Whether it’s downtown pole vaulting, lunch at a food truck, or watching an Olympian on the Blue Oval, there’s plenty of ways to experience this year’s Drake Relays.
Lace up your shoes
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to run at the Drake Relays. If you missed Sunday’s Road Races, hit the pavement today, April 24, for the Grand Blue Mile. 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.
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.
Grab lunch from a food truck on Forest Avenue
Drake community members looking to get out of the office and explore the Relays over lunch can dine at food trucks parked on Forest Avenue on Friday and Saturday. For the first time, Forest Avenue outside the stadium will be closed to traffic between 27th Street and 29th Street from Thursday at 2 p.m. to Saturday at 5 p.m. The closure will allow vendors, such as food trucks, to set up outside of the stadium and safely interact with the community. No vehicles will be allowed through the area during this time.
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 this Thursday at 5:15 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium.
Relays Distance Carnival
On Thursday, 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.
Meet up with fellow Bulldogs and former students
Catch up with former students, old friends, classmates, and perhaps Griff during one of the many receptions and tent parties. Be sure to attend the All-Alumni Tent Party, for a won’t-want-to-miss Friday night party. You don’t have to be a Drake alumna/alumnus to attend. Other meet-ups include the Greek Reunion, Young Alumni Brunch, LGBTQ+ Reception, and SJMC Alumni Reception.
Spot an Olympian
Keep your eyes peeled for greatness. The Drake Relays attract some of the world’s best athletes. On Saturday, 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.
View a full list of 2018 Drake Relays events. Faculty and staff may visit the Drake Athletics Ticket Office and show valid Drake ID to receive a discounted ticket price to track and field events.
— University Communications