Community Builders -

Amanda Hess + The Driftless Half Marathon

By Clara Wodny | Fall 2026 Inspire(d)

The annual Driftless Half Marathon is more than just another test of athleticism and endurance – it’s a uniquely supportive and community-driven race, perfect for runners of all experience levels. Routing primarily along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway between Lansing and Harpers Ferry, Iowa, it has affectionately been dubbed “the most scenic half marathon … EVER!” 

The Driftless Half Marathon (DHM) was founded in 2017 by Lansing’s own Amanda Hess, who had traveled all over the country to participate in various running events. Each time she returned home, she found herself admiring the natural beauty of the surrounding bluffs and river valleys, and realized it would be a beautiful place for a race.

Above photo: The Driftless Half Marathon committee, from left to right: Mark Johnson, Kayla Smith, Amanda Hess, Amanda Robley, Rebecca Manning, and Becky Rea. / Photo courtesy the DHM

“My love for the Driftless Region is what initially inspired me to start this event,” Amanda says. “It’s truly a unique area – plus, the distance between Lansing and Harpers Ferry is perfect for a half marathon!” 

Once the idea was born, it didn’t take too long to get the event up and running, but it did take a village.

A nearby event organizer walked Amanda through logistics: permissions, insurance, sponsorships, and other safety measures. Once they received approval to host the event, the DHM board was formed, which, according to their website, includes a solid group of women (and one awesome dude!).

“I was probably one of the first people to hear Amanda’s idea to start this race, and I thought she was nuts!” recalls Becky Rea, one of the DHM’s initial board members. “But I was also all in from the start, and watching the event grow from an idea into what it is now has been truly inspirational.”

Each board member has a passion for running and a strong desire to give back to their community. The group had a year to organize, promote, and receive registrations for the first event, which took place in October of 2018 and hosted 185 finishers across all distances.

The DHM has been called “the most scenic half marathon ever!” / Photo courtesy Jared Kiley

“I think the small town feel surprises and charms people,” says Maryann Baldwin, another DHM board member since its inception. “Sometimes expectations are low for a town of 1,000 people, but the attention to detail and enthusiasm brought by organizers and volunteers really goes a long way and makes a lasting impact.”

Now, the average registration number is 250. As interest continues to grow, the committee is considering a 350-runner cap, in order to preserve the peace and tranquility that comes with the natural area.

Each year, many local organizations and businesses contribute to planning, promoting, and executing a successful event. Support from Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick, Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker, the Lansing Street Department, and Brian Ridenour and his team at the Allamakee County Engineer’s office has been instrumental. Each year, these teams handle traffic management and emergency planning along the course. The local Harpers Ferry and Lansing Fire Departments have also played an integral role in ensuring smooth operations on race day, from providing a warm indoor space for the often chilly early-morning registrations to using fire trucks for lighting before the sun comes up and more.

“The EMS and Fire Department volunteers donate so much of their time and efforts to the community,” says Amanda, who was so inspired witnessing the partnership between DHM and the local fire department that she went on to get her own EMT license, ultimately joining the Lansing department. “Now I get to be a part of this great group of people who just want to serve their community.”

The Driftless Half Marathon has always made it a priority to serve their community as well, donating 100 percent of their proceeds – since 2018, more than $37,000 – to local nonprofit organizations. These donations fund various projects, such as a “Kindness Campaign” organized by the Lansing Police Department last Christmas. Using $500 of donations, the police distributed gift certificates from Lansing restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations to people they “Caught in the Act” of doing something kind for others. 

Donations toward the Police and Fire Departments also go towards purchasing new life-saving equipment and sending their teams to educational trainings.

“Being from a small town, we know all the first responders, whether they’re family or friends,” says Becky. “I think we’ve all had to rely on them at one point or another, so supporting them was an obvious choice.”

Another recent donation from the DHM went towards training and veterinarian bills for the Lansing Police Department’s K9, Tyr, says Chief of Police Ross Kolsrud.

A grandson and son finish the DHM. / Photo courtesy the Driftless Half Marathon

“Staff and participants of the DHM have always supported law enforcement, through generous donations but also by offering copious thank yous and waves throughout race day,” says Ross. “Out of our three-person department, two of the officers have run the race previously, and our third officer is training to run it for the first time this fall. This is such a special event in our small community and makes a huge impact to support first responders around the area!”

The committee works to support and promote other groups that have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of others as well, like Allamakee Prevention Advisory, which operates under Northeast Iowa’s Helping Services for Youth and Families.

“The Allamakee Prevention Advisory is grateful for this partnership and the shared commitment to bringing resources, support, and awareness to our community,” says Leah Hemseth, prevention coordinator with Helping Services. “Together, we can promote health and well-being while ensuring that individuals and families impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and other life crises know that they are not alone and that help is available.” 

Race participants can also add a donation to the Lansing Iowa Food Trust (L.I.F.T.) through the registration portal, and the committee hosts a food drive and raffle each year that benefits L.I.F.T.

“We are incredibly proud of the ways our community partnerships and involvement has grown over the years,” says Maryann. “At first, people thought they needed to be runners to support the event. As time has gone on, more and more people have discovered how fun it is to come cheer, celebrate, and contribute, regardless of whether they are runners or not.”

A family running in memory of a loved one. / Photo courtesy the DHM

Knowing the background stories of some participants can make the cheering even more fun. For many runners, the Driftless Half Marathon is their first-ever half marathon – one first-timer completed the race alongside his grandfather. And periodically, there will be large groups of family members and friends running in memory of their late loved ones who had been annual participants.

“With stories like these, the event becomes about so much more than running,” says Amanda. “Each story is personal for us. We are honored to be a part of each and every finish line memory.” 

Clara Wodny


Clara Wodny is a 2025 graduate of Luther College, where she fell in love with the Driftless while studying English and Visual Communications. Currently residing up north in her hometown of Duluth, MN, she is a freelance writer and artist, specializing in pottery and printmaking.


    Aerial photo of the DHM route along the Mississippi. / Photo courtesy Jared Kiley

    Ready to Run (or Walk)?

    2026 Driftless Half Marathon, October 10
    Register at www.thedriftlesshalfmarathon.com

    The Driftless Half Marathon is held annually on the second Saturday of October. The fall leaves are usually shining bright this time of year, and the views of the Mississippi River and the Great River Road are always iconic and worth the effort.

    For those who would like to experience the magic of race day themselves, but aren’t quite ready for a full half marathon, there are plenty of other options. If you want to join forces with a running buddy, you can team up to run the half marathon course as a relay, each completing half the distance. The 10k+ option is just slightly longer than your typical 10k, coming in at 6.6 miles and winding along the Mississippi River. Finally, the family-friendly 5k routes adjacent to Highway 9, running towards the river and back, so you can take in the scenic views before crossing the finish line. Strollers are welcome!

    In addition to the event t-shirt and finisher’s medal awarded to all course finishers, the winner of each age category receives a ceramic award, handmade by Compass Ceramics of La Crescent, Minnesota.

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