Wild Driftless Adventure Race
- Date Sat 3rd October 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Elkader, Iowa
- Price $85.80 - $122.90
- Races 2 races
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Wild Driftless Adventure Race in Elkader, Clayton, on Saturday, October 3, 2026! Nestled in the breathtaking driftless region of northeast Iowa, this event promises stunning limestone bluffs, crystal-clear trout streams, and exhilarating outdoor challenges. Participants can choose between two exciting options: the Wild Driftless 9-hour race, which includes trekking, biking on diverse terrains, and paddling in canoes, or the Wild Driftless Lite 5-hour race, focusing on trekking, biking, and special tasks without the paddling component. This race caters to all skill levels, making it a perfect opportunity for both newcomers and seasoned adventurers to test their limits and explore the scenic beauty of the area. Don't miss your chance to be part of this exhilarating experience!
Organiser's Description
MEET US IN ELKADER FOR THE WILD DRIFTLESS ON OCTOBER 3, 2026!
Soaring limestone bluffs, crystal-clear trout streams and fast-moving rivers, old-growth forests, single-track mountain biking, and some of the most scenic gravel roads youll find anywhere in the world. This isnt just the Iowa cornfields you expectthis is the driftless region!
The Wild Driftless Adventure Race will take you into some of the most scenic areas of NE Iowa, featuring trekking, biking, and paddling for teams of 2-4 or soloists. The course is designed for all ability levels with an eye toward serving as a fantastic entry-level event for first-timers AND challenging the most seasoned adventure racers.
2 OPTIONS FOR TEAMS & SOLOISTS
WILD DRIFTLESS
9-hour time limit
Trekking (on foot)
Biking (gravel roads, paved roads, and trails of all sorts)
Paddling (canoes in flat-water and/or splashy rivers/streams)
Special tasks
WILD DRIFTLESS LITE
5-hour time limit
Trekking (on foot)
Biking (gravel roads, paved roads, and trails)
Special tasks
No paddling
USARA MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
When registering, be sure to click the box at the bottom under "Clubs" for USARA. You can either purchase a single-day membership for $8 or a yearly membership for $35. If you are purchasing a single-event membership, on the "Select your members" page (with the waiver at the bottom) be sure to uncheck the "Start membership immediately" button and select the date of the race (October 3, 2026).
USARA provides sanctioning for our event and secondary insurance for participants.
Soaring limestone bluffs, crystal-clear trout streams and fast-moving rivers, old-growth forests, single-track mountain biking, and some of the most scenic gravel roads youll find anywhere in the world. This isnt just the Iowa cornfields you expectthis is the driftless region!
The Wild Driftless Adventure Race will take you into some of the most scenic areas of NE Iowa, featuring trekking, biking, and paddling for teams of 2-4 or soloists. The course is designed for all ability levels with an eye toward serving as a fantastic entry-level event for first-timers AND challenging the most seasoned adventure racers.
2 OPTIONS FOR TEAMS & SOLOISTS
WILD DRIFTLESS
9-hour time limit
Trekking (on foot)
Biking (gravel roads, paved roads, and trails of all sorts)
Paddling (canoes in flat-water and/or splashy rivers/streams)
Special tasks
WILD DRIFTLESS LITE
5-hour time limit
Trekking (on foot)
Biking (gravel roads, paved roads, and trails)
Special tasks
No paddling
USARA MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
When registering, be sure to click the box at the bottom under "Clubs" for USARA. You can either purchase a single-day membership for $8 or a yearly membership for $35. If you are purchasing a single-event membership, on the "Select your members" page (with the waiver at the bottom) be sure to uncheck the "Start membership immediately" button and select the date of the race (October 3, 2026).
USARA provides sanctioning for our event and secondary insurance for participants.
Races
-
Wild Driftless Adventure Race
Incl. $7.90 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 3rd October 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$122.90
9-hour time limit Trekking, Biking, Paddling, Special Tasks USARA Membership Required (select USARA under Club in the initial registration page. Single-day and yearly options available) -
Wild Driftless Lite
Incl. $5.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 3rd October 2026 (12:00PM CDT)
$85.80
5-hour time limit Trekking, Biking, Special Tasks USARA Membership Required (select USARA under Club in the initial registration page. Single-day and yearly options available)
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
707 S High St, Elkader, 52043, IA, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Wild Driftless Adventure Race
