With over 3,000 riders rolling away from the starting line in Emporia, Kansas, Dirty Kanza has become one of the most popular gravel races in the world. This year marked the 14th annual running of the event, and most riders would say, the hardest course in its history.
For many riders, the first hurdle begins months before the race. While many will be planning their training leading up to the event, you have to get into the event first, before you can race it. Due to such high demand, Dirty Kanza is unable to accommodate everyone who wishes to register. Therefore, they utilize a random selection process to determine who will be allowed to participate in the event.
Riders have several race options with 25-, 50-, 100-, or 200-mile events. There’s also a special High School category and the insane DKXL 350-mile route. While many riders come out to compete, a lot of the racers just want to finish with most working toward completing the esteemed DK200 course, and have their photo taken on the gold chaise lounge, placed randomly somewhere along the route. And if you finish the DK200 five times then you become an honorary member of the 1,000-Mile Club. The list grows every year.
If you are into epic gravel races, this is the one to do. The town embraces the event with locals chatting up anyone who looks like a cyclist, being generally friendly and wishing them the best. Businesses put up signs welcoming DK racers, the sidewalks are covered in chalk drawings and messages, kids have DK logos painted on their faces, and the town blocks off Commerce Street, the main drag through Emporia, to host a grand finish for all competitors.
Before noon, racers start trickling in, gathering to rehydrate, eat, and tell battle stories. By mid-afternoon, riders from all categories have finished and things start to hum. Mix in more finishers, local food and beer, and as the sun goes down the finish line turns into a street party. People are everywhere - racers, locals, fans, and family - talking to finishers or waiting for their friends to finish. With so much buzz in the air, it’s easy to forget the time until things start to wind down at midnight, but official race cutoff isn’t until 3am.
Dirty Kanza truly is the premier gravel race. Between the different events, “All Things Gravel” Expo, and finish line celebration there is something for all levels of gravel enthusiasts and fans. You’ll see everything from the latest gravel products to guys racing on carbon bikes with aero bars, mountain bikes and even fat bikes. Next year, come out and enjoy the hospitality of Emporia and experience why the Flint Hills of Kansas are the ideal location for gravel adventures.
