The Driftless Half Marathon, Relay, and 5k
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Lansing, Iowa
"The most scenic half marathon you'll ever do...EVER!"
“The Driftless was by far the most scenic race I have ever encountered. The course was challenging, yet rewarding. The race was well organized, making it an even more enjoyable experience. Thanks for a memorable race!” –Connie F.
“What a beautiful run! Putting this on the calendar for next year! It was great to have the option of the 5k, 10k/relay, and half. The support along the way was fantastic!” –Stacie J.
“Well organized and beautiful race! A must do fall half marathon. Loved the constant EMS presence along the route -made me feel very safe on the highway the entire run!” –Kelly H.
"You folks put on a great event. I have run many longer-distance races (about 300), and I will be back next year. This one's a keeper." -Dave S.
“Great race, very well run. beautiful scenery!”
–Lynn L.
"It was my first time participating and everything about it from start to finish was amazing. Two weeks ago I ran a Trail Sisters event in Buena Vista, CO. While the Rocky Mountains are indeed beautiful, I felt that the scenery of the Driftless Half Marathon, especially this time of year, is every bit as breath taking." - Joan B.
"Of our combined 45 years of long distance running experience, The Driftless was without doubt, the most scenic and well-organized small-town race - ever. Medical was top-shelf. We have never had such good medical on any other race. And those beautiful, hand-made ceramic awards - absolutely unheard of! Aid stations perfect, dropped clothes at the aid stations were returned to the fire house. OUTSTANDING runner support." - Bob & Barbara D.
“I've run 10 different half marathon courses and this, by far, was the most scenic. It was also well orchestrated. The race organizers were friendly -- as were all the people of Lansing -- and accommodating." -Carla S.
"I can’t honestly think of anything that you could have done better. I have done about 50 Half’s or Marathons around the world, big and small, and this was as well or better organised as any event anywhere. (Note my English spelling there, just in case you still think I am from Iowa…) Starts sometimes are stressful, but your pickup, bus transport and the start itself were great. Of course I saw the same supporters maybe 3 or 4 times through the race, which was fun in itself - felt like I was getting to know you all by the end! Best bits were Red Oak Road (the forest was beautiful) and the long run next to the water at the end. Even the Bad Hill wasn’t that bad really. " - Mark H.
“Beautiful scenery, helpful and happy volunteers, and a challenging course that is a great accomplishment to complete!” –Bethany H.
“Quite possibly the best half marathon I've ran and hope this puts Lansing on the map for years to come!” –Clifton S. -Iowa Running Company
"The start line was at a great location! Scenic and I felt like I had enough space to warm up. The finish line support, energy, and snacks were perfect! The TV screen with the results was super helpful too! Overall, it was a really great race and I loved exploring an area of Iowa I had not previously known. Lansing has so much character. The bus system to the start line was seamless. At other races it seems so stressful, but my experience at the Driftless Half was clear and organized!" - Natalie R.
Experience Allamakee County in Northeast Iowa like never before! Enjoy the scenic views while running (or walking) in an area best known for its tall bluffs and carved river valleys. The DHM course is point-to-point taking place on the Great River Road Scenic Byway. Runners are given a serene view of the Mississippi River while running on Red Oak Road, a 4 mile stretch of gravel. The views don't end there! The fall foliage is typically at peak color the weekend of our event. You will be greeted by many burnt orange and vibrant red trees. At mile 10, participants run along the river all the way to the finish line near the Blackhawk Bridge! You won't have time to be bored on this course.
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So you want to run, just not the whole 13.1? Don't go it alone! Recruit a friend and run the route as a relay team. New for 2025....we're adding a 10k(+) event! Run the first half of the half marathon course. The 10k+ is 6.6 miles - a little longer the typical 10k. There is also a family friendly 5k that will take place in the town of Lansing. There is a distance for everyone no matter what fitness level you're at! The DHM proudly offers military and EMS/Fire Rescue discounts! Message us for further details. Held annually the second Saturday in October. We look forward to you joining us this fall at the Driftless Half Marathon, Relay, and 5k event
We are all about the details! Read the reviews from previous participants and it won't take you long to learn that the DHM is a high-quality race. From the shirts to the medals to the HANDMADE ceramic awards (for our age group winners), this race has it all! Trust us, you want this to be your 'Iowa Race'.
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The Driftless Half Marathon is a 501(3)c nonprofit. The Race Committee is made up of women (and one awesome dude) that have a passion for running. We believe in giving back to the community we are lucky to call home. We hope to make a positive impact while also motivating people to be active. Proceeds from the DHM event benefits the local Fire and EMS Departments of Lansing and Harper's Ferry, the Allamakee County Sheriff's Office, and other local nonprofit organizations. We also award scholarships to graduating seniors from Lansing and Waukon. To date, we've donated over $25,000! Each year, we also do a food drive to benefit L.I.F.T. (Lansing Iowa Food Trust). We are grateful to be able to make an impact doing what we love while including those with the same passion for the sport of running.
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