# Unbound Gravel

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Gravel bicycle races held annually in Emporia, Kansas

Unbound Gravel Race details Date First weekend after Memorial Day Region Flint Hills around Emporia, Kansas, United States Discipline Gravel cycling Competition Professional and amateur Race director Sean Thurman[1] Web site unboundgravel.com History First edition 2006[2] Editions 19 (as of 2024) First winner Dan Hughes (2006) Leslie Hiemenz (2007) Most wins Dan Hughes (4 wins) Rebecca Rusch (3 wins) Most recent Cameron Jones (2025) Karolina Migoń (2025)

**Unbound Gravel**, formerly known as the **Dirty Kanza**, is a [gravel racing](/source/Gravel_cycling) event held annually on [rural](/source/Rural_area) roads in the [Flint Hills](/source/Flint_Hills) region of the [Great Plains](/source/Great_Plains) around [Emporia, Kansas](/source/Emporia%2C_Kansas), United States.[3][4] The event is typically held in the late spring and consists of multiple races with lengths varying from 25 miles (40 km) up to 350 miles (560 km). The event's organizers refer to the 200 miles (320 km) race as the "World's Premiere Gravel Grinder",[5] and it is ranked as one of the top gravel bike races in the world.[6][7][8] In 2024, there were approximately 5,000 registered riders across all races.[9] In 2026, the event will be held on May 28 to 31.

## Course

Starting and ending in [Emporia](/source/Emporia%2C_Kansas), the routes runs along rural roads in the [Flint Hills](/source/Flint_Hills) of [east-central Kansas](/source/East-Central_Kansas).[3] The course route varies each year, and can change directions from year to year (north or south route) from Emporia. In some years the temperature on the route has exceeded 100 °F (38 °C) in the afternoon, while other years have seen severe weather including rain and hail.[10] It is not uncommon for rain to occur before or during the race causing some dirt roads to turn into "mud roads".[11]

There are support checkpoints spaced about 50 miles apart for longer races. Riders must carry their own food and water, as well as fix their own tires and bikes.[12][13] If riders receive outside support at any location other than official checkpoints, it will result in immediate disqualification. Riders may assist other riders by any means and at any time.[3]

## Events

The event started as a single 200-mile (320 km) race, but has expanded to include multiple races of various distances to encourage more riders to participate. Though the names of the race distances are rounded off to numerical values, the actual distance varies slightly based on the specific course chosen for the year.

The event consists of the following races:

Race Distance Introduced Unbound Gravel XL 350-mile (560 km) 2018[14] Unbound Gravel 200 200-mile (320 km) 2006[15] Unbound Gravel 100 100-mile (160 km) 2013[10] Unbound Gravel 50 50-mile (80 km) 2013[10] Unbound Gravel 25 25-mile (40 km) 2013[10] Unbound Gravel Junior 100 100-mile (160 km) 2013 Unbound Gravel Junior 50 50-mile (80 km) 2013

The Unbound Gravel 200 remains the marquee race of the event with prize money for the Elite rider category.[16] The Unbound Gravel Junior races are for children and young adults aged 12-18 and are part of the [USA Cycling](/source/USA_Cycling) Junior Gravel National Series.[17]

## History

Waiting for Dirty Kanza bike race to start at sunrise in [Emporia](/source/Emporia%2C_Kansas) (2017)

In 2006, the first year of **Dirty Kanza** had 34 riders participate.[15] It was organized by Joel Dyke and Jim Cummins, and modeled off the similar Trans-Iowa and the Flint Hills Death Ride.[18] The race began with 34 rides and concluded with 15 finishers.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] Dan Hughes won the race in 12:58 hours.[19]

In 2018, [Life Time Fitness](/source/Life_Time_Fitness) purchased Dirty Kanza Productions.[20] That year the race had 2,500 registered riders.[21]

In 2019, the race had 2,750 registered riders.[22]

