Wild Driftless Adventure Race
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Wild Driftless Adventure Race : Elkader, Iowa
The Wild Driftless Adventure Race takes place on October 3, 2026, in Elkader, Iowa, with the event hosted at Elkader City Park, 707 S High St. The event is an orienteering-based adventure race for teams of two to four who complete the course together or for solo competitors; it is not a relay. The course is kept secret until race day and must be navigated using provided maps and a compass. Checkpoints are mostly optional and teams choose how much to attempt within the time limits.
There are two race options with time limits and different disciplines. The Wild Driftless is a nine hour race that includes trekking, biking, paddling, and special tasks. The Wild Driftless Lite is a five hour race that includes trekking, biking, and special tasks but no paddling.
Wild Driftless (nine hour)
- Trekking on foot 5–13 miles
- Biking on gravel, paved roads, and trails 18–34 miles
- Paddling in flat water and/or rivers 2–8 miles
- Special tasks
Wild Driftless Lite (five hour)
- Trekking on foot 2–8 miles
- Biking on gravel, paved roads, and trails 10–15 miles
- Special tasks
- No paddling
Registration fees vary by date. USARA membership is required and may be purchased during registration. The 2026 event is open to a total of 350 participants across both race options. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
