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 DRIFTLES
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Elkader, IA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 3.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Elkader, IA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
