Things You Need to Know About the 2023 Drake Relays in Downtown DSM

We are excited to welcome athletes and spectators from around the world to Drake University for the 2023 Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom competition from April 23-29.

The America's Athletic Classic fun will begin with the 55th annual Drake Road Races on Sunday, April 23, 2023, and every athlete that crosses the finish line adds their name to the same list of track and field legends who have competed in Drake Stadium. All finishers of the 5K, 10K and half marathon receive a commemorative finisher's medal, a premium Drake Road Races apparel item and a free ticket to the Distance Carnival on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom. Race details are available at DrakeRoadRaces.org.

This year, registrants can again participate virtually or join thousands of Grand Blue Mile participants on Tuesday, April 25 in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Runners, walkers and anyone who wants to participate in one of the nation's premier fitness events can register at GrandBlueMile.com.

The Relays’ Track and field competition begins Wednesday, April 26, with the men's decathlon and women's heptathlon. The combined events conclude Thursday, April 27, followed by the annual Distance Carnival. Friday, April 28, will again be divided into two sessions, featuring the nation's top collegiate athletes alongside Iowa's finest high school athletes.

Relays Fans Should Note:

• The creation of the Drake Relays Shot Put Team Competition held inside historic Drake Fieldhouse on Wednesday, April 26, will be headlined by Ryan Crouser aiming for a new World Record and American World Record holder Chase Ealey. The elite team competition will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday night.
• In addition to the events on the World Athletics Continental Tour, Invitational sections have been added in each of the University/College field events to highlight top collegiate athletes.
• As part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Level competition, Thursday night will include an elite field event for the very first time, shortly after the conclusion of the traditional Elementary shuttle.
• The Friday session maintains the tradition of the Masters 800 meters, alongside the University, College and High School Divisions.
• In addition to 10 World Athletics Continental Tour events including dozens of Olympians, Saturday will culminate with the crowning of three Relays Cup Champions for the first time in history with the University Relays Cup, High School Relays Cup and new this year, College Relays Cup.
• The Xtream Sprint Series, powered by Mediacom, returns featuring Olympians in many fan-favorite events, collegiate stars in the men's and women's 100 meters and for the first time, the finals for the NCAA 100m wheelchair national championship.

More Key Notes for Relays Week:

• The Drake Road Races 10K and half marathon have sold out. Limited space is available for the 5K race.
• The Wellmark Set the Pace Challenge returns in-person and virtually during the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. To register for the Grand Blue Mile, click here. The challenge encourages Iowans to develop sustainable, healthy habits to adopt throughout 2023.
• The Beautiful Bulldog Contest returns to the Knapp Center on Monday, April 24.
• Saturday Relays Live is a free live music event on Forest Avenue, with three free concerts on Saturday, April 29, in collaboration with 80/35 Music Festival.

To view the entire 2023 Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom schedule, click here. For high school meet information, click here and for university and college meet information, click here.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at draketix.com/drakerelays.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.