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, taking place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in the stunning town of Elkader, Clayton County, Iowa. This exhilarating race invites participants to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Driftless region, characterized by soaring limestone bluffs, crystal-clear trout streams, and lush old-growth forests.
Whether you're a seasoned racer or a first-time adventurer, the Wild Driftless offers two exciting race options: the 9-hour Wild Driftless course featuring trekking, biking, and paddling, and the shorter 5-hour Wild Driftless Lite designed for those looking for a more accessible challenge. Teams of 2-4 or soloists will navigate through scenic gravel roads, single-track mountain biking trails, and gentle rivers while completing special tasks and optional rope sections. Mark your calendars and prepare for an incredible day of outdoor fun and camaraderie in one of Iowa's most picturesque settings! Registration opens on January 5, so be sure to secure your spot for this thrilling adventure!
Whether you're a seasoned racer or a first-time adventurer, the Wild Driftless offers two exciting race options: the 9-hour Wild Driftless course featuring trekking, biking, and paddling, and the shorter 5-hour Wild Driftless Lite designed for those looking for a more accessible challenge. Teams of 2-4 or soloists will navigate through scenic gravel roads, single-track mountain biking trails, and gentle rivers while completing special tasks and optional rope sections. Mark your calendars and prepare for an incredible day of outdoor fun and camaraderie in one of Iowa's most picturesque settings! Registration opens on January 5, so be sure to secure your spot for this thrilling adventure!
Organiser's Description
REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 5. JOIN US FOR NEXT YEAR'S 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, including single-track mountain biking)
Paddling (canoes in flat-water and gentle rivers/streams)
Special tasks, including optional ropes section
WILD DRIFTLESS LITE
5-hour time limit
Trekking (on foot)
Biking (gravel roads, paved roads, and grassy/double-track trails)
Special tasks, including optional ropes section
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, including single-track mountain biking)
Paddling (canoes in flat-water and gentle rivers/streams)
Special tasks, including optional ropes section
WILD DRIFTLESS LITE
5-hour time limit
Trekking (on foot)
Biking (gravel roads, paved roads, and grassy/double-track trails)
Special tasks, including optional ropes section
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)
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707 S High St, Elkader, 52043, IA, United States
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