The roar of the crowd, the splash of paint, and the world’s most elite athletes returning to Des Moines—it can only mean one thing. The 116th Drake Relays are officially here.
Whether you’re here to witness world-class athletes compete, return to your old stomping grounds to reconnect with fellow alumni, plan out your Relays week schedule with fellow students, or simply here to see which English Bulldog is crowned the Most Beautiful Bulldog, the 2026 Drake Relays promise something for everyone.
Of course, Relays week revolves around the excitement on the iconic Blue Oval. The 2026 Drake Relays—known as “America’s Athletic Classic”—returns to Drake Stadium for its 116th edition, attracting top athletes from middle school, high school, college, and professional levels. The competition spans four days from Wednesday, April 22, to Sunday, April 25, drawing tens of thousands of fans to watch athletes compete in roughly 175 events.
View the full track and field schedule.
View ticket options.
Relays Week Rundown
Beyond four days of world-class athletic competitions, Relays Week is packed full of events from April 16–25 that offer something for everyone. To help you navigate the 2026 experience, we’ve broken down the must-see events for our community, our students, and our alumni network.
Events for the Community
Events for Students
Events for Alumni
Parking and Road Closures
Community Highlights: Open to All
The Des Moines community is invited to celebrate Relays Week through a series of public events that bring the spirit of Drake University to the entire city.
58th Annual Drake Road Races
- What: The 58th edition of the Drake Road Races officially kicks off Relays Week on Saturday, April 18. Runners of all levels can compete in the 5k, 10k, or half marathon, all featuring a legendary finish on the Blue Oval. Those interested in participating in the race can still register. The public is invited to line the course and cheer on the racers.
- When: Saturday, April 18, 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Competition
- What: The search for the 2026 Drake Relays mascot brings 24 hopeful English bulldogs to the Knapp Center. Lending their expertise to the judges’ table this year are a current Drake student and a member of our alumni family. With doors opening at 1 p.m., families have plenty of time to enjoy the Rescue Dog Festival and Kids Zone before the main event kicks off at 2 p.m. Get the latest information about the Beautiful Bulldog Contest on the 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 Drake Relays will host a pole vault competition, Vault at Jordan Creek, hosted by Catch Des Moines, at the Center Court area of Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines. The men’s field for the Vault at Jordan Creek will include the current American record-holder and an Olympic silver medalist going head-to-head while the women’s division is set to feature the top two athletes in the world. More information about the Vault at Jordan Creek can be found 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: Presented by Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield, the Midwest’s premier community street run returns to downtown Des Moines. Since 2010, more than 50,000 participants from 47 states and four continents have joined this annual one-mile run. A central highlight of the event is the return of the USATF 1 Mile Road Championships. For 2026, the championships will serve as the sole selection event for Team USATF at the 2026 World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark. The top two men and women finishers will earn the honor of representing Team USA on the global stage this September. Additionally, the event will host the USATF Masters 1 Mile Championships, giving athletes ages 40+ the opportunity to compete for national titles on the same fast downtown course as the professionals. Those interested in participating in the run can still register.
- When: Tuesday, April 21, 6 p.m.
- Where: Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa
World Shot Put Series
- What: Three-time Olympic Champion and world record holder Ryan Crouser debuted his new revolutionary throwing event, the World Shot Put Series in Des Moines during the 2025 Drake Relays. The event returns to the Drake Fieldhouse in 2026 on Wednesday, April 22. The World Shot Put Series is organized in a “king of the ring” format, with athletes eliminated as competition progresses like high jump and pole vault. Throwers are tasked with trying to heave their shot put past a designated line to advance in the competition. No ticket is required to attend the World Shot Put Series.
- When: Wednesday, April 22, 5 p.m.
- Where: Drake Fieldhouse, 2701 Forest Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
Family Night
- What: Families are encouraged to experience the Drake Relays together on Friday during Family Night presented by Chase. From 5:00 to 7:30pm, a variety of activities will be held on the north concourse inside Drake Stadium. Activities include face painting, balloon art, a photobooth, and inflatables. Fans will also have a chance to meet 2026 Winter Olympian Zach Stoopelmoor from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in the family zone. A Valley High School graduate, Stoppelmoor was Iowa’s only competitive representative in Milan and made history as the first Iowan to compete for Team USA in Olympic speedskating. A firework show will take place at the end of the evening. Families can purchase a family 4 pack of tickets, which includes 4 tickets and 4 popcorns for $100, 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: The Spirit of Campus
Relays Week is the pinnacle of the Drake student experience. Don’t miss these long-standing campus traditions.
