Wild Driftless Adventure Race 2026

The Wild Driftless Adventure Race takes place in October, starting in Elkader, Iowa, within the Driftless Region. Participants navigate the course using trekking, biking, and paddling, competing individually or in teams of two to four. The primary Wild Driftless course has a 9-hour time limit, and a shorter 5-hour version, Wild Driftless Lite, omits the paddling section. The longer course covers approximately 20-34 miles of biking, 5-13 miles of trekking, and 2-8 miles by canoe on calm water and gentle rivers or streams. The Lite course includes biking and trekking distances of about 10-15 miles on the bike and 2-6 miles on foot. The race route crosses limestone bluffs, trout streams, rivers, mature forests, gravel roads, paved roads, trails, and varied terrain. The event is designed to accommodate first-time participants, while the distances, navigation challenges, special tasks, and mountain biking segments offer significant tests for experienced adventure racers. Proceeds from the race benefit Camp Ewalu and local conservation organizations.