A couple weeks ago, Lauf Gravel Worlds announced some exciting changes for the 2026 edition of its signature event in Lincoln, Nebraska. Perhaps most notably, event sponsor GOODLIFE Nutrition is putting up a whopping $150,000 professional prize purse. Additionally, they announced free live coverage of the event on the Gravel Worlds YouTube channel and Outside TV, free entry for juniors, and on-course enhancements to benefit all participants.
$150,000 Prize Purse
GOODLIFE Nutrition is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, the home of Gravel Worlds, and is completely sponsoring the massive $150,000 prize purse. While it is already one of the marquee events on the gravel circuit, the $150,000 payout makes Gravel Worlds the largest single-day prize purse in gravel racing. This is a major investment from the sports nutrition brand GOODLIFE Nutrition and a milestone for the event and, arguably, for the sport of gravel racing itself.
The $150,000 professional prize purse will be divided evenly between the men’s and women’s elite fields, with payouts going ten deep. The winners will each be taking home $25,000, which is a serious payday. Here’s how the rest of the prize payouts break down:
- 1st – $25,000
- 2nd – $17,000
- 3rd – $10,000
- 4th – $7,500
- 5th – $5,000
- 6th – $4,000
- 7th – $3,000
- 8th – $2,000
- 9th – $1,000
- 10th – $500
Gravel Worlds already draws many of the top professional gravel racers in the world, and the big payday is likely to attract even more of the world’s best and make for an even more competitive race. Gravel Worlds states that one of the goals is to bring even more legitimacy to the event and contribute to the “professionalization of gravel racing.” Additionally, they hope the enhanced media coverage will help to increase exposure for athletes and the sport of gravel riding and racing more broadly.
Gravel Worlds started as a grassroots event in 2010, long before most of us thought gravel riding was cool. Now, 16 years later, the event is one of the biggest and the highest-paying in the sport. But Gravel Worlds wants to keep the spirit of gravel alive, which is why it’s important to note that the entire prize purse is sponsored by GOODLIFE Nutrition, so it won’t impact the cost of entry for the rest of the participants. Gravel Worlds aims to remain an inclusive event, and this allows them to keep entry fees steady for amateurs while still elevating the prestige of the event and the sport in general.
Free and Discounted Racing for Juniors
“Supporting the professional field matters,” Jason Strohbehn, Lead Director, added. “But it matters even more when that support helps elevate the entire ecosystem around the race, from aspiring young athletes to fans discovering gravel for the first time.” To that end, they are lowering the barrier to entry even further. Gravel Worlds and GOODLIFE Nutrition are making it easier for juniors to participate and get into the sport by making the U18 categories of the 75-mile and non-competitive 35-mile distances completely free. Additionally, the U23 categories for the 150-mile distance will cost only $50 to enter for up-and-coming racers.
“We’re incredibly excited to continue supporting young riders as they find their way into gravel cycling,” said Sofia Gibson, Assistant Lead Promoter of Gravel Worlds. “By offering free and discounted entry to our junior categories, we’re lowering barriers to participation and helping build a stronger future for the sport. Investing in young athletes today is how we ensure gravel cycling continues to grow in healthy, inclusive ways tomorrow.”
On-Course and Event Enhancements
Lauf Gravel Worlds says that the increased investment in the pro field will also benefit the other 99% of riders who are there to participate and enjoy the ride. This includes course marshals at every stop sign and additional law enforcement on course, both intended to raise the bar in terms of rider safety. Other on-course enhancements include more water and aid stations, spaced no more than 30 miles apart on the 150-mile course.
We’re also told that they’ll be increasing the efforts on entertainment, through the week, and especially “at the First2Last Party which celebrates the riders finishing after dark, attempting to make the 9:59:59 cutoff time. From the front of the pack to the final finisher, Gravel Worlds continues to double down on inclusivity and experience.”
The event has evolved into a full week of festivities, starting with a short-track MTB race, a two-day industry expo, and the USAT Triathlon Gravel National Championships on Friday, leading up to Gravel Worlds. The gravel races go down all day on Saturday, and that’s followed by an ultramarathon and half-marathon run on Sunday. The nearly week-long Gravel Worlds event has something for everyone across the endurance spectrum, both for participants and spectators alike.
Gravel Worlds 2026
Gravel Worlds takes place in Lincoln, Nebraska, this summer, with the races and festivities spanning from August 19-23, 2026. The gravel race goes down on Saturday, August 22nd. To learn more about the event or to sign up, head to the Gravel Worlds website.
About Gravel Worlds
Celebrating its 17th year in 2026, Lauf Gravel Worlds has grown from a grassroots gathering of adventurous riders into one of the most influential gravel events in the world. Built on the principles of inclusion, self-reliance, and community, Gravel Worlds has always existed to celebrate the spirit and history of gravel cycling while challenging what the sport can become. As the event continues to evolve, its purpose remains unchanged: to honor where gravel came from, elevate the experience for every rider, and push the sport forward in meaningful, rider-first ways.
About Gravel Worlds Foundation
Founded in 2025, the Gravel Worlds Foundation serves as the nonprofit arm of Gravel Worlds, created to be a magnifying glass for the generosity of the gravel community. The Foundation exists to turn participation into impact—supporting cycling, running, and fitness-related causes while reinvesting directly into communities that make the sport possible. Through rider support, partner commitments, and event initiatives, the Foundation ensures that Gravel Worlds leaves a lasting legacy well beyond race weekend. Gravel Worlds Foundation donated over $98,000 in 2025 and will match $50,000 in donations made through the GWF.
About 1000 Women of Gravel Initiative
In 2026, Gravel Worlds will again pursue its 1000 Women of Gravel initiative, an effort designed to encourage and celebrate women’s participation across all aspects of the event. For every woman who attends or volunteers, $10 will be donated to NICA GRiT Nebraska, supporting programs that empower young women through cycling. The initiative reflects Gravel Worlds’ commitment to growing inclusivity in the sport while helping foster and fund the next generation of cyclists.
