2023 Garmin Gravel Worlds
Mud, Mayhem & Milestones
2023 Gravel Worlds Results and Photos
Independent Articles and Videos
Gravel Worlds 2023 will be remembered as one of the most intense, unpredictable, and emotional editions in the event’s history. In a season marked by extremes, the race was defined by heat, rain, grit, and endings—both literal and symbolic. Legends were born, chapters closed, and the spirit of the Gravel Family shone through.
Heat, Storms, and Unforgettable Conditions
The weekend began under punishing conditions. The 50K Ultra Run on Friday faced a heat index over 100 degrees, testing even the most seasoned runners. Aid stations and shade were critical for survival, and participants pushed through heat, fatigue, and humidity.
Then came Saturday. On race morning, a freak rainstorm dropped 4 inches of rain, transforming Nebraska’s gravel roads into mud rivers and forcing organizers to reroute a few sections. The 150-mile course and Long Voyage 300 were especially affected, with riders navigating mud-packed roads, sliding descents, and clogged drivetrains. While the skies cleared later in the day, the early conditions made finishing a true testament to endurance and perseverance.
Borstelmann’s Third Title at Home
Amid the mud and mayhem, John Borstelmann, the Lincoln native, emerged victorious in the 150-mile event, claiming his third Gravel Worlds championship (2019, 2021, 2023). The final miles were a tactical showdown, with Borstelmann holding off Chase Wark by just 18 seconds, proving that skill, strategy, and local knowledge make all the difference on Nebraska gravel.
On the women’s side, Lauren Stephens rode aggressively and solo, finishing in 9:15:28, claiming the women’s title and finishing 21st overall. Her performance reinforced her status as one of the toughest athletes in gravel racing.
Elite 150-Mile Winners
Men: John Borstelmann – 6:58:42 (3rd career Gravel Worlds title)
Women: Lauren Stephens – 9:15:28
Long Voyage 300 Winners
Men: Colin Patterson – 17:12:03
Women: Paige Redman – 20:08:45
Land Ho 50K Ultra Run Winners
Men: Josh Baden – 3:27:55
Women: Kaci Lickteig – 3:56:48
For the Riders in the Pack: Grit, Gears & Gratitude
For most participants, 2023 was about endurance, strategy, and community. Riders faced mud, hills, and fatigue, relying on aid stations, volunteers, and fellow competitors for encouragement. Many first-time riders conquered their chosen distances, while veterans battled the conditions for personal milestones. Across the board, the weekend reminded everyone that Gravel Worlds is as much about camaraderie as competition.
End of an Era: Fallbrook Neighborhood
This year marked the last Gravel Worlds with a start/finish at Fallbrook, which had hosted the event for nine incredible years. Over nearly a decade, the neighborhood became synonymous with the energy, community, and support that make Gravel Worlds special. Riders, volunteers, and neighbors alike created an unforgettable atmosphere year after year. Thank you, Fallbrook, for welcoming thousands of riders, cheering on finishers, and being an integral part of gravel history.
End of an Era: Thanking the Founders
2023 was also the final year for Founders Corey Godfrey and Craig Schmidt on the promotion team. After 14 years of founding, growing, and stewarding Gravel Worlds, they stepped back. Their vision created not just a race, but a community, a sport, and a culture. Every finish line, volunteer, and participant carries a piece of their legacy, and Gravel Worlds is forever shaped by their dedication and passion.
Gravel Worlds 2023 was more than a race—it was a crucible of heat, mud, and determination. Between Borstelmann’s third win, Stephens’ commanding ride, a record-setting 50K Ultra, and the heartfelt farewells to Fallbrook and the founding team, this edition secured its place as one of the most storied in Gravel Worlds history.
2023 Through Thick and Think Award
Mike Suiter
The “Through Thick and Thin” Award is given out every year to an individual who has overcome challenges and perseveres through tough times while also keeping an overly positive attitude that inspires and encourages us all.
Our 2023 awardee is a 50 year cancer survivor. He has overcome the lifelong psychological and physical challenges that come with being a cancer survivor while turning that experience into a positive. For the last several years, our awardee has used his woodworking skills and passion for doing good to create “Woodworkers vs Cancer”. Mike donates 100% of his time, skill, and material in exchange for donations to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. In 2022 he raised over $10,000 and is on pace to raise well over $15,000 in 2023. The trophies we used for our Winter Endurance race in February and the sword holders you see for our Captains of the Gravel Seas awards were made by Mike.
