It’s Relays week! The week-long festivities include so much more than world-class athletic competition on the Blue Oval. Here are a few ways to make the most of your Relays experience.
Carnival Day
The Relays Carnival is today from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in Helmick Commons. Come enjoy the sunny weather, free food, fun activities, and things like bucket hats, fanny packs, pins. Lots of Relays gear will given away.
Lace up your shoes
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to run at the Drake Relays. Hit the pavement during the Grand Blue Mile today, April 24. The one-mile street run is for runners of all ages and aspirations and starts in front of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park before making its way down Locust and Grand.
Grab lunch from a food truck on Forest Avenue
Students looking to grab a bite to eat on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 28, can dine at food trucks parked on Forest Avenue. The street will be closed to traffic between 27th Street and 29th Street from Thursday, April 26, at 2 p.m. to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m. The closure will allow Relays vendors, such as food trucks, to set up outside of the stadium and safely interact with students and the community. No vehicles will be allowed through the area during this time.
The Vault at Capital Square
A must see event, The Vault at Capital Square allows you to get up close and personal with world-class vaulters as they take to the skies inside the atrium at Capital Square tomorrow, April 25, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Alumni Awards Ceremony
The entire campus community (no need to be a Drake grad) is encouraged to attend the Alumni Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate our most distinguished alumni. This year’s award winners demonstrate outstanding professional accomplishments and loyal leadership to Drake and their communities. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to register to attend the ceremony on Thursday, April 26, at 5:15 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium.
Relays Distance Carnival
On Thursday, April 26, distance runners take the track with the 800-meter race beginning at 4:30 p.m. Don’t miss the 3,000-meter steeplechase at 7 p.m.—think seven-and-a-half laps with hurdles and water jumps.
Spot an Olympian
Keep your eyes peeled for greatness. The Drake Relays attract some of the world’s best athletes. On Saturday, April 28, catch a glimpse of Andre De Grasse, a three-time Olympic medalist, set to compete in the men’s invitational 100 meters. In 2016, De Grasse won three medals at the Rio Olympics, including bronze in the 100 meters, behind Usain Bolt.
Relays Concert
This year’s Drake Relays concert will feature two artists. Marc E. Bassy and AJR will perform Friday, April 27, at 9:15 p.m. on Forest Avenue. To get hyped up for the concert, listen to this playlist with all the artists’ best songs.
So, whether you are enjoying a paint fight or cheering on your favorite athlete, Relays has something for everyone. Visit the SAB Facebook event for a full list of activities.