Backroads Gravel Run 2026 was held on Saturday, 8 August 2026 at Nabawa Football Oval, Chapman Valley, WA.
About This Event
Experience the Backroads Gravel Run in the scenic Chapman Valley, WA. With a range of distances from 5km to 160km, this event offers something for every runner and cyclist. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and a community-focused event.
Events & entry fees
Saturday 8 August
-
160kmStart TBA$215
-
100kmStart TBA$165
-
65kmStart TBA$114
-
MarathonStart TBA$149
-
Half MarathonStart TBA$95
-
20kmStart TBA$57
-
14kmStart TBA$57
-
10kmStart TBA$36
-
5kmStart TBA$32
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, 8 August 2026
- Terrain
- Trail/gravel
- Location
- Chapman Valley, Nabawa, WA
- Entry Fee
- $32 - $215
- Difficulty
- Easy to Challenging (multiple distances)
- Start Time
- From approx. 7:30am - varies by distance, check official schedule
- Good for Beginners
- Yes - 5km run and 10km ride options available
Event Details
Course Description
Backroads Gravel starts and finishes at Nabawa Football Oval in the Chapman Valley, north-east of Geraldton, and is the Mid West's biggest mass-participation event. Cyclists choose from the 10km Gravel Groms, 20km Farmroad Flyer, 65km Lupin Loop, 100km Fields of Gold or the flagship 160km Big Canola, which climbs around 1,200m past golden canola paddocks. Runners and walkers take on the 5km Gravel Run, 14km Trail Run, new Half Marathon or full Marathon, crossing gravel roads, grass, dirt and firebreaks, with the marathon climbing about 403m. Expect rolling farmland, wildflowers in season and a friendly, community atmosphere with aid stations and volunteers along the way.
Getting There
Nabawa is located 42km northeast of Geraldton. Travelers can drive via the Geraldton-Nabawa Road. Parking is available at the event venue. It is recommended to arrive early to allow time for registration and preparation.
Weather & What to Pack
August in Nabawa is winter, with daytime temperatures averaging 19°C and overnight lows around 7°C. Dress in layers, wear moisture-wicking clothing, and carry extra warm layers for the cooler nights. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen.
Race details last updated 6 Sep 2026
Planning to run Backroads Gravel Run next time?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
What distances are on offer?
Backroads Gravel offers gravel cycling options of 10km, 20km, 65km, 100km and 160km, plus gravel/trail running options of 5km, 14km, a Half Marathon and a Marathon.
Are there cut-off times?
For some distances. The organisers state there are no on-course cut-off times for the Gravel Runs, the 65km Lupin Loop, the 20km Farmroad Flyer or the 10km Gravel Groms, but cut-offs do apply to the Marathon, 100km and 160km options - check the official schedule for exact times.
Is there a charity component to the event?
Yes, Backroads Gravel raises funds for Midwest Charity Begins at Home, which provides financial relief for Mid West families affected by serious illness.
Are there pre-event training rides available?
Yes, free shake-out rides are held in the lead-up to the event, including social gravel rides at locations such as Darlington and the Nabawa Tavern.
What terrain will I encounter?
The course covers gravel roads, dirt, grass and firebreaks, with the longer cycling routes climbing up to around 1,200m through the Chapman Valley's canola and lupin country.
More Races in WA
Is this your event?
Claim Backroads Gravel Run to keep its details up to date — dates, distances, entry fees and course information. Free, and it takes a minute.
- Correct your race's details yourself, any time
- Runners see accurate info when they're deciding what to enter
- Optionally feature your event in search results