Several changes occurred in 2020. First the races were postponed from May 29–31 to September 10–13 because of the ongoing worldwide [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic) issues,[23] then later were cancelled.[24]

Organizers considered a name change for the event to remove reference to [Kaw nation](/source/Kaw_people) (also known as Kanza) based on an online petition despite representatives of the Kaw Nation responding to the allegations, saying "Life Time and the Kaw Nation are proud of our relationship, which is built upon mutual respect, dignity, and integrity" and "It was felt that 'Kanza' paid homage to the region (the Kanza Prairie), to its rich history, and to all things associated with the region, including the Kaw Nation".[25][26] The same year, the event's surviving founder made a statement that the police shooting of an intoxicated black man in Atlanta who grabbed an officer's [taser](/source/Taser) and fired it at the officer was "justified".[27] The ensuing controversy resulted in his eventual firing by the event's parent company, Life Time Fitness.[28][29] On October 29, 2020, it was announced that the name of the race would be changed to **Unbound Gravel**.[30]

In 2021, the race had 2,626 registered riders.[15]

In 2022, the 200 pro race became part of the [Life Time Grand Prix](/source/Life_Time_Grand_Prix).[31]

In 2023, there was a total of over 4,000 registered riders for all races.

In 2024, there was a total of around 5,000 registered riders for all races, with 1,480 in the Unbound Gravel 200, and 1,829 in the Unbound Gravel 100.[9] Riders came from all 50 U.S. States and 38 Countries.[32]

The 2025 200-mile editions were won by Cameron Jones and Karolina Migoń. [Simon Pellaud](/source/Simon_Pellaud) of Switzerland was second, after riding in a breakaway with Jones for much of the day. And with Norwegian [Torbjørn Andre Røed](/source/Torbj%C3%B8rn_Andre_R%C3%B8ed) third, it was the first time Unbound Gravel did not have an American rider on the elite men's 200-mile podium.[33] Jones' finishing time of 8:37 is fastest ever 200-mile Unbound Gravel time,[33] shattering [Morton](/source/Lachlan_Morton)'s 2024 record time of 9:11.[34] In the XL race, winners Britton (at 17:49) and Jackson (at 20:57) both shattered course records.

## Winners

### Unbound Gravel 200

Before 2020, the race was known as the Dirty Kanza 200 (or DK 200). This 200 mile race was first held in 2006. Results verified at [Athlinks](/source/Athlinks).[35]

Year Male Female 2025 Cameron Jones Karolina Migoń 2024 Lachlan Morton Rosa Klöser 2023 Keegan Swenson Carolin Schiff 2022 Ivar Slik Sofía Gómez Villafañe 2021 Ian Boswell Lauren De Crescenzo 2020 N/A (race cancelled) N/A (race cancelled) 2019 Colin Strickland Amity Rockwell 2018 Ted King Kaitlin Keough 2017 Mat Stephens Alison Tetrick 2016 Ted King Amanda Nauman 2015 Yuri Hauswald Amanda Nauman 2014 Brian Jensen Rebecca Rusch 2013 Dan Hughes Rebecca Rusch 2012 Dan Hughes Rebecca Rusch 2011 Dan Hughes Betsy Shogren 2010 Corey Godfrey Emily Brock 2009 Michael Marchand N/A 2008 Cameron Chambers Kristen High 2007 Steve Goetzelman Leslie Hiemenz 2006 Dan Hughes N/A

### Unbound Gravel 100

Before 2020, the race was known as the DK 100. This 100 mile race was first held in 2013 as the DK Half Pint. It became an official race distance in 2019. Results verified at [Athlinks](/source/Athlinks).[35]

