Wild Driftless Adventure Race
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Wild Driftless Adventure Race
The Wild Driftless Adventure Race is scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Elkader, Iowa. The event is hosted at Elkader City Park (707 S High St, Elkader, IA 52043) and offers two timed multisport options for teams and solo competitors.
Teams of 2-4 complete the course together; solo entrants may compete alone. The race is not a relay. The course is secret and revealed on race day. Competitors navigate using only provided maps and a compass and follow race instructions to reach checkpoints. Most checkpoints are optional and teams choose how many to visit within the time limit. Time limits are nine hours for the full Wild Driftless course and five hours for the Lite course.
Distances:
- Wild Driftless (9-hour) - Trek 5-13 miles; Bike 18-34 miles; Paddle 2-8 miles
- Wild Driftless Lite (5-hour) - Trek 2-8 miles; Bike 10-15 miles; No paddling
Registration fees vary by date with tiered pricing in 2026; USARA membership is required (single race $8 or yearly $35). The event is limited to 350 participants across both race options. Terrain draws on the Driftless Region, including limestone bluffs, trout streams, old-growth forest, single-track trail, and scenic gravel roads. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
