Unbound Gravel 2027

Unbound Gravel 2027

Presented by Life Time Events · Updated June 2026
Gravel Mixed Surface
Emporia, KS
May 27–30, 2027
Lottery Entry Solo Ultra Rolling Gravel Dirt Road

25 Mile

Distance
25 miles
Terrain
gravel
Short

50 Mile

Distance
50 miles
Terrain
gravel
Mid-Distance

100 Mile

Distance
100 miles
Terrain
gravel
Long

200 Mile

Distance
200 miles
Terrain
gravel
Ultra

XL

Distance
350 miles
Terrain
gravel
Ultra
Duration
4 Days
Register

About This Event

Last updated June 7, 2026

Event for 2027 has not been confirmed yet… In the Flint Hills and Kansas Prairie, Unbound Gravel 2027 is the granddaddy of Gravel events and a true bucket list event for gravel aficionados. Formerly known as Dirty Kanza, the popularity of Unbound Gravel continues to grow from 34 participants in 2006 to well over 4,000 riders annually. The event was founded in 2006 by Jim Cummins with the assistance of fellow cycling enthusiast Joel Dyke and is now produced with Life Time Events. DK200 was their attempt to give back to the cycling community. And while that growth has brought a few changes to the format and certain aspects of the event, one thing has remained constant… a grass-roots event organized and managed by folks passionate about cycling and done so for the primary purpose of providing life-enriching cycling experiences for our event participants. Unbound Gravel 2027 is a signature event in the Life Time Grand Prix Series and rated by Strambecco as one of the Best Gravel Events in the Midwest.

The event features different routes, including 25, 50, 100, 200, and 350-mile options. The terrain is predominantly gravel roads and includes steep hills, rolling plains, and winding roads. The routes are updated every year and announced just before the event date.

The event occurs in the Flint Hills region of Kansas, known for its scenic beauty and rugged landscape. Cyclists can expect to encounter stunning vistas, wildflowers, and diverse wildlife. The overall ambience of the event is camaraderie and community, with cyclists from all over the world coming together to push their limits and share their love of the sport. In addition to the cycling itself, Unbound Gravel also features a variety of other events, including live music, food and drink vendors, and a vendor expo.

Due to high demand, the event cannot accommodate everyone who wishes to participate. Therefore, a random selection process is utilized to determine who will be allowed to participate. Entries for the upcoming events in the XL (350 Mile) category are accepted in December, and then for all other routes in January for the upcoming year’s events.

Life Time Events

Event Organizer
View organizer Visit website

Life Time Events is a premier organizer of endurance events across the United States, known for hosting some of the most iconic cycling and trail running competitions. With a mission to inspire healthier, happier lives, Life Time Events brings together athletes from all over the world to participate in challenging and celebrated events.

Prominent Events Organized by Life Time Events:

  1. Leadville Race Series
    • Description: The Leadville Race Series includes the legendary Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Leadville Trail 100 Run, two of the most challenging endurance events globally. Participants compete at high altitudes in the rugged terrains of Colorado, making these races a true test of endurance and mental toughness. Other events in the series include the Silver Rush 50 MTB, Leadville Stage Race, and Silver Rush 50 Run.
    • Links:
  2. Sea Otter Classic
    • Description: Held in Monterey, California, the Sea Otter Classic is one of the largest and most diverse cycling festivals in the world. The event features a wide range of races, including road, mountain, and e-bike competitions, along with a massive expo that draws cycling enthusiasts from around the globe.
    • Link: Sea Otter Classic
  3. Unbound Gravel
    • Description: Unbound Gravel, formerly known as Dirty Kanza, is a premier gravel race held in Emporia, Kansas. It offers multiple race distances, including the grueling 350-mile XL route. The event is a cornerstone of the gravel racing community, known for its challenging terrain and the strong camaraderie among participants.
    • Link: Unbound Gravel
  4. Life Time Grand Prix Series
  5. Tour of the Battenkill
    • Description: Known as the “Queen of the Classics,” this challenging mixed-surface race takes place in Greenwich, New York. It’s renowned for its scenic yet demanding course through rural roads and offers a vibrant post-race celebration.
    • Link: Tour of the Battenkill

Life Time Events continues to set the standard in endurance sports, offering world-class competitions that challenge athletes while fostering a sense of community and accomplishment. Whether you’re into trail running, mountain biking, or gravel racing, Life Time Events provides opportunities to push your limits in some of the most stunning landscapes across the U.S.

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