BADLANDS GRAVEL BATTLE
Come GRIND across 120 miles, and ROLL over 8,600 ft of elevation gain on the fast and rugged red scoria roads that crosshatch the BADLANDS of western North Dakota.
distance
40-MILE
80-MILE
120-MILE
race DATE
SATURDAY, May 23rd 2026
8AM-8PM MDT
Medora, ND, Badlands
elevation gain
2,994 ft.
6,985 ft.
8,665 ft.
COURSE RECORDS
(40) Austin Mack | 2:04:26
(40) Jody Barton | 2:19:23.39
(80) Carl Fritz | 4:27:29.3
(80) Sarah Bilawski | 5:56:53.9
(120) Tinker Juarez | 6:43:446.31
(120) Kayde Anderson | 8:42:46.8
racecourse map
This Google Map is a very powerful tool. Download the latest version of the Google Maps App on your smartphone and do some course exploration right in the palm of your hand. SAG & spectators are only allowed on roads highlighted in RED to ensure the safety of our race participants.
Elevation profiles
120-MILE racecourse: About 115 actual miles, and approximately 8,665 ft of elevation gain.
80-MILE racecourse: About 83 actual miles and approximately 6,985 ft of elevation gain.
40-MILE racecourse: About 38 actual miles and approximately 2,994 ft of elevation gain.
race logistics
terrain
Rugged Badlands backcountry gravel roads. Some of the gravel in the Badlands may remind you of the your gravel roads back home, but some of it is made up of crushed red scoria rock. When the scoria is freshly laid it can be large and sharp at first, but once it is worn in by truck traffic, the gravel turns hard and smooth and in the right conditions it is very fast and fun. Just like anywhere the conditions can change overnight with weather or road work, be prepared for the best and the worst of circumstances.
ARRIVAL
How to Decide Where to Stay
Medora
Medora is a historic Western town with a population of roughly 150 residents, offering visitors an authentic small-town experience. The town is within walking distance of most activites, giving guests a strong sense of place and the chance to enjoy its historic charm and vibrant energy.
While there is plenty to do—tours, outdoor activities, and local attractions—Medora has limited facilities. There is no grocery store, and cell phone service may be limited during excursions in the Badlands. Guests should plan ahead and secure lodging, airfare, and a rental car. Community stores will carry a limited stock of personal products, but we encourage guests to plan ahead and come prepared, just as Roosevelt did.
Dickinson
Dickinson is a 30-minute drive from Medora. The town offers the largest supply of hotels, a wide range of restaurants and services, and straightforward logistics, especially for groups.
Watford City
Watford City is ideal for guests seeking a calmer pace and broader access to outdoor activities. Located about an hour from Medora, it provides easy access to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and other public lands. It offers space, quiet surroundings and opportunities for scenic exploration.
aid stations
40-MILE: The WANNAGAN A.S. will be located at mile 19, which is your halfway point.
80-MILE: The WANNAGAN A.S. will be your first stop at mile 19. ELKHORN A.S. is your second stop at mile 41. At mile 64 WANNAGAN A.S. is your third and final stop before the finish.
120-MILE: Your first two and last two Aid Station stops are the same as the 80-MILE course. Your third AS is at mile 60 at your exact halfway turnaround point at the BLACKTAIL A.S.
PRE-race EVE
Don’t forget to get your bike tuned up and pick up any last minute supplies you might need with Jen and Loren Morlock at the one and only Dakota Cyclery Bike Shop in Medora, ND.
fully marked course
All the courses are well-marked with arrows and signs. There are many twists, turns and forks on the Badlands gravel roads, but you can race and ride with the peace of mind that you are taking the right turn at the right time with the combination of our GPX files, QUE CARDS and on-course markings. The course will be marked well enough that you could potentially get away without using Que Cards or a GPS, if you pay attention and ride with your head up.
POST-RACE RECOVERY
Stonehome Brewery will be providing some locally brewed post-race craft drinks at the finish line. After doing battle with your bike on Badlands gravel feel free to stick around and enjoy a drink while hanging out with your buddies and exchanging battle stories from your epic day in the ND badlands.
lodging
Spend the night before or after the race and enjoy Medora! The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation is our official Medora lodging partner, book your stay here.
You can also check out https://www.drycreekhideaway.com as another option.
AWARD CEREMONY
There will be a podium ceremony with prizes at 5:00pm for the top finishers and recognition of outstanding performances at the post-race recovery. Open men and open women categories for the 40, 80, and 120 mile races. All finishers will receive a custom Badlands Gravel Battle medal.
schedule
All times listed in Mountain Daylight Time Zone
SATURDAY
6am – 7:15 Meet at the FAMILY FUN CENTER for:
Packet Pick-Up
Race Day Registration
Drop off YOUR Aid Station Drop Bags
7:30am Pre Race Meeting at the FAMILY FUN CENTER
7:45am Racers line up at the Start Line
7:50am National Anthem
8:00am RACE START!
8:30am Wannagan Aid Station opens
9:30am Elkhorn Aid Station opens
10:20am Blacktail Road Aid Station opens (no bathrooms)
11:00am Stonehome Brewery - drink tent opens - FINISH LINE (closes at 8pm)
2:00pm Blacktail Road Aid Station CLOSES
4:00pm Elkhorn Aid Station CLOSES
5:00pm Awards at FAMILY FUN CENTER
6:00pm Wannagan Aid Station CLOSES
8:00pm Finish Line SHUTS DOWN
Arriving By Plane
Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK) — Closest commercial airport to Medora
Drive to Medora: ~42 miles / 43 minutes
Drive to Watford City: ~86 miles / 1 hour 26 minutes
Airline options/connections: United Airlines with daily service to Denver (DEN) for onward connections worldwide.
Rental cars at DIK (on-site/serving the airport): Hertz, Dollar, National, Enterprise.
Bismarck Airport (BIS) — Most flight options in North Dakota
Drive to Medora: ~133 miles / 1 hour 57 minutes
Drive to Watford City: ~186 miles / 2 hours 46 minutes
Airline options / connections (nonstop from BIS):
• United → Denver (DEN)
• Delta → Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP)
• American → Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) + Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
• Allegiant → Las Vegas (LAS) + Phoenix/Mesa (AZA)
Rental cars at BIS (on-site): Avis, Enterprise, Hertz.
Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) — Good for north/west North Dakota
Drive to Medora: ~128 miles / 2 hours 22 minutes
Drive to Watford City: 60 miles/ 55 minutes
Airline options / connections (nonstop from XWA):
• United → Denver (DEN) (year-round)
• Delta → Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) (year-round)
• Sun Country → Las Vegas (LAS) (seasonal)

Rental cars at XWA (on-site): Avis, Enterprise, Hertz.
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) — Best for pairing Medora + the Black Hills
Drive to Medora: ~247 miles / 4 hours 54 minutes from RAP (airport)
Drive to Watford City: ~300 miles / 4 hours 57 minutes
Airline options / connections (highlights):
• American → Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) (year-round), Chicago (ORD) (seasonal)
• United → Denver (DEN) (year-round)
• Delta → Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) (year-round)
• Plus additional seasonal/nonstop options listed by the airport (e.g., PHX, CLT, ATL, etc.).