From road races, Beautiful Bulldogs, and athletic feats to family-friendly activities, alumni parties, and on-campus events, there is something for everyone during the 2025 Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom.
To help you plan your ultimate Drake Relays experience, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide with the full relay rundown for the community, current Drake students, and Drake alumni.
This Year’s Don’t Miss Events:
New this year, the World Shot Put Series will debut on Wednesday, April 23. This first-of-its-kind shot put event will feature world record holder Ryan Crouser and other premier throwers. The traditional shot put structure featuring six throws with an individual’s top mark taken for placement has been unchanged for more than 100 years. This new format will provide minimal measuring for a faster-paced event that will also include a DJ with live music and food trucks. The event is free and open to the public.
The Thursday Night Throwdown will once again showcase some of the world’s top athletes in the javelin and hammer throw competitions. The throwdown will feature both men’s and women’s fields in each event.
Families are encouraged to experience the Drake Relays together on Friday during Family Night. A variety of activities will be held on the north concourse inside Drake Stadium, including face painting, balloon art, a bubble station, and inflatables. A firework show will take place at the end of the session.
As part of the Friday Night lineup, a new 4×400 meter mixed relay event for the middle school division will be introduced. The coed race will feature two middle school boys and two middle school girls from each participating team. Also on Friday, K-12 students can receive free admission into the day session (8:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m.), powered by MidAmerican Energy, aligning with several metro-area schools’ no school, professional development day.
For the Community
For Students
For Alumni
Full Meet Schedule
Buy Tickets
For The Community
The Greater Des Moines community is invited to get in on the Drake Relays action through a variety of events throughout the week that are open to the public.
- What: The 57th edition of the Drake Road Races will take to the streets of Des Moines on Saturday, April 19, marking the official start to Relays Week. With three distances available—a 5k, 10k, and half marathon—there is a race available for all fitness levels. Registration is closed. However, the public is invited to line the course and cheer on the racers.
- When: Saturday, April 19, 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
46th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Competition
- What: At the world-famous Beautiful Bulldog Contest, 30 bulldogs from across the region will compete for the coveted title of ‘Most Beautiful Bulldog.’ The winner will serve a year-long reign as the Drake Relays mascot. Doors open an hour before the pageant for guests to enjoy the Rescue Dog Festival and Kids Zone. Get the latest information about the Beautiful Bulldog Contest on the Facebook page.
- When: Monday, April 21, 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
- Where: The Knapp Center, 2525 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50311
- What: Presented by Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in downtown Des Moines, the 16th Annual Grand Blue Mile is the Midwest’s premier community street run for all ages and abilities. The Grand Blue Mile has hosted more than 50,000 participants from 36 states, six countries, and four continents. This year, there will be another chance to see a World Record set as the USATF 1-Mile Road Championships closes out the Grand Blue Mile. This marks the ninth consecutive year that national champions will be crowned for the 1-Mile Road Championships in Des Moines for both men and women. Also, new this year is Spike’s Sprint where runners 10 years old and younger will get to show their speed. Those interested in participating can still register.
- When: Tuesday, April 22, 6 to 7:45 p.m.
- Where: Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- What: The 115th edition of the Drake Relays returns to Drake Stadium in Des Moines. The four-day outdoor track and field event, known as “America’s Athletic Classic,” attracts top athletes from middle school, high school, college, and professional levels. The event draws tens of thousands of fans to the Drake campus and stadium to watch athletes compete on the iconic blue oval track. View the full meet schedule.
- When: Wednesday, April 23 through Saturday, April 26, 2025
- Where: Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50311
- Tickets: https://godrakebulldogs.evenue.net/list/DR
- What: New for the 2025 Drake Relays, the World Shot Put Series will be hosted inside the historic Drake Fieldhouse. World record holder and Drake Relays Hall of Fame inductee Ryan Crouser will host and compete in this brand-new shot put competition. The World Shot Put Series will be organized in a “king of the ring” format where throwers will heave their shot put past a designated line to advance in the competition. The event is free and open to the public. A youth competition will begin at 5:15 p.m.
