Drake Relays 2024 Schedule Overview
The Drake Relays 2024 provided a jam-packed schedule featuring six days of athletic events. Key dates included the opening ceremony on April 22nd, followed by multi-events, and individual preliminaries which added excitement for all.
Event Dates and Location
The highly anticipated Drake Relays 2024 took place over several days, attracting athletes and spectators alike. Mark your calendars for April 24th through April 27th, 2024, as these were the official dates for the track and field spectacle. Des Moines, Iowa, served as the host city, welcoming participants to its renowned facilities. The event was held at Drake University’s Drake Stadium. This ensured a fantastic experience for both athletes and fans, showcasing thrilling competitions and unforgettable moments throughout the week. The central location allowed easy access for attendees from across the country.
Drake Relays 2024: April 24-27, 2024
The Drake Relays 2024 spanned four action-packed days, beginning on Wednesday, April 24th, and concluding on Saturday, April 27th. These dates marked a period of intense competition and athletic achievement. The schedule included a variety of events, ensuring there was something for every track and field enthusiast. From decathlons and heptathlons to individual races and field events, the Drake Relays showcased a wide range of talent. Spectators witnessed incredible performances and unforgettable moments throughout the week, making it a highlight of the track and field calendar. The energy and excitement were palpable, contributing to the event’s overall success.
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa, served as the vibrant host city for the Drake Relays 2024, welcoming athletes and fans alike to its energetic atmosphere. The event unfolded at Drake Stadium, a renowned venue within the city. This location provided a central and accessible hub for all the track and field action. Des Moines offered a warm and inviting backdrop, enhancing the overall experience for participants and spectators. The city’s enthusiasm for sports created an electric environment, adding to the excitement and prestige of the Drake Relays. Its accessibility and facilities made it an ideal location.
Key Dates and Times
The Drake Relays 2024 featured key dates such as April 21st for the Drake Road Races. The Grand Blue Mile Downtown occurred on April 23rd, preceding the main events, and building anticipation for the week.
Drake Road Races: April 21, 2024
The 56th edition of the Drake Road Races officially kicked off Relays Week on Sunday, April 21, 2024. This event offered races for all fitness levels, including 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances. The first six Drake Relays champions were crowned at the event. The Half Marathon/10K began at 7:30 AM, followed by the 5K at 7:45 AM. This marked a great start to a week filled with athletic competition, community involvement, and champion crowning moments within the running community.
Half Marathon/10K: 7:30 AM
The Drake Road Races Half Marathon and 10K events commenced at 7:30 AM on April 21, 2024, marking the start of the 56th edition. This event was the official start of Relays Week, offering a challenging course for seasoned runners. These races crowned champions and set the tone for a week of athletic excellence and community engagement. Participants enjoyed the thrill of competition and the camaraderie of fellow runners as they navigated the course in Des Moines.
5K: 7:45 AM
Following closely on the heels of the Half Marathon and 10K, the 5K Drake Road Race began at 7:45 AM on April 21, 2024. This race provided an accessible option for runners of all fitness levels, contributing to the inclusive spirit of Relays Week. Participants enjoyed a shorter, faster-paced course, perfect for both seasoned athletes and casual runners. The 5K race also contributed to crowning the initial champions of the 2024 Drake Relays, fostering community engagement and athletic achievement.
Grand Blue Mile Downtown: April 23, 2024, 6:00 PM
The Grand Blue Mile Downtown event, a popular highlight of the Drake Relays schedule, occurred on April 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM. This race brought the excitement of track and field to the heart of Des Moines, offering a unique opportunity for athletes of all ages and abilities to compete in a vibrant urban setting. The Grand Blue Mile Downtown fostered community engagement, athletic participation, and created a memorable experience for both runners and spectators alike.
Decathlon and Heptathlon: April 23-24, 2024
The Decathlon and Heptathlon events at the Drake Relays 2024 took place on April 23rd and 24th, showcasing athletes’ versatility and endurance across multiple track and field disciplines. These multi-events tested competitors in a variety of skills, including running, jumping, and throwing, demanding both physical and mental fortitude. The Decathlon, for men, and the Heptathlon, for women, captivated audiences as athletes battled for supremacy over two days of intense competition, highlighting the depth and breadth of their athletic talent at Drake Relays.
