8th Annual Driftless Half Marathon
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.
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’.
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.
“The most scenic half marathon you’ll ever do…EVER!”
The Driftless Half Marathon, Relay, and 5k
Saturday, October 11, 2025 (Rain or Shine or SNOW)
7:30 am
PARKING: Free parking is available in the city parking lot/bus garage lot at 220 South 3rd Street, Lansing. Arrive early. DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF THE FIRE STATION. Please use the designated parking lot and walk the short distance to get on the bus.
PACKET PICK UP: Location: Lansing Fire/EMS Department
Friday, October 10, 4-8 pm
Race day 5:30-6:30 am
We do not mail race packets.
COURSE TIME LIMIT: This is a chip-timed event. Course closes at 11:30 am. This allows half marathon and relay runners to have an average pace of 18:19 per mile.
BAG DROP: There will be bag drop available for anyone running the half marathon. The bag drop will be located near the start line in Harper’s Ferry. Bag drop times will be just before the event start on race day. Runners are responsible for providing their own bag or can use their packet bag marked with their bib number. All bags need to be picked up by 12 noon Saturday from the Lansing Fire/EMS Department. Belongings left along the course or at water stations cannot be guaranteed returned. Please use our bag drop. Please note, we are not responsible for any lost, damaged, or misplaced items. We will not mail items left behind, they will be washed and donated depending on condition.
RACE DAY TRANSPORTATION: Runners will be bused to the starting line near Harper’s Ferry. Buses will depart from the Lansing Fire/EMS Department at 6:45 am sharp. Runners will load buses in front of the Lansing Fire Department. Second half relay runners will have a separate bus to take them to the exchange point (departs about 7:45).
AID STATIONS: There will be 5 aid stations along the course providing water, sport drink, and mini first aid kits for minor cuts, chafing, etc. will be provided. There are 3 aid stations with a porta-potty. Approximate mile locations are: 5, 7.5, 9.5 Each aid station along the half marathon course is self-serve.
AWARDS: All registered participants will receive a medal. Each registered runner will also receive a long sleeve shirt. Our shirts are amazing! Not your run-of-the-mill crap. Please note that September 20th is the cut-off date to guarantee a race shirt. Awards will be presented to half marathon first and second place male and female finishers for the following age brackets: 19& under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59,60-69, and 70+. Awards will also be presented to the first place half marathon relay team and the first place overall male and female 5k finisher.