- When: Wednesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Drake Fieldhouse, 2701 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50311
Johansen Student Center Grand Opening Event
- What: Join Drake University in celebrating the recently renovated Johansen Student Center. Formerly Morehouse Residence Hall, the student center is now a gathering space for more than 150 student organizations and a launch pad for the next generation of collaborators, change agents, and critical thinkers.
- When: Thursday, April 24, 2:30 p.m.
- Where: Johansen Student Center, formerly Morehouse Residence Hall
For Students
Drake University Relays Week is packed full of activities across campus for students to enjoy. Check out the full schedule of events below.
Paint Fight
- What: On Thursday, join your fellow students for a fun paint fight at 4 p.m. on Painted Street. All paint used in the Paint Fight must be LATEX-FREE and OIL-FREE.
- When: Thursday, April 17, 4 to 5 p.m.
- Where: Painted Street, (Between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library)
Prelays Silent Disco
- What: Join SAB and the Spirit Chairs for a fun night of dancing provided by the Relays opener cdisiac – Charles III.
- When: Thursday, April 17, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Helmick Commons, rain location Parents Hall
Street Painting
- What: Student organizations are invited to gather on Painted Street to paint their own interpretation of this year’s Drake Relays theme, Racing Thru Time. All student clubs/organizations assigned to a square are responsible for purchasing their own paint.
- When: Friday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, April 19, from 12:30 to 5 p.m.; Monday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Painted Street, (Between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library)
Drake Road Races Cheer Challenge
- What: The 2024 Drake Road Races will be held outside Drake Stadium and finish on the Blue Oval. To celebrate participating athletes, student clubs/organizations can sign up in groups of a minimum of three to cheer on participants. Road Race participants will vote on the participating organizations and the winning organization will be awarded $500 by Drake Athletics. Organizations are encouraged to select a theme/costume for their group.
- When: Saturday, April 19, 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
Screen Printing
- What: Swing by between classes to receive this year’s Relays T-shirts and tote bags. There will be a limited quantity, so be sure to get yours ASAP!
- When: Tuesday, April 22, 12 to 2 p.m.
- Where: Pomerantz Stage, Olmsted Center
Relays Carnival
- What: The Relays Carnival will have a retro vibe and include cotton candy, paletas, competitive games, an old-timey photo booth, and more.
- When: Wednesday, April 23, 12 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Helmick Commons (The event will be moved inside if there is inclement weather.)
Foam Party
- What: Lights! Live Music! Foam?! Bring your friends and connect with your fellow students outside Olmsted for a unique and memorable party.
- When: Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. *This event may be canceled in the case of inclement weather.
- Where: Olmsted Circle Pit
Spikeball Tournament
- What: The Student Activities Board is collaborating with DrakeRec this year to host a Spikeball (dodgeball) tournament. To play, you must sign-up through the DrakeRec app with a group of at least five players.
- When: Thursday, April 24, 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Helmick Commons
Paint It Black with the Coalition of Black Students (CBS)
- What: The tradition of Paint It Black began in November of 2018 when the Drake community gathered on Painted Street to cover student organizations’ squares with black paint. This act symbolizes Drake’s solidarity with students of color on campus. Every year since then, the Coalition of Black Students (CBS) hosts Paint It Black during Relays week to serve as a constant reminder that Drake can and needs to do better when it comes to supporting and protecting students of color.
- When: Timing TBD. More details coming soon.
- Where: Painted Street, (Between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library)
Drake Relays Concert
- What: Come enjoy this year’s headliner Leon Thomas and opener cdisiac – Charles III for an unforgettable night of music on Forest Avenue outside Drake Stadium.
- When: Friday, April 25, 9:00 p.m.
- Where: Forest Avenue in front of Drake Stadium
For Alumni
We are excited to welcome alumni back to campus for the 2025 Drake Relays! Check out this awesome lineup of events throughout the week that we’ve planned especially for you.