Team Shot Put Showcase: April 24, 2024, 5:30 PM
The Team Shot Put Showcase was held inside the historic Drake Fieldhouse. The event was headlined by Drake Relays champion Ryan Crouser. This showcase featured top athletes demonstrating their power and technique in the shot put. The event took place on Wednesday, April 24th, at 5:30 PM. The audience was captivated by the athletes’ strength and precision. The showcase offered an exciting spectacle as competitors pushed the limits of human performance in this dynamic field event at the Drake Relays.
Daily Event Schedule Highlights
The Drake Relays 2024 featured daily highlights, showcasing various track and field events. Each day brought unique competitions, offering exciting moments for athletes and spectators alike.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, marked the beginning of the Drake Relays with several notable events. The Decathlon Men, Day 1, commenced at 11:30 AM, showcasing a variety of athletic skills. Simultaneously, the Heptathlon Women, Day 1, began at 12:30 PM, highlighting female athletes’ versatility. The Team Shot Put Showcase, a popular event, took place at 5:30 PM inside the Drake Fieldhouse, featuring champion Ryan Crouser. These events set the stage for an action-packed week.
Decathlon Men, Day 1: 11:30 AM
On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the Decathlon Men, Day 1, kicked off at 11:30 AM. This event featured a series of track and field disciplines designed to test the athletes’ overall athleticism and endurance. Competitors participated in events such as the 100-meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400-meter run. The Decathlon Day 1 showcased the diverse skills required to excel in this challenging competition, setting the tone for the subsequent days of the Drake Relays.
Heptathlon Women, Day 1: 12:30 PM
The Heptathlon Women, Day 1, began at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. This event featured a series of track and field disciplines designed to test the athletes’ overall athleticism and endurance. Competitors participated in events such as the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put and 200-meter dash. The Heptathlon Day 1 showcased the diverse skills required to excel in this challenging competition, setting the tone for the subsequent days of the Drake Relays. It set the stage for intense competition.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Thursday, April 25, 2024, featured the continuation of multi-events at the Drake Relays. The day’s program included the second day of the Decathlon for men and the Heptathlon for women, commencing at 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM, respectively. Spectators witnessed the athletes compete in the remaining disciplines, showcasing their versatility and endurance. The culmination of these events determined the overall champions, adding to the excitement of the Drake Relays. The day promises thrilling competition.
Decathlon Men, Day 2: 11:30 AM
The second day of the Decathlon for men at the Drake Relays on April 25, 2024, began at 11:30 AM. Athletes competed in the remaining five events, including the 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500m run. This day tested their endurance, skill, and mental fortitude. Fans witnessed the athletes push their limits, striving for victory in this demanding combined event. The Decathlon highlighted the all-around athletic prowess of the participants.
Heptathlon Women, Day 2: 12:30 PM
Day two of the Heptathlon for women commenced at 12:30 PM on April 25, 2024, at the Drake Relays. Competitors participated in the long jump, javelin throw, and 800m run. This sequence of events challenged their speed, strength, and stamina. The crowd watched as these talented women showcased their athletic versatility. The Heptathlon is a true test of a well-rounded athlete. The athletes put forth incredible effort, vying for top honors in this prestigious competition. The event highlighted the dedication and skill.
Friday Night Events
Friday night at the Drake Relays offered a thrilling lineup of events. The 1600m Medley for middle school girls started at 5:00 PM, followed by the boys’ race at 5:07 PM. These young athletes showcased their speed and teamwork. At 5:14 PM, the 400m UD/CD for women concluded the evening. These races provided exciting competition. The crowd was energized by the talent. Friday night highlighted a mix of emerging and established athletes. The night was a fantastic showcase of track and field.
1600m Medley MS, Girls, Final: 5:00 PM
The 1600m Medley for middle school girls was one of the Friday night highlights. Starting precisely at 5:00 PM, this final showcased the best young female runners. Teams competed fiercely, combining different distances and running styles within the medley relay format. The atmosphere was electric as the girls gave their all. The crowd cheered loudly, supporting their local schools and athletes. This event was a display of teamwork and talent. The 1600m Medley was a memorable part of the Drake Relays experience for both the participants and the fans.
1600m Medley MS, Boys, Final: 5:07 PM
Following the girls’ race, the 1600m Medley for middle school boys took center stage at 5:07 PM. This final featured talented young male runners. Each team strove for victory, combining different legs and strategies. The energy in the stadium intensified as the boys competed. Families and friends cheered them on. The event highlighted the promising future of track and field. The determination and effort of the athletes were evident. The 1600m Medley provided an exciting race and a memorable moment for the boys and the spectators alike during the Drake Relays.
