Little Apple Gravel Race: Illinois State Championships

About the Event

Manhattan, Illinois welcomes runners for its prestigious King Kong Ultra Challenge on August 9, 2025. The race offers three distances: the Little Apple (50K), the Kong (100K), and the King Kong (150K). Registration opens at 6:45 AM on race day, with online registration closing a day prior.
The Little Apple course is a single lap of an established 88% gravel path. The Kong follows suit, featuring one continuous loop. For those aiming for the ultimate challenge, the King Kong route combines both courses, totaling approximately 150 kilometers through challenging terrain that's roughly 80% gravel. This race demands your full focus and endurance; think of it as a true self-supported event.
Race start times are staggered to accommodate all participants: the Little Apple at 8 AM, USAC 1-5 (both men’s and women’s) events starting at 10:00 AM, Open categories at 10:10 AM for both distances. Awards ceremonies will follow each event.
Race day registration is essential; online entries close on Friday evening before the race, while late-day registrations incur a $20 fee. Mandatory forms include a USAC rider release and an event waiver (Permit #4761). Additionally, all participants in USAC races must hold a USA Cycling license, with first-time members eligible for a discounted rate of $50 using code INTROMEMB25.
For those vying for state championship titles, the race offers awards to men and women in various categories over 100K. Illinois residents can compete for these prestigious honors. Jerseys will be available for purchase after the event or through Pactimo.
More information is available from Rick Baisa at [email protected] Detailed maps and GPS files are provided on Google Maps, Strava, Garmin platforms, as well as TCX and GPX formats. A course description video ensures you’re fully prepared before setting off into Manhattan’s scenic landscapes.
Join us for an unforgettable experience where the challenge is to push your limits amidst breathtaking scenery.

Races Offered

Open - OPEN 100km

Aug 09, 2026

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Distance — 100K

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Type — Cycling

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36 days remaining

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$50.00

Open - OPEN 150km

Aug 09, 2026

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Distance — 150K

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Type — Cycling

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36 days remaining

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$50.00

Open - OPEN 50km

Aug 09, 2026

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Distance — 100K

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Type — Cycling

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36 days remaining

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$50.00

USAC 1-5 - Masters 40+ 100km

Aug 09, 2026

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Distance — 100K

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Type — Cycling

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36 days remaining

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$50.00

USAC 1-5 - Masters 50+ 100km

Aug 09, 2026

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Distance — 100K

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Type — Cycling

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36 days remaining

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$50.00

USAC 1-5 - USAC 1-5 100km

Aug 09, 2026

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Distance — 100K

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Type — Cycling

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36 days remaining

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$50.00

USAC 1-5 - USAC 1-5 50km

Aug 09, 2026

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Distance — 50K

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Type — Cycling

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36 days remaining

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$50.00

USAC 1-5 - USAC 1-5 50km juniors

Aug 09, 2026

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Distance — 50K

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Type — Cycling

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36 days remaining

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$25.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Manhattan.

thermostat Temperature

17.4° / 27.0°

wb_sunny Feels like

17.4° / 27.3°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

11h 43m

water_drop Avg rainfall

3.0 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

11.2 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

High

terrain Course conditions

Hard and dry surface

sunny Max UV Index

High (7.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

74.8%

wb_twilight Sunrise

06:01

nightlight Sunset

19:48

About Manhattan

Learn more about the host city, Manhattan.

Wall Street. Madison Avenue. 34th Street. Broadway. Times Square. Manhattan is so well known that even the names of its streets have become iconic and understood the world over. This long, thin island is only one of New York City's five boroughs, but it's Manhattan that has the concrete canyons and the inimitable skyline; Manhattan that has the world's brightest theater district; Manhattan that has Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the Met; and Manhattan that includes iconic neighborhoods like Harlem, the Upper East Side, Times Square, and Greenwich Village.