Introduction of Champ the Bulldog at the 57th Annual Drake Road Races Kicks off Relays Week

Sunshine and enthusiastic crowds help mark the start of Relays week with sold out Drake Road Races

The 57th running of the Drake Road Races saw unprecedented demand as the 5k, 10k, and half marathon all featured sold out fields of runners. Over 3,400 participants off all ages and abilities maneuvered their way through the streets of Des Moines on a picturesque April morning before finishing inside Drake Stadium to officially start the 2025 Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom.
 
This year's champions also became the first to celebrate a new tradition, the signing of Champ the Bulldog. The winners of all 158 events at the 2025 Drake Relays from the prep races to World Athletics Continental Tour contests will get the ink their signature on Champ, cementing their title-winning status for the year. Two of today's champions, Jessica McKee and Kayci Martensen, are pictured above after collecting their champion flags and marking Champ with their autographs.
 
"It was another tremendous day for the Drake Road Races," said Drake Road Races Director Ben Huftalin. "Athletes from all over the country made the most of their chance to finish on the iconic Blue Oval and the energy throughout the course was evident. We're especially thrilled for today's first-place finishers as they were the first to participate in the newest Relays tradition of signing Champ the Bulldog, and are excited to see hundreds more do the same later this week as Drake Relays champions."
 
Martensen, a native of Benton, Wis., was the women's 5k champion in 17:27. Ankeny's Ahren Davis won the men's 5k in a time of 16:00.
 
McKee, a Johnston resident, returned to the Drake Road Races to defend her women's 10k title from a year ago. She did just that with a winning pace of 35:52, besting her triumphant 2024 time by nearly a second. Tyler Boyle of Lincoln, Neb. took top honors in the men's 10k at 31:43.
 
The men's half marathon was won by Seth Kilborn of Waukee. Kilborn navigated the 13.1-mile course in 1:11.04 to earn his champion flag and the right to sign Champ the Bulldog. He was joined in the winner's circle by Danna Herrick of Norwalk. She won the women's half marathon in 1:20.31.
 
The 58th annual Drake Road Races are scheduled for Sunday, Apr. 19, 2026.

Drake Pharmacy Students to Enhance 2025 Drake Relays Health & Fitness Expo

Future healthcare professionals to offer health screenings, recovery resources, and on-course hydration support

The 2025 Drake Relays Health & Fitness Expo will feature a new partnership with Drake University pharmacy students, further expanding the event's commitment to athlete and community wellness. Organized by the American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) at Drake University, along with members of professional pharmacy fraternities and the Pharmacy Leadership Honor Society, this initiative will bring valuable health and wellness services to participants and attendees.

As future healthcare professionals, Drake pharmacy students are dedicated to community engagement and preventative care. At the Health & Fitness Expo, they will provide a range of health-focused services, including:

•  Health screenings for athletes and attendees
• Education about heart health
• Giveaways promoting health and wellness awareness

In addition to their presence at the expo, pharmacy students will play an active role on race day by managing Hydration Station #1 at the Drake Road Races on Saturday, April 19. This key station will serve all race distances—5k, 10k, and half marathon runners—ensuring participants stay properly hydrated as they take on the course.

The Drake Relays Health & Fitness Expo serves as the official packet pickup for both the Drake Road Races and the Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Open to the public, the expo will feature a variety of health and fitness vendors, offering valuable resources to runners, spectators, and community members.

"We are excited to collaborate with the Drake Relays to enhance the athlete and spectator experience through these wellness initiatives," said Madelynn Aeilts, President of the American Pharmacists Association at Drake University. "This partnership allows us to apply our knowledge in a meaningful way while promoting health and wellness within our community."

The 2025 Drake Relays Health & Fitness Expo will take place at the Knapp Center on Friday, April 18, from 11 AM to 8 PM, leading into the Drake Road Races and other Relays weekend festivities.

