The Driftless Half Marathon
Northeast Iowa bluff country gives this half a point-to-point route on the Great River Road, including four gravel miles high above the Mississippi.
Every link above goes to the race, its timing provider, or an official registration partner. Last checked July 27, 2026.
Quick facts
- Point-to-point on the Great River Road with a four-mile gravel section.
- One sustained climb, known locally as Bad Hill, plus rolling bluff terrain.
- Scheduled for the second Saturday in October, usually peak fall color.
- Two-person relay, a 6.6-mile option, and a 5K share the day.
2026 The Driftless Half Marathon registration
Registration for the 2026 The Driftless Half Marathon runs through the official registration page at runsignup.com.
About the The Driftless Half Marathon
Lansing sits in the Driftless Area, the corner of the upper Midwest the glaciers missed, and the race exists mostly to show that off. It lands on the second Saturday in October, which usually coincides with peak color in Allamakee County. Age-group awards are handmade ceramics rather than plastic medals, which tells you roughly what kind of race this is.
Course
The route follows the Great River Road National Scenic Byway through carved river valleys and under tall bluffs, then detours onto four gravel miles on Red Oak Road with Mississippi views. Runners hit a sustained climb that regulars simply call Bad Hill, and the closing miles drop back alongside the river toward the finish near the Blackhawk Bridge. Road shoes handle the gravel fine, but this is not a course for chasing a flat-road time.
Race-day weather
Mid-October in northeast Iowa typically starts in the 30s or low 40s and warms into the 50s. River-valley fog is common at the 7:30 a.m. start, and the bluff sections can be several degrees colder than the town below.
Past The Driftless Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
The Driftless Half Marathon FAQ
When is the The Driftless Half Marathon?
The 2026 The Driftless Half Marathon is on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
How do I register for the The Driftless Half Marathon?
Register for the The Driftless Half Marathon through the official registration link: marathonscout.com/go/driftless-half-marathon/register. It opens the race registration page at runsignup.com.
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