We Noticed: Don’t Miss These 2027 Gravel Races
Gravel racing has become more and more like competing at IRONMAN races over the last few years, especially in terms of race entries. Getting into some of the major events requires lots of pre-planning, requiring athletes to pay attention to entry and lottery deadlines.
Some of the sport’s standout events, like Unbound Gravel, have interest that far exceeds the race’s capacity, which is why the event organizes entry by lottery. Other events sell out within hours of opening registration.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the deadlines you might want to pay attention to:
Closing Soon: SBT GRVL
SBT GRVL, based in Steamboat Springs, Colo., runs from June 25 to 27, 2027 and includes gravel cycling and trail running races. Registration for random selection is open until October 31.
The 2027 edition will include an expanded field of 3,000 riders (up from 2,750 this year), a new 20K trail run and the SBT DBL BLK two-day run-bike challenge. Other running races at Emerald Mountain include a 12K race and a family-friendly 5K run and walk.
The SBT DBL BLK Challenge includes Saturday’s 20K Black Course run with Sunday’s 108-mile SBT GRVL Black Course bike race.
You can check out all the courses and register here.
Sunday’s Gravel races include the Black (108 miles), Blue (73 miles), Red (53 miles) and Green (25 miles).
You can see all the courses and register for the gravel events here.
Lotteries Opening Soon
The Life Time Unbound Gravel lottery opens on November 1, 2026 at 10 am CT. The race takes place from June 3 to 6, 2027. Entry is free and your credit card is only charged if you are selected. Life Time Club members can enter the lottery as of October 25. You can also skip the lottery by volunteering more than 10 hours or participating in the Unbound Gravel Training Camp.
The Badlands gravel race in Granada, Spain opens applications for entry November 1 at 20:00 (CET), with application entries closing on November 6 at 20:00 (CET). There are two categories, solo and pair and a limit of 350 spots – the official draw takes place on November 14, 2026 at 17:00 (CET).
The Badlands race features an 800 km course with 16,000m of climbing. Roughly 50% of the accepted entries are chosen by random draw. After that organizers prioritize “female participation, underrepresented groups, and all those who have been unsuccessfully applying for at least three years.”
While it is not a gravel race, those interested in the Life Time Leadville Trail 100MTB on August 14, 2027 should note that lottery opens from December 1 to 15, 2026.
Open Now
| Race | Dates / location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MidSouth | March 11-13, Stillwater, OK | Registration for Cycling and Running Events |
| Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel | Apr 15–16, 2027, Monterey, CA | Registration and information |
| Belgian Waffle Ride | Arizona March 5-6; CA May 1–2; Utah May 14-15; Montana Sept. 17-18; Mexico November 22 | Registration opened on October 13. |
| Rattlesnake Gravel Grind | Mar 18–21, 2027 Sweetwater, TX | Gravel Grind and XCMTB Registration Rattlesnake Trail Run Registration |
| TransRockies Desert Gravel | Apr 24, 2027, Fruita, CO | Five distances; 2027 registration open |
| The Rift | July 23-24, Hvolsvöllur, Iceland | 300km race sold out. 240/ 140/ 60K registration |
| Lauf Gravel Worlds | Aug 24–28, 2027, Lincoln, NE | Bike Registration Run Registration Tri Registration |
Sold Out
All three distances at The Traka (April 30 to May 2, 2027) are sold out, but there are still registrations available for the two-stage Santa Vall Traka event from February 5 to 7, 2027.
While we listed the Rift event above, the 330km race at the famous race in Hvolsvöllur, Iceland race is sold out.
Still to Open
Another event that traditionally sells out quickly is the Life Time Big Sugar Gravel race in Bentonville, AR. That race hasn’t announced its 2027 date, or when registration will open, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the website for information.
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