Experience the 116th Drake Relays with Exciting Events and Traditions

Exciting Times Ahead: The 116th Drake Relays Begin in Des Moines

The city of Des Moines is abuzz with excitement as it welcomes back the prestigious Drake Relays. From thrilling athletic competitions to vibrant community events, the 2026 Drake Relays promise an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.

Centered around the renowned Blue Oval, the 2026 Drake Relays, also known as “America’s Athletic Classic,” are set to take place at Drake Stadium. This year’s edition, spanning from April 22 to April 25, will host athletes from various age groups and skill levels, competing in nearly 175 events. The Drake Relays are expected to draw tens of thousands of fans eager to witness these athletic feats.

Check out the complete track and field schedule.
Explore ticket options here.

Exploring Relays Week: A Multitude of Events

Relays Week at Drake University goes beyond athletic competitions, offering a wide range of events from April 16 to April 25. These events cater to various interests, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights for community members, students, and alumni.

Community Events
Student Activities
Alumni Celebrations
Parking Information

Community Highlights: Events Open to All

The entire Des Moines community is invited to partake in Relays Week festivities through various public events that embody the spirit of Drake University.

58th Annual Drake Road Races

What: Kicking off on April 18, the 58th Drake Road Races invite runners to participate in 5k, 10k, or half marathon races, all concluding on the iconic Blue Oval. Registration is still open for those interested in joining the race. Spectators are encouraged to line the course and cheer on the participants. More details can be found here.

When: Saturday, April 18, 7:30 a.m.

Where: Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa

47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Competition

What: A cherished tradition, the Beautiful Bulldog Competition will see 24 English bulldogs compete for the title of the 2026 Drake Relays mascot. The event, which features a Rescue Dog Festival and Kids Zone, opens its doors at 1 p.m., with the main contest starting at 2 p.m. Stay updated on the contest by visiting its Facebook page.

When: Sunday, April 19, 2 p.m. (Doors open at 1 p.m.)

Where: The Knapp Center, 2525 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa

Vault at Jordan Creek

What: The Vault at Jordan Creek brings pole vault excitement to the Center Court of Jordan Creek Town Center. Featuring top-tier athletes, including an American record-holder and Olympic medalists, this event promises thrilling competition. Further information is available here.

When: Monday, April 20, 6 p.m.

Where: Jordan Creek Town Center, 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa

Grand Blue Mile

What: The Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield, returns to downtown Des Moines. This one-mile run includes the USATF 1 Mile Road Championships, a selection event for the 2026 World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark. The USATF Masters 1 Mile Championships will also be held, allowing athletes 40+ to compete on the same course. Registration details can be found here.

When: Tuesday, April 21, 6 p.m.

Where: Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa

World Shot Put Series

What: Returning on April 22, the World Shot Put Series features a “king of the ring” format in Des Moines. Organized by Olympic Champion Ryan Crouser, the event sees throwers attempt to surpass a line to advance. No tickets are required to witness this unique competition.

When: Wednesday, April 22, 5 p.m.

Where: Drake Fieldhouse, 2701 Forest Ave, Des Moines, Iowa

Family Night

What: Family Night, sponsored by Chase, offers a variety of activities for families, including face painting, balloon art, and a photobooth. Fans can meet Winter Olympian Zach Stoopelmoor and enjoy a fireworks display. Family ticket packages are available here.

When: Friday, April 24, Family Zone – 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., session runs 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Where: Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa

Student Traditions: Campus Life at Its Best

Drake students eagerly anticipate Relays Week, a highlight of their university experience. Here are some beloved campus traditions.

Paint Fight

What: The Paint Fight launches Relays Week with a burst of color. Students gather on Painted Street for this lively tradition, using only LATEX-FREE and OIL-FREE paints.

When: Thursday, April 16, 4 p.m.

Where: Painted Street, (Between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library) on Drake’s campus

Bonus: Before the Paint Fight, Drake will revive a tradition from 1881 by ringing the bell at Old Main, marking the start of Relays Week.

Street Painting

What: Student organizations transform the pavement into art, interpreting the theme “Run It Back To 2000’s” over the weekend, creating vibrant murals that remain throughout the Relays.

When: Friday, April 17–Sunday, April 19

Times: Friday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturday: 12 p.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Monday: Must be completed by 6 p.m.

Where: Painted Street, (Between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library) on Drake’s campus

Craft Event

What: A relaxed crafting event where participants can create friendship bracelets or personalize a CD.

When: Tuesday, April 21, 3–5 p.m.

Where: Pomerantz Stage, Olmsted Center, 2875 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa

Relays Carnival

What: A midday campus celebration featuring inflatables, yard games, food vendors, and student performances at Helmick Commons.

When: Wednesday, April 22, 12–5 p.m.

Where: Helmick Commons, 2875 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa

Foam Pit Party

What: A lively event featuring lights, live music, and foam for a memorable evening at Helmick Commons. The event may be canceled if the weather is unfavorable.

When: Wednesday, April 22, 7–9 p.m.

Where: Aliber Lawn, 2847 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa

Drake Relays Concert

What: Enjoy live music on Forest Avenue with headliner KYLE and a special guest. Gather outside the stadium for an unforgettable night.

When: Friday, April 24, 9 p.m.

Where: Forest Avenue in front of Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa

Alumni Events: Honoring Achievements and Reconnecting

Drake University warmly welcomes its alumni back for a weekend of recognition and reconnection.

