Life Time Unveils 2026 Grand Prix Series

Rhea-AI Summary

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) unveiled the format, selection process and prize structure for the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix, its fifth off-road cycling season. The series expands financial support with a record $590,000 total prize purse (a 55% increase from 2025), including $350,000 for the overall podium ($175,000 per gender), $60,000 purses at UNBOUND Gravel and Leadville, $30,000 at other events, and a new $2,500 professional finisher compensation for overall places 11+.

Six events comprise the calendar; fields will be 25 men and 25 women, best five of six results count, applications open Oct 27–Nov 5, 2025, and the roster is announced Nov 11, 2025. Live broadcasts return for four events.

Positive

• Prize purse increased 55% to $590,000
• Podium pool expanded to $350,000 ($175,000 per gender)
• $60,000 prize at UNBOUND Gravel and Leadville each
• $2,500 pro finisher compensation for overall 11th+
• Live coverage for four events to boost exposure
• 25-athlete fields per gender with best-5-of-6 scoring

Negative

• None.

Insights

Sports Events Strategist

Life Time sharply raises athlete investment and boosts event monetization via a larger prize pool and live coverage.

Life Time increases the 2026 Grand Prix prize purse to $590,000, a 55% rise from 2025, and allocates $350,000 to the overall podium split equally between men and women. The series adds $60,000 purses at UNBOUND Gravel and Leadville, $30,000 at other events, and introduces $2,500 professional finisher compensation for athletes finishing 11th or worse with three event finishes. Live real-time broadcasts will return for four events, and athlete entries and select benefits remain covered by the Series, including club access and complimentary event entries.

The business mechanism centers on direct athlete support and expanded media exposure to grow participation and fan engagement while signaling stronger financial commitment. Key dependencies include athlete application and selection details, execution of live broadcasts, and retention of major event partnerships. Risks disclosed are limited to selection discretion and requirement thresholds; selection relies on performance at named events and Life Time retains sole roster control.

Concrete items to watch: the application window opens October 27 and closes November 5, withdrawals close November 10, and the 2026 roster will be announced on November 11. Monitor whether all six listed events proceed with live coverage and whether the advertised prize allocations are paid as stated during the 2026 season.

Refined Selection Process and Increased Prize Purse Highlight Fifth Season of Premier Off-Road Cycling 
Series; Application Window Opens October 27

CHANHASSEN, Minn., Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Time, (NYSE: LTH), the nation's premier healthy lifestyle brand and athletic events owner and producer, has announced the format, prize structure and application details for the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix.

Since its inception, the Life Time Grand Prix has redefined off-road racing by combining mountain and gravel disciplines into one professional, gender-equal league. For 2026, the series continues to advance its mission – to provide a sustainable, competitive platform for professional cyclists, fostering deeper fan connection and athlete opportunity.

The fifth season will see record investment in athletes, including $590,000 in prize money across the series, with $350,000 dedicated to the overall Life Time Grand Prix podium, increased prize purses to $60,000 at UNBOUND Gravel and the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, and $30,000 prize purses at the remaining events. Additionally, the series will feature a new $2,500 professional finisher compensation and the return of live coverage. Applications open October 27 through November 5, with the official 2026 roster announced November 11.

Event Lineup and Live Coverage

The 2026 Life Time Grand Prix will feature six iconic events, with each athlete's best five finishes counting toward the overall standings. The races include:

Thursday, April 16: Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel
Saturday, May 30: Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200 presented by Shimano
Saturday, August 15: Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik
Saturday, September 19: Life Time Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival
Sunday, October 11: Life Time Little Sugar MTB
Saturday, October 17: Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Kenetik

Building on the success of the live coverage in 2025, Life Time will provide real-time race broadcasts for four 2026 Series events, including the Sea Otter Classic Gravel, UNBOUND Gravel 200, Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Big Sugar Gravel. Just as with last year, bringing the action to viewers around the world has proven to grow enthusiasm for the sport and deepen the connection between athletes and fans.

Event Application Timing

Monday, October 27 marks the start of the 2026 athlete application window, which will close on Wednesday, November 5. The final day to withdraw applications is Monday, November 10, as athlete selections will be announced on Tuesday, November 11. Athletes must be 18 years or older as of December 31, 2025.

Selection Process

Each men's and women's field will feature 25 athletes, selected through a refined, performance-based process.

Each 2026 roster will include:

• The top five overall finishers from the 2025 Grand Prix
• The top overall U23 athlete from the 2025 series
• A minimum of 16 selected athletes (additional slots may open if one or more top-five athletes do not return)
• Three Wild Card athletes, chosen following Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200

Applications will be evaluated based on performances over the past 12 months at Life Time-owned and select national and international off-road events, including the Sea Otter Classic, UNBOUND Gravel, Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Chequamegon MTB Festival, The Rad Dirt Fest, Crusher in the Tushar, Lutsen 99er, and global events such as Cape Epic, BC Bike Race, and the UCI Gravel World Championships.

