The Drake Road Races and Relays bring thousands of athletes, alumni, and guests to the Drake campus. As a reminder, parking and travel on and around campus will be impacted Saturday, April 18, through Saturday, April 25.
The first major event of the Relays that impacts the campus is the Drake Road Races which will occur on Saturday, April 18. As stated on the website for the 58th Annual Drake Road Races, the Road Races are the place where Iowa’s running tradition began, the Drake Road Races welcome runners of every level to join a celebrated and enduring tradition. Held each year in the lead-up to the renowned Drake Relays, the event offers 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances.
On the morning of Saturday, April 18 the race route will impact travel and parking both on campus and around the Drake neighborhood. Please find additional information including the racecourse here.
It is highly recommended that if you are coming to campus from off grounds, that you use public transportation, if possible. If you plan on driving, give yourself plenty of time to find parking throughout the week, especially Wednesday, April 22–Saturday, April 25. Please remember that cars that are parked on the grass, illegally in handicap spaces, or blocking operations will be towed without notice.
All valid commuter permits will be honored throughout the week, all day Thursday, April 23, and until 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Only residential permits are valid in residential lots and commuter permits in commuter lots, unless posted otherwise. Please note that the Olmsted and Ray Promenade lot still require the correct permit to park in those lots before 4:30 p.m.
Some Important Dates and Times
Saturday, April 18 – Drake Road Races, impacting roads and parking on and around campus.
Saturday, April 18 – Sunday, April 26 – Lot 17 (Facilities Lot) will be closed/no parking allowed.
Wednesday, April 22, at 10 a.m. – Saturday, April 25, at 8 p.m. – Forest Avenue will be fully closed from 27th Street to 29th Street and will allow for only limited access from 24th to 27th Streets and from 29th to 31st Streets. No street parking is allowed along Forest Avenue.
Wednesday, April 22 – Saturday, April 25 – 27th Street will be intermittently closed between Forest Avenue and Clarke Street.
Wednesday, April 22 – Saturday, April 25 – Lot 18 S (Studio Arts) will be closed/no parking allowed.
Thursday, April 23 – Saturday, April 25 – Clarke Street will be posted No Parking from 27th street to 25th street.
— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services