The 6th annual Driftless Half Marathon from Harpers Ferry to Lansing will be held Saturday, Oct. 14. (submitted photo)
For half marathoners across the country, the Driftless Half Marathon is the perfect combination of challenge and incredible scenery in the Driftless as fall unfolds its vibrant colors.
Amanda Hess of Lansing, event organizer, has planned another great event taking place Saturday, Oct. 14. The course runs along the National Scenic Byway starting in Harpers Ferry heading north to Lansing, with a detour onto Red Oak Road.
To date, over $21,000 has been gifted back to local non-profits to strengthen the Lansing and Waukon communities through donations to the Lansing Police Department’s Kindness Campaign, the Sheriff’s Office K9 fund, local volunteer fire departments and emergency first responders, and local scholarships for high school seniors in Lansing and Waukon school districts.
Hess, an avid runner, stated, “I like to travel to do running events, and always thought Allamakee County’s interesting and unique landscape would suit people like me. It’s one of the most beautiful places, and I’d say, “Someone should really create a running event here”. I had the idea for a few years, but was waiting for someone else to get it going. In 2017, when no one else had started it up, I decided to just do it myself. We hosted our first event in 2018. It was amazing. It has been ever since!”
With the race in its sixth year, Hess commented that she’s seen people come to the area from across the U.S. to race, “There are many returning participants and there are quite a few that have participated in an event for all six years. I’m humbled when runners pick the smaller DHM over other races.”
With a small volunteer group, she limits the registrations to between 250 and 300 each year.
“If it were more, I’d be afraid to lose that small-town feel. I like not tripping over people’s feet or having to weave through the crowd. It’s all about the scenery, not the large crowds. I like being able to share that side of Lansing and Allamakee County. Filled with some of the most generous and kind people you will ever meet. I can see how much people enjoy it, too.”
Part of that small-town feel is having several local Lansing organizations involved. While separate organizations, they all work together for the event.
“For the past few years, the Kee High School Music Club has hosted a community breakfast, which the participants really enjoy. The Lansing Lion’s Club has sold T-shirts to raise money for their group. We want the DHM to be an event to encourage local non-profit participation. No competition, let’s support each other, we all have the same goal. More traffic for them, the better for everyone.”
The race itself is a multi-faceted event, offering a 13.1 mile half-marathon for individuals or relay teams, or a 5K option that’s more family-friendly. This appeals to participants of any ability or age. “It’s so rewarding to see someone attend The DHM for their first race. I remember my first race, it was relatively flat! For someone to pick our race with ‘the big hill’ is extra special.”
Hess thrives on feedback from the participants, and relies on her Race Committee – all runners of various preferences and abilities – to bring the ideas together to ensure the participants have the best experience possible.
Hess admitted waiting for someone else to do something to start the half marathon wasn’t an option. “I was growing impatient. When God puts something on your heart, do it, just go for it, don’t wait for someone else. You’ll have nay-sayers, but you don’t have to do it alone. We started this with a group of women – wives, mothers, farmers, very busy people – with a shared passion. I’m happy to say we’ve been able to impact the community in a big way. The DHM is supported by very faithful sponsors. Our event isn’t possible without their donations.
The DHM gives back to the organizations that do so much for their community, and have made Lansing the benchmark for other small towns for their participants while putting their passion and Driftless scenic vistas on the line. For more information on the DHM, visit www.thedriftlesshalfmarathon.com, or visit their Facebook page.
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