The Driftless Half Marathon
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The Driftless Half Marathon : Lansing, Iowa
The Driftless Half Marathon is a point-to-point road event in Lansing in Allamakee County, northeast Iowa. The course follows the Great River Road Scenic Byway and includes a four mile gravel stretch on Red Oak Road that offers sustained views of the Mississippi River. At mile 10 the route runs alongside the river to the finish near the Blackhawk Bridge. The event is held annually on the second Saturday in October, when fall foliage is typically at peak color.
Distances and format available:
- Half Marathon 13.1 miles
- Half Marathon Relay teams covering the half marathon route
- 10k+ 6.6 miles, the first half of the half marathon course
- 5k family friendly town course
The organizing group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Proceeds benefit local emergency services and community organizations including the Lansing and Harper’s Ferry Fire and EMS Departments, the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office, scholarship awards for graduating seniors, and local food assistance through an annual food drive. The race offers shirts, medals, and handmade ceramic awards for age group winners. Previous participants have noted organized logistics such as bus transport to the start, visible medical presence, staffed aid stations, and volunteer support along the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
