Wild Driftless Adventure Race
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Event overview
The Wild Driftless Adventure Race is set for Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Elkader, Iowa. The race takes place from a central location at 707 S High St, Elkader, IA 52043. The course moves through the driftless region of northeast Iowa and features limestone bluffs, trout streams and rivers, old-growth forest, single-track mountain biking, and gravel roads.
Race formats and requirements
There are two event options for teams of 2-4 or solo participants:
- Wild Driftless: 9-hour time limit; includes trekking, biking (gravel, paved, and trail single-track), paddling in canoes on flat-water and gentle rivers/streams, and special tasks including an optional ropes section.
- Wild Driftless Lite: 5-hour time limit; includes trekking, biking (gravel, paved, and grassy/double-track trails), and special tasks including an optional ropes section; no paddling.
Registration opens January 5, 2026. Listed entry fees are $115 for the Wild Driftless event and $80 for the Wild Driftless Lite event. USARA membership is required for participation; options shown include a single-day membership for $8 or a yearly membership for $35. USARA provides event sanctioning and secondary insurance for participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.