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 58^th 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 27^th Street to 29^th Street and will allow for only limited access from 24^th to 27^th Streets and from 29^th to 31^st Streets. No street parking is allowed along Forest Avenue.

Wednesday, April 22 – Saturday, April 25 – 27^th 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

We continue to work on establishing our Drake location at the City of Knowledge in Panama, that will offer academic programs beginning fall 2027. The initial offerings will include an accelerated B.S. in Data Analytics with a minor in Artificial Intelligence, delivered entirely in Panama. Additionally, a “2+2” pathway will be offered for students who want to begin their studies in Panama and complete their degree in Des Moines. This initiative, consistent with our other transnational education efforts, will allow us to serve more learners around the world; in this case, from Central and South America.

To support the launch of the Panama campus, Jerry Parker, Vice President & Dean of Students, will relocate to Panama in August for an 11-month appointment to oversee the location launch, standing up administrative operations and preparing our facility to receive our first cohort of students in fall 2027. Jerry has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and collaboration across the university, to include with our Admissions team. Jerry’s experience working with prospective students, families, and high school counselors and his Spanish language skills will be invaluable as we establish our new location in Panama.

During his time in Panama, Jerry will retain his title and many of his daily responsibilities. Additionally, Lynne Cornelius, Associate Dean of Students, will assume additional responsibilities to support this important initiative. I appreciate Lynne’s willingness to step up and have full faith in her leadership.

Using existing divisional resources, Student Affairs has elevated an existing position to Assistant Dean of Students, with a search currently underway. This role will oversee the day-to-day operations of the university’s student conduct system and care response under the direction of the Dean of Students Office, ensuring timely support and assistance for our students.

This adjustment supports the division’s long-term sustainability, and I am confident the Division of Student Affairs will continue to operate effectively with Jerry working remotely and Lynne providing leadership on campus.

— Marty Martin, Drake University President