Letter to the Editor: Submitted by The Driftless Half Marathon Crew
To the Editor:
The Driftless Half Marathon held annually in Lansing each October has become bigger than just the hobby of running. What started off as a way to share the uniqueness and beauty of Allamakee County, has since turned into a do-good, feel-good fundraiser where everyone can partake.
Each year, folks from across the country come to see what our area of the driftless region has to offer. Some love it so much, they return each year and become known on a first-name basis.
When they arrive in Lansing on race weekend, they are met with friendly faces of the volunteer race committee and locals when they frequent the businesses in town. There are endless comments of how polite and welcoming our townspeople are. Some, being used to larger events in bigger towns and cities, acknowledge how much they love our ‘small-town race’. This is all because of the hospitality our locals provide.
What does it take to execute an event of such a caliber? Well, really, it takes the entire county. We are blessed to have the most generous and cooperative people and groups among us. The team at the County Engineer’s office is willing to post signs encouraging motorists to seek an alternate route.
To provide safety for our many participants and commuters, the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office and Lansing Police Department are on the route to ensure a safe speed is maintained.
On top of that, our volunteers from both Lansing and Harpers Ferry Fire and EMS teams are staged along the course from beginning to end. Because our day starts before the official sunrise, Harpers Ferry Fire provides light with its fire truck.
Instead of having one designated medical tent along the course, these EMS and Fire crews are driving back and forth keeping an eye on everyone. Each year, our participants speak about how happy they are to see them and, most importantly, how safe they feel because they know there’s help close by.
From the very beginning, participants are invited to join our mission of giving back to our community. Bringing awareness to food insecurities has become a priority. During registration, they are able to give to L.I.F.T., our local food shelf with monetary donations. On race weekend, runners and community members are invited to donate to the food drive. And, new this year, a Pit Boss smoker was raffled during the finish line festivities. We want to encourage locals and participants to donate when they can.
Because the Driftless Half Marathon is a 501(c)3 non-profit, 100% of funds raised are donated back to the community. Since the inaugural race in 2018, over $30,000 has been distributed to local EMS and Fire volunteer departments, scholarships to local seniors for continuing education, the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Fund, and the Lansing Police Department.
We truly appreciate the many individuals, groups, sponsors, friends, and family members that help to make the weekend possible. The Driftless Half Marathon would not take place without the many hands that put the work in. As the final runners crossed the finish line and the cheering began to fade, what remained was a powerful sense of community.
Events like this road race are more than just a test of endurance - they’re a celebration of local spirit, unity, and giving back. None of it would be possible without the incredible volunteers who gave their time, energy, and heart to make the day a success. From handing out water to directing traffic, and offering encouragement every step of the way, your support made all the difference. Thank you for showing what it means to go the extra mile - for our runners and for our community.
With humility and gratitude,
The Driftless Half Marathon Crew
Amanda Hess
Becky Rea
Mark Johnson
Rebecca Manning
Kayla Smith
Maryann Baldwin
