To pursue the shared mission of realizing a healthier Iowa, the Drake Road Races and the Grand Blue Mile have joined forces with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield to issue the Relays Wellness Challenge. These two iconic races kick off April's "Relays Week" in Des Moines and provide activities to promote healthy lifestyles for walkers and runners of all ages.
The Relays Wellness Challenge is an employer-based, team competition, with no registration fee for companies to enroll. The Challenge officially begins with the Drake Road Race 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Participants in that event, which starts just outside of Drake Stadium and finishes on the Blue Oval inside the stadium, will have the first opportunity to score points for their company. The competition concludes at the Grand Blue Mile in Downtown Des Moines' Western Gateway Park.
Participating companies will compete in three categories: Small (5 to 50 full-time employees), Medium (51 to 500 full-time employees), and Large (over 500 employees). Points will be awarded based on participation and completion rather than finish time or individual place.
Finishers will earn two points for completing the 5K, three points for completing the 10K and four points for completing the half marathon. Completing the Grand Blue Mile will garner two points toward the team's total score. Employees will also be able to earn a point for their team by volunteering during Drake Road Race weekend (Health & Fitness Expo packet pick-up or race day) or at the Grand Blue Mile.
Final standings will be determined based on the number of total points earned, divided by the number of central Iowa-based employees. The winning team in each division will enjoy bragging rights with in-stadium recognition during the Drake Relays, and receive a traveling trophy for display
The Relays Wellness Challenge is open to any employer with offices in central Iowa and there is no cost to enroll. Family members and dependents of employees are also invited to register for and represent their respective company. To enroll your organization, email drakeroadraces@drake.edu.
Each participating employer will need a team leader to distribute relevant information and to report the total number of full-time employees for classification and scoring purposes.
Thank you for joining the Drake Relays and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield in taking a step toward a future of better health!