From the Organizer
We are back once again, and this year, we will mix it up a bit with some new route options!
We hope you join us for an unforgettable nighttime adventure at the Lunar Ride, a unique gravel biking event through the breathtaking Flint Hills of Emporia, Kansas.
Experience the magic of riding under the moonlight on either a 30-mile or 50-mile course, designed for fun!
Event Details:
Date: July 18th, 2026
Distances: 30 miles or 50 miles - Pick the distance that allows you to be back to Mulready's by 11:30 pm!
Location: Merchant Cycles, Packet pickup during store hours on Friday, July 17 or Saturday, July 18. The ride will start in the 700 block of Mechanic Parking Lot (behind Merchant Cycles)
Start Time: 6:30 PM
Price: $60
Registration Includes:
-
Merchant Cycles hat
-
Lunar Ride sticker
-
Stocked aid stations in Americus and Lake Kahola
-
Fun keepsake “number” plate
-
Two drink and one meal ticket
-
Scavenger hunt and other fun prizes
-
Live music and finish line party at Mulreadys!
Highlights:
-
Ride under the stars and moonlight
-
Scenic gravel roads through the Flint Hills
-
Food and drink available at both Mulready's and Harry & Lloyd’s in Americus
-
Food truck options behind Mulready's in the 700 block Merchant Street Parking Lot
-
Rest stops with refreshments along the route
-
Live music!
-
A supportive and friendly community of fellow cyclist.
-
TENATIVE 30 mile option - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53833037
-
TENATIVE 50 mile option - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53832941
Whether you're a seasoned gravel grinder or new to the sport, the Lunar Ride promises an extraordinary experience you won't want to miss. Grab your lights, gather your friends, and get ready for a night of adventure, camaraderie, and natural beauty.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
89°
Typical Low
67°
Chance of Rain
27%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Emporia 3 Nw, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Emporia, KS
Population
24,098
as of 2023
Elevation
1,173 ft
Nearest Airport
MHK
Manhattan Regional Airport · 56 mi
Major Hub
MCI
Kansas City International Airport · 100 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at LUNAR Ride, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Emporia, KS
2026 Fiesta Topeka 5K
5K
50 miles away
Overbrook Community 5k & 1 Mile
5K
43 miles away
General Lewis W. Walt Detachment – Marine Corps League 5k
5K
50 miles away
Back to School 5K
5K
50 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the LUNAR Ride?
- LUNAR Ride is a running race held in Emporia, Kansas on July 18, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the LUNAR Ride?
- Saturday, July 18, 2026 in Emporia, Kansas at 716 Commercial St., Emporia, KS. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the LUNAR Ride?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
LUNAR Ride
Jul 18, 2026