By Jennifer Theurer

The Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash organizers have added a new category to this year’s event. Race Director Mark Hoffman said there is something for riders at every level, but the newest category is for the more experienced rider.

“We have a new event category this year, 250-mile ultra distance,” he said. “Up to this point, we’ve only had 120-mile categories so we’re doubling that.”

The event offers categories for riders of all ages and experience levels including one for e-bikes. Spectators are encouraged to cheer riders at the starting line and at specific checkpoints along the route with everyone meeting back at the finish line. Riders often bring family and Hoffman says the city of Marysville has made efforts to support the gravel dash.

“We have other activities going on throughout the day. Wayne Kruse does a tremendous job of organizing other things going on downtown,” he said.

Organizers hosted 400 riders last year and expect to have the same amount attend this year’s event. Hoffman said no matter the weather everyone has the same goal of reaching the finish line and time goes faster when there’s lots of people and conversation to make the ride more fun. He also mentioned how important volunteers are to making the event a success.

“We have a lot of kids’ groups, 4-H, school groups, and church groups involved,” he said. “We have a tremendous base of volunteers here in the Marysville area and surrounding communities.”