The Driftless Half Marathon

The Driftless Half Marathon in Lansing, Iowa, takes runners on a one-of-a-kind half marathon (13.1 miles / 21.1 km) course through Allamakee County in northeast Iowa, an area known for its towering bluffs and dramatic river valleys. The race is on October 9, 2027: the half marathon, the half marathon relay and the 10K+ (6.6 miles / 10.6 km) start at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K at 8:00 a.m.

The point-to-point course follows the Great River Road Scenic Byway, with peaceful views of the Mississippi. Runners tackle Red Oak Road, a hilly 4-mile (6.4 km) gravel stretch, before a rewarding riverside section toward the finish near the Blackhawk Bridge. The winding route is lit up by the bright orange and red fall foliage the region is known for. Registration fees directly support local first responders, nonprofits and scholarships for young athletes from Lansing and Waukon.