Year Male Female 2025 Hayden Christian Tiffany Cromwell 2024 Elliott Baring Lauren Stephens 2023 David Brower Tiffany Cromwell 2022 Ethan Overson Marisa Boaz 2021 Stephen Hyde Lauren Stephens 2020 N/A (race cancelled) N/A (race cancelled) 2019 Ashton Lambie Lauren Stephens 2018 Matthew Accarrino Erica Mueller 2017 Steven Baxter Rebecca Rusch 2016 Guy Alvarez Rebecca Rusch 2015 Austin Morris Jennifer Rhoades 2014 David Wilson Danielle Pellicano 2013 Mark Schloegel Lynn Malir

### Unbound Gravel XL

Before 2020, the race was known as the Dirty Kanza XL (or DK XL). This 350 mile race was first held in 2018. Results verified at [Athlinks](/source/Athlinks).[35]

Year Male Female 2025 Rob Britton Heather Jackson 2024 Sebastian Breuer Svenja Betz 2023 Logan Kasper Kristen Legan 2022 William Harrison Cynthia Frazier 2021 Taylor Lideen Lael Wilcox 2020 N/A (race cancelled) N/A (race cancelled) 2019 Jay Petervary Lael Wilcox 2018 Matt Acker Rebecca Rusch

### Notable victories

- [Rebecca Rusch](/source/Rebecca_Rusch) is notable for placing first female in six events across three distances: XL race in 2018; 200 race in 2012 / 2013 / 2014; 100 race in 2016 and 2017.

- [Lauren Stephens](/source/Lauren_Stephens) is notable for placing first female in three events of the 100 race: 2019 / 2021 / 2024.

## See also

- [Ultra-distance cycling](/source/Ultra-distance_cycling)

- [Leadville Trail 100 MTB](/source/Leadville_Trail_100_MTB), a mountain bike race in Leadville, Colorado