Alumni Awards Ceremony

What: In partnership with the National Alumni Board of Directors, Drake University celebrates distinguished graduates for their contributions to their fields and communities. This year’s honorees include John August, Jon Bowermaster, Chuck Schoffner, Mary Sconiers-Chapman, Emily Steele, and Molly Wilensky Nguyen. More about the recipients can be found here.

When: Thursday, April 23, 5:15 p.m.

Where: Sheslow Auditorium, 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa

Let’s DU Drinks at the Blue Oval

What: Alumni and friends can kick off their weekend at the Drake Alumni tent with drinks and mingling.

When: Thursday, April 23 (evening)

Where: Drake Alumni tent, located on the North End of the Drake Stadium under the scoreboard

Tickets: $20 without drinks, $25 with two drinks. Purchase tickets here.

50-Year Reunion

What: The Class of 1976 will enjoy a milestone reunion weekend filled with nostalgia and new memories.

When: April 24–25

Where: Drake University

Tickets: $75/person before March 2, $100/person after. Register here.

All-Alumni Painted Street Party

What: The ultimate gathering place for Bulldog alumni to celebrate on Drake’s iconic Painted Street.

When: Friday, April 24, 4–7 p.m.

Where: Painted Street, (between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library) on Drake’s campus

Pharmacy Alumni Continuing Education Session

What: A free session for pharmacists on emerging therapies for cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and obesity.

When: Friday, April 24, 1–3 p.m.

Where: Harvey Ingham Hall, Room 134

College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Gathering

What: An opportunity to connect with Dean Gesine Gerhard and faculty during the Painted Street Party, with a complimentary drink ticket for registered guests.

When: Friday, April 24, 4–6 p.m.

Where: Painted Street, between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library on Drake’s campus

Find registration details here.

CPHS Alumni & Friends Gathering

What: Alumni of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences can reconnect with Dean Erik Maki and faculty. Registered guests receive a drink ticket.

When: Friday, April 24, 4–6 p.m.

Where: Painted Street, between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library on Drake’s campus

Find registration details here.

School of Education Alumni Gathering

What: Engage in networking and conversations with Dean Ryan Wise and School of Education faculty. Registered guests receive a drink ticket.

When: Friday, April 24, 4–6 p.m.

Where: Painted Street, between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library on Drake’s campus

Find registration details here.

Zimpleman College of Business Alumni & Friends Gathering

What: Celebrate 75 years of excellence with Dean Alanah Mitchell and Zimpleman faculty. Registered guests receive a drink ticket.

When: Friday, April 24, 4–6 p.m.

Where: Painted Street, between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library on Drake’s campus

Find registration details here.

JDBC Alumni & Friends Gathering

What: Join Dean Megan Brown and John Dee Bright College faculty to reconnect with JDBC alumni. Registered guests receive a drink ticket.

When: Friday, April 24, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Where: Painted Street, between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library on Drake’s campus

Find registration details here.

Campus Tour

What: A guided tour showcasing campus transformations, recent renovations, and upcoming projects.

When: Saturday, April 25, 1 p.m.

Where: Departs from South Stairs, outside Old Main

Spilling the LGBTea on Drake: Celebrating 10-years of the LGBTQ+ Alumni Association

Divine Nine Plaza Dedication & Paint It Black

What: The dedication of the Divine Nine Plaza, followed by the Paint It Black tradition, unites the Drake community in solidarity with students of color. A reception follows the program.

When: Saturday, April 25. Dedication and program at 11:15 a.m., reception at 12 p.m.

Where: West end of Painted Street (rain location: Meredith Hall, south lobby). Reception will be held in Meredith Hall, south lobby

Multicultural Block Party

What: A vibrant celebration on 28th Street, featuring the Black, LGBTQ+, and Latinx Alumni Associations, with food trucks and a DJ.

When: Saturday, April 25, 1–4 p.m.

Where: On 28th Street between University Avenue and Brattleboro Avenue

SJMC Relays Party

What: Celebrate the SJMC family, say farewell to Dean Catherine Staub, and welcome incoming Dean Kelly Bruhn. Registered guests receive two drink tickets.

When: Saturday, April 25, 5–7 p.m.

Where: Meredith Hall

Fraternity/Sorority Alumni Events

Alpha Phi – Alumni Brunch

What: A brunch hosted by Alpha Phi Gamma Omicron to reconnect alumni and their families.

When: Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Where: Alpha Phi House, 1240 34th Street, Des Moines, Iowa

Delta Gamma Relays Alumni Event

What: Delta Gamma alumni are invited to a ceremony and house tours.

When: Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Delta Gamma House, 1227 34th Street, Des Moines, Iowa

Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Brunch

What: Gamma Theta alumni are invited for brunch and house tours.

When: Saturday, April 25

Where: Kappa Kappa Gamma house, 1350 34th Street, Des Moines, Iowa

Theta Gamma Alumni Brunch (Sigma Chi)

What: Theta Gamma chapter alumni are invited to brunch.

When: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Where: Sigma Chi house, 3212 Forest Ave., Des Moines, Iowa

Parking & Road Closures

To facilitate a seamless experience during the Drake Relays, please familiarize yourself with the road closures and parking options. Heavy traffic is expected, so consider using ride-sharing services or carpooling to alleviate congestion.

Road Closures

The following roads will be closed to through traffic until Saturday, April 25, at 8 p.m.