Wild Driftless Adventure Race
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Wild Driftless Adventure Race : overview
Wild Driftless is an adventure race held in Elkader, Iowa, with the event base at Elkader City Park (707 S High St). Materials for the event list early-October dates, including October 4, 2025 and October 3, 2026. The course uses terrain in the Driftless Region and includes limestone bluffs, trout streams, rivers, old-growth forest, single-track mountain-bike sections, and scenic gravel roads. Teams of 2-4 or solo entrants navigate to checkpoints using trekking, cycling, and, on the full course, paddling. Mandatory gear and race rules are published as downloadable documents.
Race formats, distances and entry details
Two race options are offered:
- Wild Driftless (9-hour): Trek 5–13 miles, bike 20–34 miles, paddle 2–8 miles, plus special tasks and an optional ropes section.
- Wild Driftless Lite (5-hour): Trek 2–6 miles, bike 10–15 miles, special tasks and optional ropes section; no paddling.
RunSignup lists base registration prices of $115 for the 9-hour event and $80 for the 5-hour event. USARA membership is required (single-day $8 or yearly $35). Some materials note costs are per participant and add $20 for soloists. Registration is shown to open January 5, 2026 on the event page. Sponsors, race rules, and mandatory-gear lists are provided by the organizers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.