About the Drake Relays 

The Drake Relays, known as America’s Athletic Classic, is an outdoor track and field event held annually in Drake Stadium on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. It is widely regarded as one of the top track and field meets in the United States.

In 2020, the Drake Relays was named a Silver Level event on the World Athletics Continental Tour — one of only two competitions in the U.S. to earn this distinction.

Dates

• The 2026 Relays will be the 116th edition, scheduled Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday, April 25, 2026.
• Future dates: 
  
  • 117th Drake Relays: April 21–24, 2027
  • 118th Drake Relays - April 26-29 2028

History & Growth

• Founded in 1910, the first Drake Relays drew just 82 athletes and around 100 spectators, all from local colleges and high schools. By 1914, the Relays had already seen its first world record, and by 1922 it attracted 10,000 fans, becoming the first major track and field event ever broadcast on radio.
• The event moved to the newly built Drake Stadium in 1926, where it has been held ever since. The stadium later became home to the famous Blue Oval track, rebuilt in 1978 as a modern 400-meter oval and renamed in 1988 as the Jim Duncan Track in honor of the long-time announcer.
• Women’s events were added in 1961, highlighted by Olympic legend Wilma Rudolph competing in the 100 meters. In 1966, the Relays began a streak of 48 consecutive Saturday sellouts, cementing its place as a premier event.

Olympians & World-Class Talent

• Hundreds of Olympic gold medalists have competed at the Drake Relays, including Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Gwen Torrence, Frank Shorter, Jeremy Wariner, and Caitlyn Jenner.
• At the 2012 London Olympics, 113 athletes who had previously competed at the Drake Relays went on to participate, showcasing the event’s global caliber.

Recent Developments

• In 2006, the Relays expanded with a Friday evening session.
• In 2010, the Grand Blue Mile, a community road mile in downtown Des Moines, was added as part of Relays Week.
• The Relays Week now includes:
  • Saturday: Drake Road Races
  • Monday: Beautiful Bulldog Contest
  • Tuesday: Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Wednesday: Special Event (ie. Pole Vault at Jordan Creek Mall, World Shot Put Series, etc.)
  • Thursday: Distance Carnival
  • Friday: Drake Relays
  • Saturday: Drake Relays
• In 2013, Hy-Vee became presenting sponsor, making the Drake Relays the richest track meet in the United States with $50,000 purses for running and $25,000 for field events. That year featured 25 Olympic medalists and live coverage on ESPN.
• In 2018, the Relays unveiled the Blue Standard, a system that automatically qualifies Iowa’s top high school athletes based on elite performance marks.
• In 2020, Xtream powered by Mediacom became the presenting sponsor, ensuring continued support and reach.

Community & Tradition

The Drake Relays are more than just a meet — they serve as a homecoming for Drake University and a celebration for Des Moines. Events like street painting, block parties, and student celebrations bring together alumni, fans, and athletes in a week-long festival of sport and community.

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