected. I started running in 2023 — not to go fast or far, just enough to feel good. I’d been thinking about starting a more relaxed run club for a while, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized it didn’t need to stop at running. There are so many ways to enjoy Knoxville’s outdoors together.

What started as a simple idea has grown into something bigger: a community of people showing up for each other through movement, shared experiences, and a genuine love for this city. From runs and hikes to paddles and volunteer work, Knoxville Movement Collective is about creating space where everyone feels welcome.

This is still just the beginning, but we’re building something real — and I’m so glad you’re here.

MEET THE FOUNDER

White handwritten name 'Ashley' on a black background.