Our Guide to Drake Relays in Des Moines
Ready, set, go! It’s Drake Relays season in Greater Des Moines. For those who aren’t familiar, Drake Relays is a week-long event for track runners from all across the country. These relays help track athletes qualify for prestigious races and have even been the starting point for Olympians. Everyone from prestigious college and high school athletes to elementary schoolers can participate in a run or two. So, whether you’re in town for the relays, or you’re a newcomer wanting to get in on all the action, here’s our guide to navigating the Drake Relays.
Attending the relays? Purchase your tickets here.
Public Events
While the relays are for talented runners and athletes, the public can participate in them too! Leading up to this event, organizations (affiliated or in partnership with Drake University) host events that the public can attend to get hyped up for these races.
Griff Gives Back
From March 16-April 19, Griff Gives Back is a donation drive for pet-lovers. This is the ninth year that this event has taken place and has helped feed hundreds of hungry pets through The Pet Project Midwest. Monetary donations are taken via mail, online, or by phone. If you’d like to donate adult dog and cat food, there is a list of satellite donation sites across the Greater Des Moines area.
Drake Road Races
Beginning the lead up to this week of racing fun are the Drake Road Races held on April 18. The Road Races feature 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances, accepting runners at all skill levels. The courses for these distances are planned strategically for the best views of Des Moines with a finish at the iconic Blue Oval in Drake Stadium. The half marathon and 10k runners start at 7:30 a.m., with the 5k runners following at 7:45 a.m. Tickets vary depending on distance and can be purchased here.
Beautiful Bulldog Contest
This event is pretty self-explanatory! Thirty English Bulldogs compete by walking the “pup-way” to impress their judges. The winner? They’re crowned Most Beautiful Bulldog of 2026 and reign as the Drake University’s Relays mascot for the week. This contest takes place at the Knapp Center on Drake’s campus at 2 p.m. on April 19. Doors open an hour prior, allowing guests to enjoy the on-site Rescue Dog Festival and Kids Zone before this beauty pageant begins.
Vault at Jordan Creek
The Drake Relays is turning the Jordan Creek Mall into an elite pole-vaulting competition on Monday, April 20. Starting at 6 pm., the men’s field will include two American record-holder and an Olympic silver medalist competing against one another. In the women’s division, the top two world renowned pole-vaulting athletes will go head-to-head. This event is completely free and open to the public!
Grand Blue Mile
Here’s where everything begins, on April 21. The Grand Blue Mile is one of the signature events of Drake Relays, celebrating accessibility and inclusivity at a one-mile distance in the heart of Downtown Des Moines. This event is designed to be an approachable community affair for runners, walkers, families, and more. What makes this event even more special is that it has had over 500,000 participants from at least 47 different states, six countries, and four continents from around the world since its debut in 2010. Tickets start at $25 and $15 for youth and can be bought here.
The World Shot Put Series
Three-time Olympian champion, Ryan Crouser, is competing in Drake’s World Shot Put Series on April 22 at the Drake Fieldhouse. The World Shot Put Series is organized in a "king of the ring" format, with athletes eliminated as competition progresses. Throwers are tasked with trying to heave their shot put past a designated line to advance in the competition. This event is free for the public!
Activities
If you’re in the area or looking to participate in the fanfare of Drake Relays in other ways, check out these activities happening in the area!
Grab Some Grub in the Drake Neighborhood
This historic neighborhood is home to some great eats that our DSM locals have come to know and love. Starting off strong with the ever-iconic Drake Diner. This retro-themed establishment serves up hearty breakfast, lunch, dinner, shakes, sundaes, and so much more. If you’re looking for a cozy and more intimate vibe, the University Library Cafe is an old-school neighborhood joint tucked away so well you might miss it! Their famous library nachos reign king on their menu and amongst locals. Craving a burger? Might we direct you over to Lucky Horse Beer and Burger? Their burger menu is vast and varied, with incredibly tasty combinations you’ve probably never even thought about before. We’d recommend the Dogtown burger to really get into the relays spirit.
Walk the Painted Street on Drake University’s Campus
Before the relays, Drake students are invited to paint a street across the campus to show off their bulldog pride. Every student and organization that participates creates something that is completely unique. If you find yourself on campus, take a walk and check out the artistry for yourself!
Take a Tour of Drake University’s Campus
Whether you’re an aspiring bulldog, or simply want to learn more about one of the state’s top universities, a tour will be available on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. Meeting at the south stairs of the Old Main building, learn about the history of this campus, upcoming projects, and more.
Stop by Peggy’s Tavern for a Pint
Peggy’s Tavern in the Drake neighborhood has been beloved by current Drake students and alumni as their iconic college bar. What makes this place so special? Probably their weekly “mug nights”, a strong and popular force amongst Drake students. But their Drake Relays celebrations are where they truly shine. All week long, Peggy’s stays open and pouring drinks both inside the bar and out with massive tents to keep the party going. Getting a pint at Peggy’s during the relay week is truly a badge of honor.