400m UD/CD, Women, Final: 5:14 PM
At 5:14 PM, the 400m race for UD/CD women reached its climax. This event highlighted top female athletes. These athletes gave everything to win. The crowd’s excitement was palpable. Every runner exhibited strength and speed. The race showcased the high level of competition at the Drake Relays. Friends and family cheered for their favored athletes. The women’s 400m final presented a thrilling and unforgettable experience. It underscored women’s dedication to track and field. It proved to be one of the most anticipated events of the evening, celebrating their remarkable abilities and efforts.
Special Events and Features
The Drake Relays 2024 boasted unique attractions. These included the Drake Road Races and a Team Shot Put Showcase. The event also featured potential Olympians, enhancing the event for spectators and participants.
56th Drake Road Races
The 56th edition of the Drake Road Races officially commenced Relays Week on April 21, 2024. This event offered races for various fitness levels, including 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances. The Road Races also crowned the first six Drake Relays champions of 2024. Taking place before the main track and field events, the road races provided an opportunity for runners of all abilities to participate in the week’s festivities. This promoted community involvement and celebrated athletic achievement.
World Athletics Silver Level Status
The 2024 Drake Relays achieved the prestigious World Athletics Silver Level status, solidifying its position as a premier international track and field event. This recognition highlighted the event’s high standards in competition, organization, and facilities. With the support of Xtream powered by Mediacom, the Drake Relays delivered an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike. This designation is important in attracting high-caliber athletes. The Silver Level status further enhanced the reputation and appeal.
Potential Olympians Competition
The 2024 Drake Relays featured a record 16 events for potential Olympians, making it a crucial competition for athletes aiming to qualify for the Paris Olympics. This included a new javelin and hammer throw competition, providing additional opportunities for athletes to showcase their talent. The presence of numerous Olympic medalists and hopefuls added to the excitement and prestige of the event. Athletes aimed to improve their rankings and secure spots in their respective national teams.
New Javelin and Hammer Throw Competition
The 2024 Drake Relays introduced a new javelin and hammer throw competition, expanding opportunities for athletes specializing in these events. This addition was part of the event’s enhanced focus on showcasing potential Olympians. Athletes competed for top honors in these field events, seeking to set new records and improve their rankings on the world stage. The new competition added excitement for both participants and spectators, contributing to the overall prestige of the Drake Relays. The events were held inside historic Drake Fieldhouse.
Ticketing Information
Attendees could purchase single-session tickets for the Drake Relays 2024. Prices varied by day, with Thursday at $15, Friday at $25 per session, and Saturday costing $30 for general admission.
Single-Session Tickets
For those planning to attend the Drake Relays 2024, single-session tickets offered a flexible way to experience the event. On Thursday, tickets were priced at $15, providing access to that day’s competitions. Friday featured two separate sessions, a day session and a night session, each requiring a $25 ticket. The final day, Saturday, tickets cost $30, allowing spectators to witness the culmination of the Drake Relays with its premier events and championships. This structure allowed fans to choose the days and events that best suited their interests and schedules.
Thursday: $15
Attending the Drake Relays on Thursday, April 25, 2024, offered an accessible entry point with single-session tickets priced at $15. This provided an opportunity to witness the second day of the Decathlon and Heptathlon events. Spectators could enjoy a full day of competition, watching athletes compete in various disciplines. This affordable option allowed a broad audience to experience the excitement and athleticism of the Drake Relays without committing to a full, multi-day pass, making it an attractive choice for many track and field enthusiasts.
Friday (Day & Night): $25 (each session)
Friday at the Drake Relays offered two distinct sessions, each requiring a $25 ticket. The daytime session provided a full slate of events. The Friday night session included the 1600m Medley finals for middle school athletes and the 400m UD/CD Women’s final. This structure allowed attendees to choose the session that best fit their interests and schedules. The separate ticketing for day and night provided flexibility for fans. Each session promised high-level competition and entertainment, making Friday a highlight of the Drake Relays.
Saturday: $30
Saturday marked the culmination of the Drake Relays, with a ticket price of $30. The final day featured a packed schedule of finals and championship events. Athletes competed for prestigious Drake Relays titles. Fans witnessed the crowning of champions across various disciplines. The atmosphere was electric as the Relays reached their peak. Saturday’s events showcased the culmination of days of competition. The $30 ticket granted access to a full day of thrilling track and field action. It provided a fitting conclusion to the week-long celebration of athletic excellence.