HalfRuns
Kisatchie Crusher- Gravel, Run, Fondo & MTB

Kisatchie Crusher- Gravel, Run, Fondo & MTB

Kisatchie Crusher offers a multi-discipline weekend in Louisiana's Kisatchie National Forest.

Race Date

Sep 12, 2026

Location

Minden, LA

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Location
Minden, Louisiana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat Post RaceGreat Swag

Course

Shaded

The Experience

The Kisatchie Crusher transforms Minden, Louisiana, into a hub for outdoor adventure over a full weekend. Participants can choose from gravel races, road fondos, or mountain bike challenges, with options for camping or group lodging onsite at Beaver Dam Kisatchie. The event champions local trail development, with all proceeds benefiting Bike Minden.

The courses offer varied terrain and elevation. Gravel races span 18, 43, or 66 miles, featuring a mix of gravel and paved surfaces. The road fondo rides, available in 18, 33, or 54-mile options, showcase scenic backroads with minimal traffic and good elevation. For mountain bikers, the classic Sugar Cane Trail awaits, promising a mix of dirt, roots, and climbs.

All participants receive a T-shirt and a post-race meal. Early bird pricing is available for those who register by July 3rd, and a T-shirt is guaranteed for registrations by September 3rd. The event is set in a shaded day-use area with amenities including restrooms and a sandy beach.

Race-provided description

2nd Annual Kisatchie Crusher is now a weekend experience in Minden, LA!  Gravel Race & 5k/10k on Saturday Sept 12th.  Road Fondo & MTB Race on Sunday Sept 13th.  Camping or group lodging onsite is encouraged!  RV sites with all the hookups are available at www.recreation.gov $33 a night, search Beaver Dam Kisatchie.  www.CampCaney.com has bunkbed style cabins that sleep 10 for $125 a night.  Kitchen in another building.  Race is at Day Use Area with plenty of shade, amphitheater, picnic tables, AC power, restrooms, sandy beach & lake swimming.  Register by Sept 3rd at 11:59pm to get a T-shirt.  Post race meal is included in registration price.  $5 park fee is covered by your signup!  All routes will be well marked.  Downloading routes is encouraged.  Aid stations on 5k/10k & longer cycling distances.  Event photos.  Swag bags & giveaways courtesy of our sponsors.  Bike wash station.  Showers (you will get dusty).  Check in will be closer to parking lot.  Helmets required for all cycling events. Single Speed will have separate category & will be awarded top 3 in the 66 mile & will have separate category & will be awarded top 3 on Cat 2 course.   Gravel Bike Race is 18, 43 or 66 mile options.  Course is about 50/50 gravel/paved with good elevation, scenic piney wood views. Chip Timed. E-bikes are welcome.   18 Route:  1200’ elevation  https://www.strava.com/routes/3468654194883482000 43 Route:  2900’ elevation  https://www.strava.com/routes/3478394311340644976 66 Route:  4400’ elevation  https://www.strava.com/routes/3495451532467670484 5k/10k Run or Walk is on paved roads inside the park with beautiful lake views.  Chip Timed Fondo Road Shakeout Ride is 18, 33 or 54 miles.100% paved back country roads with scenic bayou view, curvy piney woods roads & good elevation.  Each Route will have 2-3 Strava Segments that will be marked, so we can find out who is the fastest! E-bikes are welcome.   18 Route:  1000’ elevation  https://www.strava.com/routes/3488749204711464304 33 Route:  1600’ elevation  https://www.strava.com/routes/3488328420019967228 54 Route:  3200’ elevation  https://www.strava.com/routes/3488749204720455024 MTB Race is on classic Sugar Cane Trail with some extra thrown in! Dirt, Roots & some Climbs! Chip Timed. E-bikes are not allowed on MTB trails per Rangers. Beginners (1 Lap) 118’ elevation  https://www.strava.com/routes/3405045975709299750 Cat 3 (2 Laps)  680’ elevation  https://www.strava.com/routes/3508314976002466540  Cat 2 & Single Speed (3 Laps)  1032’ elevation https://www.strava.com/routes/3508314976002466540  Cat 1 (3 Laps)  1032’ elevation  https://www.strava.com/routes/3508314976002466540  All Participants get a post race meal & T-Shirt.  Register by July 31st at 5pm for early bird pricing.  Price increase on Aug 31st 5pm also. Register by Sept 3rd to get T-Shirt! All proceeds go to Bike Minden for trail maintenance & expansion at Caney Lakes & Kisatchie Forest. No Refunds. Thank You Kisatchie Crusher Event Team & Bike Minden

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Start Time

9:30 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

216 Caney Lake Park Rd., Minden, LA, 71055

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Forest, Rural

Surface

Dirt Trail, Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details2/15

limited extras

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather0/10

typical high 88°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

67°

Afternoon (High)

88°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.0"

Precipitation

7 mph

Wind

65%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the Kisatchie Crusher- Gravel, Run, Fondo & MTB?

The Kisatchie Crusher- Gravel, Run, Fondo & MTB is held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, starting at 9:30 AM.

Where does the Kisatchie Crusher- Gravel, Run, Fondo & MTB take place?

It takes place in Minden, Louisiana.

What distances does the Kisatchie Crusher- Gravel, Run, Fondo & MTB offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the Kisatchie Crusher- Gravel, Run, Fondo & MTB course flat and good for a PR?

The Kisatchie Crusher- Gravel, Run, Fondo & MTB is a rolling hills, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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