Welcome to Gravel Worlds!

Welcome to the Gravel Worlds Triathlon & Duathlon. This homegrown multisport experience brings athletes to the rolling gravel roads, open water, and park trails surrounding Branched Oak State Recreation Area. Whether you are racing for a national title, trying gravel multisport for the first time, or returning for another off-road adventure, we are excited to welcome you.

This guide is designed to reduce race-morning stress and help you arrive prepared. You can read it from beginning to end, review the course maps, and attend the mandatory athlete meeting. Final announcements from race management and USA Triathlon officials supersede this guide.

Race at a Glance

Race date: Friday, August 21, 2026

Venue: Branched Oak State Recreation Area, near Lincoln, Nebraska

Events: Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon and Intermediate Triathlon and Duathlon

Triathlon format: Swim / Bike / Run

Duathlon format: Run / Bike / Run

Transition opens: 5:30 a.m.

Transition closes: 7:55 a.m.

Race-day check-in: 5:30–7:30 a.m. 

Mandatory athlete meeting: 7:45 a.m.

Race starts: Wave starts after 8:00 a.m.

Race window: Approximately 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Rule #1:

BE COOL!!

This really covers a lot of ground. If you hafta ask, it’s probably NOT COOL!! 

• Yelling at a volunteer….. NOT COOL!!

• Cutting course….. NOT COOL!!

• Walking/Riding off of public roads on private property…NOT COOL!!

• Cussing out a competitor or official….. NOT COOL!!

• Hiding feedbags on course….. NOT COOL!!

Being not cool has and will disqualify podium finishes and will result in you not being invited back to Gravel Worlds events.