Loading Events
True Grit Epic MTB 2027

True Grit Epic MTB 2027

Presented by GRO Races · Updated April 2026
Mountain Biking
Santa Clara, UT
Mar 18–20, 2027

About This Event

Set in the desert landscape of Santa Clara, Utah, the True Grit Epic MTB serves as the season opener for the National Ultra Endurance Series. This GRO Races production caps the field at 850 participants and offers multiple distance options, from the punishing TG 100 Epic to shorter challenges.

The course begins in downtown Santa Clara before diving into the rugged terrain south of town. Riders navigate sandy washes, technical rock formations, intricate single-track, and towering ridges that offer sweeping views of red rock country. The route weaves through three distinct riding areas: Red Bluff, Curly Hollow, and Boomer Hill within the Santa Clara River Reserve. Iconic trails like Zen, Bear-Claw Poppy, Stucki Springs, Rim Runner, and Barrel Roll define the course’s technical character. Pre-riding is strongly recommended due to challenging sections.

The TG 100 Epic covers two demanding laps totaling 88 miles with 12,295 feet of climbing, typically taking around 6.5 hours to complete. The TG 50 Epic offers a single lap at 44 miles and 6,197 feet of elevation, finished in just over three hours. A TG 25 Relay splits the 50-mile course between two riders, while the condensed TG 15 Challenge samples the True Grit experience with highlights like Rim Runner Loops and Barrel Roll.

For the truly ambitious, the Extreme Grit Stage Race combines three days: the TG 50 course, a self-supported gravel ride, and the True Grit Gravel Epic. Aid stations provide food, hydration, first aid, and mechanical support at strategic points—two for the 50-mile distance, four for the 100-mile route. Strict cutoff times enforce a 6 PM finish deadline.

Post-race festivities transform Santa Clara’s streets with food trucks, Salt Fire Brewing, and live music from Sky Adobe. The event awards a $5,000 cash purse to category winners, who also earn automatic entries for the following year.

GRO Races, founded in 2009 by Cimarron Chacon, is a premier event producer known for organizing some of the most challenging and scenic cycling events in the U.S. and internationally. Their portfolio includes a variety of mountain bike and gravel races, each designed to push the limits of participants while showcasing stunning landscapes.

One of their flagship events is the True Grit Epic MTB, held in Santa Clara, Utah. This race is renowned for its technical singletrack and scenic desert terrain, making it a bucket-list event for many mountain bikers. The event is part of the National Ultra Endurance Series (NUE), which includes some of the most demanding endurance races in the country​ (Strambecco)​​ (Strambecco).

Another standout event is unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley, which takes place in Pennsylvania. This gravel race is known for its beautifully maintained gravel paths, scenic countryside, and festive atmosphere. The event has quickly gained popularity and is celebrated for its combination of challenging routes and community-driven fun​ (Strambecco).

GRO Races also produces the 25 Hours in Frog Hollow, a unique endurance event held in Hurricane, Utah. This race challenges participants to complete as many laps as possible within 25 hours on a 13-mile loop, offering a mix of technical and scenic desert riding. The event fosters a lively, communal atmosphere with camping options and local dining​ (Strambecco).

For those looking to experience international racing, GRO Races partners with events like The Rift in Iceland, providing riders with an opportunity to tackle the rugged and beautiful Icelandic terrain.

Overall, GRO Races excels in creating memorable and challenging cycling events that attract athletes worldwide. Each race is thoughtfully organized to highlight the natural beauty of its location, offering participants an unparalleled racing experience both on and off the bike​ (Strambecco).

Part of the series

National Ultra Endurance Race Series (NUE)

Explore the series
The Radar

New races, in your inbox

A short email when races worth traveling for open registration. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We never sell or share your email.

Strambecco For the Love of Living

Strambecco is your guide to the world's best outdoor experiences — from epic gran fondos to backcountry ski adventures. We curate the events, share the stories, and connect you with the community.

Learn More