Paint Fight
- What: Relays Week officially kicks off with a burst of color! Drake students are invited to Painted Street to join in the chaos of the annual Paint Fight. All paint used in the Paint Fight must be LATEX-FREE and OIL-FREE.
- When: Thursday, April 16, 4 p.m.
- Where: Painted Street, (Between Jewett Hall and Cowles Library) on Drake’s campus
- BONUS — Revitalizing a Coveted Tradition: Prior to the paint fight, Drake will be hosting an event at 3:45 p.m. to reinvigorate a tradition dating back to 1881. For the first time in decades, the community will hear chimes of the bell ringing out from the tower of Old Main. This will signal the start of Relays week and the restart of a daily tradition on campus.
Street Painting
- What: Watch as the pavement transforms into a canvas. Student organizations gather throughout the weekend to paint their own unique interpretations of this year’s theme, Run It Back To 2000’s. These murals become a centerpiece of the campus atmosphere for the duration of 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: Join us at Pomerantz Stage for a laid back craft event to create your own friendship bracelets or customize a CD.
- When: Tuesday, April 21, 3–5 p.m.
- Where: Pomerantz Stage, Olmsted Center, 2875 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
Relays Carnival
- What: Join the midday celebration at the heart of campus for the annual Relays Carnival. This student favorite features a variety of inflatables, yard games, and delicious food vendors. It’s the perfect atmosphere to take a break between classes and enjoy student performances on Helmick Commons.
- When: Wednesday, April 22, 12–5 p.m.
- Where: Helmick Commons, 2875 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
Foam Pit Party
- What: Lights! Live music! Foam!? Bring your friends and party with us in Helmick Commons for a unique and memorable event. Event may be cancelled in the case of inclement weather.
- When: Wednesday, April 22, 7–9 p.m.
- Where: Aliber Lawn, 2847 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
Drake Relays Concert
- What: The tradition of live music on Forest Avenue continues. Grab your friends and head to the stage outside the stadium for an unforgettable night with this year’s headliner, KYLE and a special guest to be announced soon.
- When: Friday, April 24, 9 p.m.
- Where: Forest Avenue in front of Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
Alumni Events: Celebrating Excellence
We are proud to welcome home our alumni for a weekend of reconnection and recognition.
Alumni Awards Ceremony
- What: Drake University and the National Alumni Board of Directors will honor exceptional graduates for their significant contributions to their alma mater, their professions, and their communities. This year’s award recipients are John August, Jon Bowermaster, Chuck Schoffner, Mary Sconiers-Chapman, Emily Steele and Molly Wilensky Nguyen. Read more about this year’s Alumni Awards recipients.
- 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: Join fellow alumni and friends at the Drake Alumni tent to start your Drake Relays weekend.
- When: Thursday, April 23 (evening)
- Where: Drake Alumni tent, located on the North End of the Drake Stadium under the scoreboard
- Tickets: $20 with no drinks, $25 with two drinks. Purchase your ticket/drinks.
50-Year Reunion
- What: A milestone weekend for the Class of 1976 to reconnect with classmates, celebrate Drake’s growth and recall their college days while making new memories.
- When: April 24–25
- Where: Drake University
- Tickets: $75/person before March 2, $100/person after. Register.
All-Alumni Painted Street Party
- What: The ultimate gathering for all Bulldog alumni to meet old friends, make new connections, and celebrate together on Drake’s most iconic campus landmark.
- 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 exploring how emerging therapies are transforming the management of cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- When: Friday, April 24, 1–3 p.m.
- Where: Harvey Ingham Hall, Room 134
- Register for this free continuing education session.
College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Gathering
- What: Connect with Dean Gesine Gerhard and faculty during the Painted Street Party. Registered guests receive a complimentary 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 information.