- What: Every year, Drake University bestows outstanding alumni with the Alumni Awards. All are invited to attend the awards ceremony recognizing this year’s winners.
- When: Thursday, April 24, 5:15 p.m.
- Where: Sheslow Auditorium, Old Main
Let’s DU Drinks at the Blue Oval
- What: Join fellow alumni and start your Drake Relays weekend at the Alumni tent on Thursday night. The Office of Alumni Relations has partnered with Drake Track and Field to host a social during the Thursday night of Drake Relays.
- When: Thursday, April 24, 6 p.m.
- Where: Drake Alumni tent, located on the North End of the stadium under the scoreboard
- What: The 2025 Black Alumni Reunion will be held during the Drake Relays, featuring curated events like a history exhibit and cocktail reception, block party, community service project, fellowship brunch, and more. Drake alumni can register for reunion events online.
- When: Thursday, April 24 – Sunday, April 27
- Where: Multiple locations on campus
- What: Join the Drake community and your fellow ‘75 classmates for the 50-Year Reunion. It’s a weekend of reconnecting with classmates, celebrating Drake, recalling college days, and making new memories. Visit the 50-Year Reunion website for the reunion schedule and registration.
- When: Friday, April 25 – Saturday, April 26
- Where: Multiple locations on campus
All-Alumni Painted Street Party
- What: Gather with all alumni Bulldogs and reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and celebrate together. It’s every class, every school, every college on the famous Drake University painted street.
- When: Friday, April 25, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Painted Street and Jewett Hall
John Dee Bright College Alumni Gathering
- What: Gather with fellow John Dee Bright College alumni during the All-Alumni Painted Street Party during Relays! Connect with Dean Craig Owens, JDBC faculty, and fellow alumni.
- When: Friday, April 25, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Painted Street & Jewett Hall
School of Education Alumni Gathering
- What: School of Education alumni are invited to gather during the All-Alumni Painted Street Party during Relays. Register to receive a complimentary drink ticket and connect with Dean Ryan Wise, School of Education Faculty, and fellow alumni.
- When: Friday, April 25, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Where: Painted Street and Jewett Hall
CPHS Alumni & Friends Gathering
- What: Please join us for a College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) alumni gathering during the All-Alumni Painted Street Party at Relays! Register to receive a complimentary drink ticket and connect with Dean Erik Maki, CPHS Faculty, and fellow alumni.
- When: Friday, April 25, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Where: Painted Street and Jewett Hall
Fleet Feet Alumni Social Run/Walk
- What: Join Fleet Feet Des Moines, owned by fellow alumni Andy Roat JO’83, for the Saturday Social Run/Walk to keep the excitement going during Drake Relays. Routes of approximately 3 and 5 miles will be provided. Free 3-hour covered parking is available next to Fleet Feet on East 6th Street.
- When: Saturday, April 26, 8 to 9 a.m.
- Where: Fleet Feet Des Moines, 521 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa
- What: No matter when you graduated, join us on this tour of Drake’s campus to hear how campus has transformed since you were a student. You’ll learn about campus renovations, community growth, and upcoming projects. No registration is required.
- When: Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m.
- Where: South Stairs – Old Main
- What: In between all of the festivities, come to the Turner Jazz Center and relax at our casual LGBTQ+ Alumni Mixer hosted by the LGBTQ+ Alumni Association.
- When: Saturday, April 26, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Patty & Fred Turner Jazz Center
- What: Join fellow Latinx alumni for our first gathering of the recently established Latinx Alumni Association. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with old friends, expand your network, or simply celebrate Drake’s vibrant Latinx community, this is the place to be. Enjoy great conversations, delicious bites, and the electrifying energy of Relays weekend!
- When: Saturday, April 26, 5 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Levitt Hall, Old Main
- What: Please join us for our annual SJMC party during Drake Relays 2025! Register below to receive a complimentary drink ticket and celebrate with the SJMC family.
- When: Saturday, April 26, 5 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Meredith Hall