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-contact_1-0)** ["Contact"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200926084228/https://dirtykanza.com/contact-us/). Dirty Kanza. 2010-12-11. Archived from [the original](https://dirtykanza.com/contact-us/) on 2020-09-26. Retrieved 5 September 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-gravel_rides_saving_america_2-0)** Taylor Rojek (8 August 2018). ["Gravel Rides are Saving Small-Town America"](https://www.bicycling.com/rides/a22652025/gravel-rides-are-saving-small-town-america/). Bicycling.com. Retrieved 5 September 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-DK-FAQ_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-DK-FAQ_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-DK-FAQ_3-2) ["Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200622234004/https://dirtykanza.com/faq/). *Dirty Kanza*. Archived from [the original](https://dirtykanza.com/faq/) on June 22, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Legan2017_4-0)** Legan, Nick (20 December 2017). [*Gravel Cycling: The Complete Guide to Gravel Racing and Adventure Bikepacking*](https://books.google.com/books?id=fZhIDwAAQBAJ). VeloPress. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-937716-98-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-937716-98-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Photo Gallery: Grit and Gravel at the 2018 Dirty Kanza 200"](https://www.cxmagazine.com/photo-gallery-2018-dirty-kanza-200-gravel-race-ian-matteson). Cyclocross Magazine. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Top 10 gravel races in the USA"](https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/top-10-gravel-races-in-the-usa/). [Cycling News](/source/Cycling_News). June 16, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210610201109/https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/top-10-gravel-races-in-the-usa/) from the original on June 10, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [Global Cycling Network Top Five Gravel Events](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JET64bxgv3E) on [YouTube](/source/YouTube_video_(identifier))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nytimes_extreme_races_8-0)** ["Extreme Race's Allure Is Simple: 200 Miles of Gravel"](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/24/sports/extreme-races-allure-is-simple-200-miles-of-gravel.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Associated Press. 23 May 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CN-20240527_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CN-20240527_9-1) ["10 contenders at Unbound Gravel"](https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/unbound-gravel-2024/preview/). [Cycling News](/source/Cycling_News). May 27, 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240604230209/https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/unbound-gravel-2024/preview/) from the original on June 4, 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NYT-20130612_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NYT-20130612_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-NYT-20130612_10-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-NYT-20130612_10-3) Farrel, Sean Patrick (11 June 2013). ["Neither Wind Nor Gravel Will Stop These Grinders"](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/12/sports/wind-cant-stop-cyclings-gravel-grinders-in-the-dirty-kanza.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Chaos and controversy: Inside the quagmire that clogged Unbound Gravel 2023"](https://web.archive.org/web/20240606002015/https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/racing/features/chaos-and-controversy-inside-the-quagmire-that-clogged-unbound-gravel). Global Cycling Network (GCN). October 5, 2023. Archived from [the original](https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/racing/features/chaos-and-controversy-inside-the-quagmire-that-clogged-unbound-gravel) on June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Taylor, Tom (14 June 2017). ["What it's like to race in the Dirty Kanza 200"](https://www.si.com/edge/2017/06/14/dirty-kanza-200-gravel-race-first-attempt). *[Sports Illustrated](/source/Sports_Illustrated)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Dille2015_13-0)** Ian Dille (7 July 2015). [*The Cyclist's Bucket List: A Celebration of 75 Quintessential Cycling Experiences*](https://books.google.com/books?id=QzRyCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA120). Rodale. p. 120. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-62336-446-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-62336-446-5).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-DKXL_14-0)** Spencer Powlison (31 May 2018). ["Dirty Kanza goes big with new 350-mile race"](https://www.velonews.com/2018/05/news/gravel/dirty-kanza-goes-big-new-350-mile-race_467843). VeloNews. Retrieved 5 September 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CN-20210602_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CN-20210602_15-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-CN-20210602_15-2) ["Unbound Gravel rebounds with stellar fields and prairie pain – Preview"](https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/unbound-gravel-2021/preview/). [Cycling News](/source/Cycling_News). June 2, 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210610193040/https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/unbound-gravel-2021/preview/) from the original on June 10, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["UNBOUND Gravel 200"](https://www.unboundgravel.com/events-200/). *UNBOUND Gravel*. Retrieved 2026-05-07.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["UNBOUND Gravel Juniors"](https://www.unboundgravel.com/events-junior/). *UNBOUND Gravel*. Retrieved 2026-05-07.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Joel "Big Grin" Dyke"](https://www.gravelcyclinghof.com/hall-of-famers-2023/joel-dyke). *Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame*. Retrieved 2023-09-21.