For the 1st time in the event’s 17-year history, the Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, together with the Drake Relays, will host the USATF Masters 1 Mile Championships in 2026.

Prize Structure

$5,000 Prize Purse

Age-Graded USATF Masters (40+)

• Men: 1st – $200 | 2nd – $150 | 3rd – $100
• Women: 1st – $200 | 2nd – $150 | 3rd – $100

Overall USATF Masters (40+)

• Men: 1st – $200 | 2nd – $150 | 3rd – $100
• Women: 1st – $200 | 2nd – $150 | 3rd – $100

USATF Masters Age Division Champions (5-year divisions beginning at 40–44 continuing to the division of the oldest finisher.)

• Men: 1st – $100 per division
• Women: 1st – $100 per division

USATF Masters Team Champions (10-year divisions beginning at 40+ continuing to the division of the oldest finisher.)

• Men: 1st – $120 per division
• Women: 1st – $120 per division

In addition to this prize structure, American Masters Record incentives will be in place for each 5-year division, equal to the first place prize of $100. For clarity, any winner who runs a new age group American Record will earn a total of $200 ($100 prize and $100 record bonus), subject to ratification eligibility.

The 2026 USATF Masters 1 Mile Road Championships would be contested on our USATF-certified course (Certification Number: IA25001NM) in downtown Des Moines — concluding at the same finish on “World Record Way” where both men’s and women’s road mile world records were ratified in 2023. This celebrated route has hosted national championships for more than a decade and provides a fast, spectator-friendly experience that honors the tradition and spirit of masters competition.

The Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark, will provide athlete support and event operations consistent with USATF Masters standards, including a recommended downtown host hotel, a technical meeting, comprehensive race-day logistics and an invitation to stay for the Drake Relays Masters 800 meters. Specifically, all athletes that compete in the USATF Masters 1 Mile and the Drake Relays Masters 800 meters will receive complimentary accreditation to Drake Stadium for the duration of competition. Qualification standards and competition schedule will be determined in collaboration with the Masters LDR and Masters Track & Field Committees.

For more information or questions please email us at masters800@drake.edu or click here.