Wild Driftless Adventure Race
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Wild Driftless Adventure Race
The Wild Driftless Adventure Race on October 3, 2026 in Elkader, northeast Iowa, is a multi-discipline navigation event for teams of two to four or solo participants. Competitors receive maps and a compass and must navigate a secret course announced on race day. Checkpoints are mostly optional; teams choose which to visit within each event time limit.
There are three event options with stated time limits and approximate distances:
- Wild Driftless 9 hour Bike 20-34 miles Trek 5-13 miles Paddle 2-8 miles
- Wild Driftless Lite 5 hour Bike 10-15 miles Trek 2-6 miles No paddling
- Wild Driftless Lite Trek only 5 hour Trek up to 15 miles
Race rules and a mandatory gear list are published for entrants. USARA membership is required; single race or yearly options are available through the registration portal. Registration fees vary by date and event: for example, 9-hour entries are listed at $125 by July 31, $140 by August 31, and $150 by September 25; Lite and Trek-only fees have comparable tiered pricing. The event page lists additional details such as special tasks on course, equipment rentals, post-race meal, prizes, and participant limits for future editions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