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["The first ever Unbound-winning bike | How have gravel bikes evolved since 2006?"](https://www.bikeradar.com/features/pro-bike/dan-hughes-first-unbound-winning-bike). *BikeRadar*. 2024-06-03. Retrieved 2026-05-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Life Time Fitness acquires Dirty Kanza"](https://www.velonews.com/news/gravel/life-time-fitness-acquires-dirty-kanza/). 18 September 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Quick_Facts_21-0)** ["Dirty Kanza 200 Quick Facts"](https://web.archive.org/web/20201019235840/https://dirtykanza.com/exhibitors/dirty-kanza-200-quick-facts/). Dirty Kanza. 2018-01-23. Archived from [the original](https://dirtykanza.com/exhibitors/dirty-kanza-200-quick-facts/) on 2020-10-19. Retrieved 5 September 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-a27632336_22-0)** [The 2019 Dirty Kanza Could Be the Toughest in History; May 29, 2019.](https://www.bicycling.com/racing/a27632336/dirty-kanza-2019/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["2020 Event Status Update (Postponement)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200421142301/https://dirtykanza.com/2020-dirty-kanza-postponement-faqs/). *Dirty Kanza*. Archived from [the original](https://dirtykanza.com/2020-dirty-kanza-postponement-faqs/) on April 21, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-dk2020-cancelled_24-0)** ["2020 Event Status Update (Cancelled)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200709221123/https://dirtykanza.com/new-dirt/2020-event-status-update/). *Dirty Kanza*. Archived from [the original](https://dirtykanza.com/new-dirt/2020-event-status-update/) on July 9, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Dirty Kanza organizers are considering options for a possible name change"](https://cyclingtips.com/2020/06/dirty-kanza-organizers-are-considering-options-for-a-possible-name-change/). *CyclingTips*. 2020-06-23. Retrieved 2020-07-08.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["Dirty Kanza responds to campaign petitioning for name change based on racist allegations"](https://www.velonews.com/news/life-time-and-the-kaw-nation-issue-an-open-letter-to-the-gravel-community/). 20 April 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Dirty Kanza boss fired over 'inappropriate and insensitive' comment"](https://www.velonews.com/news/dirty-kanza-boss-fired-over-inappropriate-and-insensitive-comment/). *VeloNews.com*. 2020-06-21. Retrieved 2021-05-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Samples, Chuck. ["Dirty Kanza founder fired from Life Time Fitness over social media post on officer-involved shooting"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210513163856/https://www.kvoe.com/news/item/49038-dirty-kanza-founder-fired-from-life-time-fitness-over-social-media-post-on-officer-involved-shooting). *www.kvoe.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.kvoe.com/news/item/49038-dirty-kanza-founder-fired-from-life-time-fitness-over-social-media-post-on-officer-involved-shooting) on 2021-05-13. Retrieved 2021-05-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Giddings, Caitlin (2020-07-15). ["Why the Name of a Major Gravel Event Is Being Changed"](https://www.outsideonline.com/2415512/kanza-name-change-indigenous-bike-race). *Outside Online*. Retrieved 2021-06-08.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["The Dirty Kanza is now Unbound Gravel"](https://www.velonews.com/news/gravel/the-dirty-kanza-is-now-unbound-gravel/). *VeloNews.com*. 2020-10-29. Retrieved 2020-10-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Cash, Dane (2021-12-10). ["60 riders selected to contest Life Time Grand Prix series in 2022"](https://velo.outsideonline.com/news/60-riders-selected-to-contest-life-time-grand-prix-series-in-2022/). *Velo*. Retrieved 2025-10-16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["About"](https://www.unboundgravel.com/about/). *UNBOUND Gravel*. Retrieved 2026-05-07.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_33-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_33-1) Rook, Anne-Marije (2025-05-31). ["'I had as good a chance as anyone' - Cameron Jones wins Unbound Gravel after spending 150 miles in a breakaway with Simon Pellaud"](https://www.cyclingweekly.com/gravel/cameron-jones-wins-unbound-gravel). *Cycling Weekly*. Retrieved 2026-05-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Lachlan Morton wins the 2024 Unbound Gravel | EF Pro Cycling"](https://www.efprocycling.com/racing/lachlan-morton-wins-the-2024-unbound-gravel/). *www.efprocycling.com*. Retrieved 2026-05-13.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Athlinks_35-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Athlinks_35-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Athlinks_35-2) [Unbound Gravel Event Results; Athlinks.](https://www.athlinks.com/event/174195/results/Event/971897/Course/2067697/Results)

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Unbound Gravel](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Unbound_Gravel).

- [Official race website](https://www.unboundgravel.com/)

- [2018 race footage](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC4t-nF-0tw&t=45) (example of race and road conditions on south route)

- [2023 race footage](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIEwvwbau44) (example of race and muddy road conditions)

- [2024 race footage](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUdTT0yopvE) (example of race and dry road conditions on north route) (fast race)

- Highway maps: [Emporia city map](http://wfs.ksdot.org/arcgis_web_adaptor/rest/directories/arcgisoutput/City/EMPORIA.pdf), [Lyon County map (includes Emporia)](https://web.archive.org/web/20220628211952/http://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/county-pdf/lyon.PDF), [Kansas map](https://www.ksdot.gov/about/our-organization/divisions/planning-and-development/kansas-maps-and-gis-resources/historic-state-maps)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Unbound Gravel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unbound_Gravel) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unbound_Gravel?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.