CPHS Alumni & Friends Gathering
- What: A dedicated space for College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences alumni to connect with Dean Erik Maki and faculty. Registered guests receive a complimentary 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 information.
School of Education Alumni Gathering
- What: Join Dean Ryan Wise and School of Education faculty for conversation and networking. Registered guests receive a complimentary 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 information.
Zimpleman College of Business Alumni & Friends Gathering
- What: Celebrate 75 years of excellence with Dean Alanah Mitchell and Zimpleman faculty. Registered guests receive a complimentary 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 information.
JDBC Alumni & Friends Gathering
- What: Join Dean Megan Brown and John Dee Bright College faculty to connect with fellow JDBC alumni. Registered guests receive a complimentary 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 information.
Campus Tour
- What: A guided tour highlighting how campus has transformed, including recent renovations, community growth, 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
- What: A celebration of a decade of community, reflecting on over 60 years of LGBTQ+ experiences at Drake and honoring the Association’s 2016 founding.
- When: Saturday, April 25, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
- Where: The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, 2800 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
- Find registration information.
Divine Nine Plaza Dedication & Paint It Black
- What: a public dedication of the Divine Nine Plaza followed by the annual Paint It Black tradition. Since 2018, Paint It Black has brought the Drake community together in a visible symbol of solidarity with students of color. It serves as a call to action and reminder of the work still needed to create a more supportive and inclusive campus. Guests are invited to attend a reception in the south lobby of Meredith Hall after 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
- Find registration information.
Multicultural Block Party
- What: A vibrant celebration of unity on 28th Street featuring the Black, LGBTQ+, and Latinx Alumni Associations. Includes food trucks, a DJ, and open houses at CAYA, La Casa, and the BCC.
- When: Saturday, April 25, 1–4 p.m.
- Where: On 28th Street between University Avenue and Brattleboro Avenue
- Find registration information.
SJMC Relays Party
- What: A celebration of the SJMC family, featuring a farewell to Dean Catherine Staub, a welcome to incoming Dean Kelly Bruhn, and a 20-year celebration of the Meredith Apprenticeship Program. Registered guests receive two drink tickets.
- When: Saturday, April 25, 5–7 p.m.
- Where: Meredith Hall
- Find registration information.
Fraternity/Sorority Alumni Events
Alpha Phi – Alumni Brunch
- What: A brunch hosted by Alpha Phi Gamma Omicron to celebrate and connect with 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 the chapter house for tours and a short ceremony.
- 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 to the chapter house for brunch and house tours
- When: Saturday, April 25
- Where: Kappa Kappa Gamma house, 1350 34th Street, Des Moines, Iowa
SigEp Alumni Tent
- What: SigEp alumni are invited to the SigEp house for an alumni tent gathering
- When: Saturday, April 25
- Where: SigEp house, 1243 34th Street, Des Moines, Iowa
- Find registration information.
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 ensure a smooth experience with Drake Relays, please review the following road closures and parking availability. High-traffic volumes are expected in the area. Please allow extra time for travel and consider using ride-sharing services or carpooling to reduce area congestion.
Road Closures
The following streets will be closed to through traffic. All closures will remain in effect until Saturday, April 25, at 8 p.m.
- Forest Avenue (25th to 29th St.) Closed starting Wednesday, April 22, at 10 a.m.
- 27th Street (Forest Ave. To Clark St.) Closed starting Thursday, April 23, at 6 a.m.
General Public Parking – $10 Thursday; $15 Friday and Saturday
- Lots 1 and 1A (25th Street between Carpenter and Forest): Available daily.
- IM Lot (28th and College Ave.): Available Friday and Saturday
- Lot 16 (North side of University Ave., west of 28th Street.): Available after 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; available all day Saturday.
ADA/Handicap Parking – $10 Thursday; $15 Friday and Saturday
- Lot 18 North (28th and Clark): Handicap parking available.
- Lot 13 (south side of Forest Ave., east of 27th Ave.): Handicap parking available.
Parking for Volunteers and Officials
- Lot 24 (south side of University Ave. and 29th St.): Reserved for Drake Relays volunteers and officials.