Reputation: Regional KS event.
[01]
Course Overview
120-mile Kansas farmland/prairie gravel in Marysville.
120 mi
Distance
4,000 ft
Elevation
Marysville, Kansas
Location
September 7, 2026
Date
~200
Field Size
$80-120
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / No Coast Gravel SyndicateRolling farmland/prairie gravel for 120 miles.
Signature challenge: 120-mile distance through Kansas farmland and prairie with heat and wind.
40
MILE
First Third
40 miles in, settling into pace.
60
MILE
Halfway
Halfway point, 60 miles to go.
90
MILE
The Grind
90 miles in, mental game begins.
110
MILE
Final Push
Last 10 miles to finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Brewsky Hill
Described as the first really big hill on the course, sponsored by the Wagon Wheel with a beer reward ticket at the top.
Hot conditions and headwind
Riders warn it's going to be hot, windy with headwind on the way back, making for a tough day.
Dusty conditions
First leg described as very dusty, with riders getting smoked by trucks passing by.
B roads or farm roads with challenging gravel that's better than a lot of other races, featuring some fast downhills.
The 30 mile beginner course is mostly flat with good rock and not a lot of hills.
[04]
From the Field
It's going to be a tough day because it's going to be hot windy and headwind on the way back... these are definitely B roads or farm roads... apparently this is the first really big hill coming up right here it's called Bursky Hill sponsored by the Wagon Wheel.
Ty's Rides · 1.7K views
First leg was pretty fast about 16.4 average two hours 34 minutes of moving time for 42 miles... very dusty, very dusty, just smoked by two trucks tried to keep the rabbit in my sights.
No Coast Gravel Syndicate · 202 views
Free camping in Marysville so if you ever go through Marysville Kansas and you're tired and you want to sleep just pull into the city park.
No Coast Gravel Syndicate · 202 views
This is the longest one I do so if I can do this I can do almost all the ones that I'd want to do but it's definitely not the easiest terrain around here.
Visit Marysville · 159 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Pony Express 120? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
September 7, 2026 PONY EXPRESS 120
[08]
Train for Pony Express 120
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
6
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
7
Technical
4
Heat
3
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
6
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Kansas City (MCI) 2 hours or Lincoln (LNK) 1.5 hours
Lodging
Marysville has limited lodging options.
Food
Small town with limited dining. Stock nutrition for 120 miles.
Packet Pickup
Day before
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Don't eat donuts before the race - rider regretted eating Casey's donuts and recommends eating something light like oatmeal instead.
In emergency bathroom situations in cornfields, corn leaves work as a soft substitute for toilet paper.
Casey's breakfast pizza and coffee work as pre-race fuel, and their fresh hot donuts are exceptional quality.
[10]
Tire Picks
38mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
3
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Vittoria Terreno Dry 40mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Pony Express 120?
Weather swings wildly—Sue enjoyed "perfect" conditions while 2022 riders endured "oppressive 95-degree heat" on Friday followed by "50-some degree rain" and wind on Saturday. One blogger described "shadeless heat" and sudden cold fronts that "scatter the group to individual shelters." More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Pony Express 120?
Race directors Renee and Mark Hoffman coordinate aid stations and volunteers, with checkpoints at Barnes (mile 21) and Palmer Cafe (mile 43). When 2022 weather threatened, they implemented a 'wet route' alternative to avoid muddy dirt roads. Basic operations function, but no packet pickup details or clear start times surface in rider reports. "Jon Naaf marks our campsite with a cozy oasis of chairs and coolers wedged into the camper's sliver of shade."[1]
How adventurous is Pony Express 120?
The route winds through "sprawling fields of ripening corn, soy beans, and sorghum" in Pony Express territory from Marysville to the Kansas-Nebraska border. The official description warns "REMEMBER - KANSAS IS NOT FLAT," and riders discover remote sections where "a lone camper squats in an empty pasture overlooking a small pond."[1]
How prestigious is Pony Express 120?
Part of the Great Plains Gravel Cup series with thirteen years of consistent operation, but winning times show modest competitive depth. Kevin White won in 5:59:15 while the last finisher took over 10 hours, suggesting recreational rather than elite participation levels.[4]
Should I race Pony Express 120?
If you want a 120-mile challenge—yes, it's a solid distance test. If you want terrain variety or pro field depth—look elsewhere.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Blackhillsbackboneblackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2022/09/2022-pony-express...
- Other Sources Onemarysvilleonemarysville.com/events/pony-express-120-gravel-dash/
- Other Sources Joinbasecampwww.joinbasecamp.com/post/sues-story-pony-express-120-gra...
- Other Sources Marysvilleonlinewww.marysvilleonline.net/pony-express-120-gravel-dash-win...
- Community gravel-results.com: 19641www.gravel-results.com/race/19641
- Community onemarysville.com: Pxgd120onemarysville.com/pxgd120/