Wild Driftless Adventure Race
OCT
3
2026
The Wild Driftless Adventure Race explores the scenic limestone bluffs and forests of northeastern Iowa. Teams or solo racers choose between a 9-hour full course with trekking, biking, and paddling, or a 5-hour Lite version without the water section.
Sat 3 Oct 2026
Wild Driftless Lite
Wild Driftless
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Wild Driftless Adventure Race
This adventure race takes place in Elkader, Iowa, in the Driftless Region of northeastern Iowa. The landscape features limestone bluffs, trout streams, rivers, old-growth forests, and gravel roads.
Two event options are offered, both open to solo participants or teams of two to four people.
Wild Driftless
- Has a 9-hour time limit.
- Disciplines include trekking on foot, biking on gravel roads, paved roads, and trails (including single-track mountain biking), and paddling canoes on flat water and gentle rivers.
- Includes special tasks and an optional ropes section.
Wild Driftless Lite
- Has a 5-hour time limit.
- Disciplines include trekking on foot and biking on gravel roads, paved roads, and grassy trails.
- Includes special tasks and an optional ropes section.
- Does not include paddling.
A membership with USARA (United States Adventure Racing Association) is required for participation, with single-day or annual options available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
9 hr
Wild Driftless
5 hr
Wild Driftless Lite