FAQ's
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The Drake Road Races will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026
Be the first to secure your spot with the lowest prices of the year!
In-Person Registration - Available at the Des Moines Marathon Expo
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Friday, October 17 – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
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Saturday, October 18 – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Location: Cowles Commons — 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Online Registration Opens Monday, October 20
7:30 a.m. - Half Marathon and 10k start
7:45 a.m. - 5k start
Awards ceremony to follow
*subject to change
All participants will receive:
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A premium, gender-specific apparel item
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A commemorative race medal
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A personalized race bib
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Professional race timing
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Free race day photography
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A free ticket to the Drake Relays Distance Carnival on Thursday, April 23
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Post-race refreshments
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Access to on-site vendors and support
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...and more!
Athletes who complete both the Drake Road Races and the Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark, receive an additional commemorative medal after they finish the Grand Blue Mile later in the week.
For more information CLICK HERE or contact us drakeroadraces@drake.edu.
The Relays Health & Fitness Expo serves as the packet pick-up for the Drake Road Races and the Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark. It will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Knapp Center on the campus of Drake University. The schedule for packet pick-up with be announced later.
Parking is available in campus parking Lot 1 on the corner of Forest and 25th.
Yes! You are able to have a friend or family member pick up your bib and race items or you can pick up multiple participants items. Please have their confirmation QR Code available at pick up. Participants will receive their confirmation QR Code prior to the Health & Fitness Expo.
You can view the full course map, including start/finish locations, aid stations, and mile markers, on our course map page.
Right outside Drake Stadium on Forest Avenue by the Bulldog Plaza.
Inside Drake Stadium on the iconic Blue Oval!
Parking is available in campus parking Zone 1 on the corner of Forest and 25th. Avoid no parking signs on streets around campus that are part of the course.
The course is open for three hours which is a 14:00 per mile pace limit.
Yes! Since the 5k and 10k courses share the same route as the half marathon, it provides the opportunities for walkers to participate in the Drake Road Races as well with the same three hour time limit (14:00/mile).
Corrals are assigned based on the estimated finish time you provide during registration. This helps ensure a smooth and safe start for all participants by grouping runners with similar paces together.
There are aid stations along each route that will have water available. Porta-potties will be located near each aid station.
Restroom access is available before and after the race inside Drake Stadium.
Yes! Gear check will be available starting at 6:30 AM, one hour before the first race begins. You'll find a tear-off tag on the side of your race bib — simply detach it and hand it to the volunteer along with your personal items. Your gear will be securely stored and labeled with your bib number. After your race, present your bib to claim your items.
Please note: Any unclaimed items or gear left on the course will be donated or discarded.
No, for the safety of all participants strollers are not allowed.
Yes, we offer virtual participation for all three of our races distances. Prices are set at a flat fee with shipping included in the price. Virtual registration is open until event day, April 18, 2026.
Virtual participants registered by March 31, 2026 (11:59p.m.): Your virtual packet will be mailed to arrive in advance of the in-person Drake Road Races.
Virtual participants registered April 1, 2026 and after: Your virtual packet will be sent within two weeks post the in-person Drake Road Races. You can still run and log your results without receiving your packet. If you registered prior to March 31, 2026 but didn't receive your packet, please confirm your waiver has been signed.
Athletes may change their registration up until March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM. A $15 service fee will be charged to athletes that need to update their registration after that date.
Email drakeroadraces@drake.edu for more information
Athletes may only defer their half marathon registration to next year's event for a deferral fee of $25. The defer option can be found by logging on to RunSignUp, navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Defer Registration
Athletes may transfer their registration to another participant up until March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM. A $25 transfer fee will be charged to athletes that need to transfer their registration after that date. The transfer option can be found by logging on to RunSignup, navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer to Another Runner
The 17th Annual Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. For more information please visit https://www.grandbluemile.com/
Don’t see your question?
Email us at drakeroadraces@drake.edu and we’ll be happy to help.
