‘Everything you could ever want’: the 2026 Unbound course strings together greatest hits from 20 years of Flint Hills gravel racing

Unbound Gravel is marking its 20th anniversary in 2026 with a specially curated 206-mile course that celebrates two decades of gravel racing in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The route combines some of the most iconic and challenging sections from past editions, including Texaco Hill, Teeter Hill, Kahola Dam, and the 10-mile Sharpes Creek Road, last featured during the famously muddy 2015 race. The course, which heads both north and south of Emporia, promises a demanding mix of terrain with leg-sapping climbs, rocky stretches, and creek crossings, offering riders a quintessential minimally maintained road (MMR) experience. The race, scheduled for the final week of May, will begin with a neutral police escort through Emporia before riders tackle early climbs such as the "Towers climb" on YY Road and the notorious Texaco Hill. Other notable features include the steep and rocky Teeter Hill, the lengthy and relentless Sharpes Creek Road, and a new addition called W Road, which includes a creek crossing and chunky, grassy sections. The course’s final major challenge is Kahola Hill, situated near Kahola Lake dam, before riders descend into the finish line in downtown Emporia. Unbound Gravel has grown significantly since its inception in 2006, when just 34 riders took part. It has evolved into the world’s premier gravel race, attracting a diverse field of 5,000 participants, including off-road specialists, WorldTour professionals, Olympians, and thousands of amateurs. The event offers five race distances, catering to a wide range of competitors, and maintains a reputation for testing riders’ endurance and technical skills in a remote and rugged environment. Safety and support arrangements have been updated for 2026, with separate feed zones for elite and age-group riders to enhance safety. Neutral mechanics and nutrition will be available at amateur checkpoints, alongside two neutral water oases, but organisers stress the importance of self-sufficiency given the remote nature of the Flint Hills. Riders are reminded that in the event of mechanical failure or injury, they must rely on their support crews, as official rescue services will not be provided. The release of the official GPS course files two weeks before the race allows riders to pre-ride and prepare for the unpredictable conditions that Unbound Gravel is known for. With its blend of historic sectors, new challenges, and a demanding profile, the 2026 edition promises to be a fitting tribute to the race’s rich heritage and a true test of gravel racing prowess.