Wild Driftless Adventure Race

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 you’ll find anywhere in the world. This isn’t just the Iowa cornfields you expect—this 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.

The Wild Driftless Adventure Race brings an exciting race distance to Elkader, Iowa on October 3, 2026. Don't miss this beautiful event!