The 2023 Drake Relays is an outdoor track and field competition, known to be “America’s Athletic Classic.” The annual event is considered to be the most exciting event at Drake and it’s just around the corner. Just 2 more weeks from today and athletes from all over the country and world will be toing the line, jumping and throwing. The event will take place at Drake University, in the Drake Stadium on the 26-29th of April. One of the biggest track and field events in America is held in Des Moines – why not get around the track and field spirit and see what the hype is all about!
Schedule Overview
The Drake Relays kicks off with the road races on Sunday the 23rd, offering a half marathon, 10km and the 5km. On Tuesday 25th, the Grand blue mile and USATF MILE championship is being held, which featured some of Americas best mid-distance athletes. Heptathlon events kicks off the official relay events on Wednesday; Thursday night is the distance carnival where college athletes will battle it out in the 800m, steeplechase, 5000m, 10,000m, and Friday and Saturday feature sections of high school, college and professional athletes (many of which are Olympians).
Athlete Overview
At this time, only professional athletes from the shot-put event have been announced. World champion and record holder Ryan Crouser will be attempting a new world record in the Drake Field House on Wednesday night. Crouser has won the last 4 titles at the relays and will be back to claim his 5th. Along with Crouser, Chase Ealey – Women’s World Champion and American record holder will be teaming up in an 8-thrower competition.
The Drake athlete’s to look out for is Isaac Basten. Basten is a 4 x All-American, who recently placed runner-up at the NCAA Indoor championships, in the Mile, missing out on the NCAA title by just .03 seconds. Basten won the 1500m title at last years Drake Relays. Anthony Barmes will be competing in the hammer throw. Barmes is Drake’s hammer throw school record holder and placed 21st at the 2022 NCAA outdoor championships. On the women’s side, Brooke Mullins will be competing in the 3000m steeplechase Thursday night. Brooke is the school record holder for the steeplechase and the indoor mile. Chandler Height – fresh off her new PR in the shot put, will be looking to improve her own school record Saturday afternoon.
Although not confirmed, Drake will submit a distance relay team on the men’s and women’s side. Unsure of what relay exactly, whichever they toe the line in they will be looking to bring home a relay title. The women’s will be in the mix to place high in whatever the race in.
Looking For Tickets?
Head to the Draketix.com to purchase your tickets. You don’t want to miss it – they are selling out fast!