Athletes must be 18 years or older by December 31, 2025. Life Time retains sole discretion to evaluate athletes and determine the final roster.

Return of the Wild Card

The Wild Card will return in 2026 following its successful launch last year, adding a chance for riders who were not accepted in the initial selection to make their mark. To be selected as a Wild Card, athletes must have applied for the 2026 series, indicated they want to be included in the Wild Card pool, and have competed at both the Sea Otter Classic Gravel and UNBOUND Gravel 200. Wild Card riders will be scored on their performances at these two events, with the top three women and men being added to the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix. Additional Wild Card spots may be added if any selected athletes withdraw before July 1, 2026.

Prize Purse Expansion

Life Time is increasing its financial commitment to the sport in 2026, with a record-setting prize purse of $590,000 across the series – a 55% increase from 2025 – to reward top performances and support athlete participation.

The total prize purse for the Life Time Grand Prix podium has grown to a total of $350,000 – or  $175,000 divided between the women's and men's podiums – with payouts extending through 10th place:

• 1st – $50,000
• 2nd – $33,000
• 3rd – $21,000
• 4th – $16,000
• 5th – $13,500
• 6th – $10,000
• 7th – $9,000
• 8th – $8,000
• 9th – $7,500
• 10th – $7,000

In addition to the series prize purse, UNBOUND Gravel 200 and Leadville Trail 100 MTB will each feature $60,000 in prize money, making them two of the most lucrative off-road races in North America. All other Grand Prix events will maintain a $30,000 prize purse. As in 2025, these individual race prize purses will be allocated to the top-five female and male finishers in each event, regardless of whether they are competing in the Life Time Grand Prix.

New for 2026, athletes who place 11th and beyond in the LTGP overall (with at least three event finishes) will receive $2,500 in professional finisher compensation, recognizing the commitment required throughout the season.

Athlete Benefits and Support

As in past seasons, all Grand Prix athlete entries will be covered by the Series. In 2026 this will expand to now include all U23 athletes who are selected for the program following UNBOUND Gravel.

New for 2026, athletes selected for the series will also receive:

• Complimentary entry into Life Time events nationwide — including the Silver Rush 50, Sea Otter Classic, Tahoe Trail, Crusher in the Tushar, The Rad Dirt Fest, Lutsen 99er presented by Visit Cook County and more.
• Professional media exposure through Life Time's broadcast, YouTube, and digital channels.
• Complimentary access to Life Time's more than 185 athletic country club locations across North America for training and recovery support.

Kimo Seymour, Life Time President Media & Events, said: "We're very proud of how far the Life Time Grand Prix has advanced in just four seasons, with 2026 reflecting our elevated and ongoing commitment to professional off-road cycling. With the expanded prize purse, a more structured and performance-based selection process, and our investment in athlete development through the U23 program, we've created an unparalleled platform that both acknowledges and rewards the most dedicated and accomplished riders in the sport."

To apply for or learn more about the Life Time Grand Prix, visit lifetimegrandprix.com and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. To learn more about Life Time, visit lifetime.life.

About Life Time
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its more than 185 athletic country clubs across the U.S. and Canada, the complimentary and comprehensive Life Time app featuring its L•AI•C™ AI-powered health companion, and more than 30 iconic athletic events. Serving people ages 90 days to 90+ years, the Life Time ecosystem uniquely delivers healthy living, healthy aging, and healthy entertainment experiences, a range of unique healthy way of life programs, highly trusted LTH nutritional supplements and more. Recognized as a Great Place to Work®, the company is committed to upholding an exceptional culture for its 43,000 team members.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/life-time-unveils-2026-grand-prix-series-302592999.html

SOURCE Life Time, Inc.

FAQ

When does the Life Time Grand Prix (LTH) 2026 athlete application window open and close?

Applications open Oct 27, 2025 and close Nov 5, 2025, with withdrawals possible through Nov 10, 2025 and rosters announced Nov 11, 2025.

How much is the total 2026 Life Time Grand Prix (LTH) prize purse and how does that compare to 2025?

The total prize purse is $590,000, a 55% increase versus 2025.

What is the Life Time Grand Prix (LTH) podium payout for 2026?

The series podium pool is $350,000 total — $175,000 per gender — with payouts through 10th place (1st: $50,000; 2nd: $33,000; 3rd: $21,000).

Which 2026 Life Time Grand Prix (LTH) events offer the largest individual race prize money?

UNBOUND Gravel 200 and Leadville Trail 100 MTB each feature $60,000 prize purses in 2026.

What new athlete compensation or benefits are included in the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix (LTH)?

New for 2026: $2,500 professional finisher compensation for overall 11th+ (with ≥3 finishes), complimentary event entries, media exposure, and access to Life Time club locations.

How are athletes selected for the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix (LTH) roster?

Each 25-athlete men's and women's field includes 2025 top-five finishers, top U23, at least 16 selected athletes, and three Wild Cards chosen after UNBOUND Gravel based on prior 12-month performances.