Wild Driftless Adventure Race
Wild Driftless Adventure Race is an adventure race on October 2, 2027 in Decorah, IA, with entry fees from $80 to $115.
- Date
- October 2, 2027 (360 days to go)
- Location
- 400 Claiborne Dr, Decorah, IA
- Price
- $80–$115
- Sport
- Adventure
From the Organizer
Drift less. Visit More! As the Wild Driftless comes to Decorah on October 2, 2027
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.
3 OPTIONS FOR TEAMS & SOLOISTS
WILD DRIFTLESS
9-hour time limit
Trekking (on foot)
Biking (gravel roads, paved roads, and trails of all sorts)
Paddling (canoes in flat-water and/or splashy rivers/streams)
Special tasks
WILD DRIFTLESS LITE
5-hour time limit
Trekking (on foot)
Biking (gravel roads, paved roads, and trails)
Special tasks
No paddling
WILD DRIFTLESS LITE - TREK-ONLY VERSION
5-hour time limit
Trekking (on foot) only!
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.
Events
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
68°
Typical Low
42°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Elkader 6 Ssw, 7 mi from the venue.
About Decorah, IA
Population
7,597
as of 2023
City Elevation
1,162 ft
Nearest Airport
LSE
La Crosse Regional Airport · 47 mi
Major Hub
MSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · 129 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Wild Driftless Adventure Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
360
Days to train
- Race
- Wild Driftless Adventure Race
- Date
- October 2, 2027
- Location
- 400 Claiborne Dr, Decorah, IA
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About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Adventure racing strings together trekking, mountain biking, and paddling — with navigation by map and compass — across a course you have to find as much as finish. Most events are raced as a team, often over many hours or even multiple days.
It rewards the all-rounder and the problem-solver as much as the pure athlete: route choice, teamwork, and staying steady when you're tired and off the map are as much the challenge as the miles.
Adventure Racing
Trek, mountain bike, and paddle with navigation between checkpoints — from a few hours to multi-day expeditions, usually in teams.
More Adventure races near Decorah, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wild Driftless Adventure Race?
When and where is the Wild Driftless Adventure Race?
How do I register for the Wild Driftless Adventure Race?
Wild Driftless Adventure Race
Oct 2, 2027