Drake Relays and Live Healthy Iowa to Continue Partnership in 2025 / December 30, 2024

Two pillars of healthy activity in Iowa again join forces to promote active living

The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has again partnered with the Iowa Sports Foundation to help support all Iowans in their commitment to their 2025 health and fitness goals. During the holiday season and into the first days of the New Year, the Drake Relays staff are encouraging everyone to make their New Year's resolution a Relays Resolution.
 
"With the 115th edition of the Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom in 2025, we are proud to renew our partnership with the Iowa Sports Foundation," said Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays, Blake Boldon. "Our joint efforts with Live Healthy Iowa speak directly to our year-round goal of inspiring Iowans. The 10 Week Wellness Challenge provides low-cost and meaningful support for anyone on their wellness journey and fits perfectly for those training for the Drake Road Races in April."
 
The 57th installment of the Drake Road Races will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, marking the official beginning of Relays Week. With three distances available, 5k, 10k and half marathon, there is a race available for all fitness levels and the first six 2025 Drake Relays Champions will be crowned. All finishers receive a commemorative Drake Road Races finishers medal, a premium apparel item, free admission to the Thursday night Distance Carnival at the Drake Relays plus other benefits. Become one of the first finishers of America's Athletic Classic when you cross the finish line on the Blue Oval. Make your Relays Resolution and register on or before Friday, Jan. 3 at 11:59 p.m. of our special Relays Resolution pricing at drakeroadraces.org.
 
"The start of a new year is the perfect time to get moving and set personal goals. The Iowa Sports Foundation is thrilled to team up with the Drake Relays in offering these healthy and exciting opportunities for Iowans," commented Nicole Kennedy, chief operation officer.

As a way to stay accountable in training for the Drake Road Races, the Drake Relays presented by Xtream are encouraging registrants to participate in the Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Wellness Challenge. For $25, participants can now register for the Challenge that will run from Jan.13-Mar. 21, 2025. Over the course of 10 weeks, teams (2-10 people) track activity minutes and/or weight loss through the Live Healthy Iowa website. This simple and affordable challenge provides Iowans an opportunity to improve their health while engaging in fun, friendly competition. To register visit livehealthyiowa.org/10-challenge. 
 
About Drake Relays
The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has served as "America's Athletic Classic" since its first running in 1910. The annual competition, hosted by Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is recognized internationally as a destination for the world's premier track & field athletes across multiple professional and amateur divisions. In 2020, the Drake Relays was named a Silver Level event on the World Athletics Continental Tour, a designation that has been received annually since that time. In addition to its signature stadium competition, the Drake Relays includes two marquee road running events open to the general public — the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Drake Road Races. For more information, visit drakerelays.org.
 
About Live Healthy Iowa
Live Healthy Iowa brings together friends, families, businesses, and communities in team-based wellness challenges and active events encouraging lifelong well-being.

Drake Road Races Celebrate Decades of Tradition with New Strategic Partnerships Chicago Running Company to Oversee Operations, Timing, and Photography Services for 2025 Races / October 10, 2024

Annual event evolves with new virtual partnership

The Drake Road Races, one of the Midwest's most iconic running events, returns in 2025 with fresh energy and exciting developments. With more than five decades of history, this cherished community event continues to draw thousands of runners to Des Moines, serving as the official starting line for Drake Relays Week. Last year's sold-out races produced the first six Drake Relays Champions, and excitement is already building for 2025.

In 2024, nearly 3,000 athletes of all ages and abilities crossed the finish line on the famous Blue Oval in Drake Stadium, solidifying the event's reputation as a premier destination for runners nationwide. This year, the Drake Road Races are proud to announce key partnerships that will further enhance the participant experience.

Chicago Running Company, renowned for its commitment to delivering outstanding running experiences, will manage race production, operations, premium apparel and medal design, as well as timing and photography services for the 2025 races. Their expertise provides a fresh approach to race logistics while maintaining institutional knowledge, ensuring an exceptional experience for every participant from start to finish.

"This new partnership with Chicago Running Company is the next logical step in the evolution of this historic event. Members of their team have been involved with the Drake Road Races since 2018, providing a strong foundation as we move forward with event enhancements, including our new website that launched this week," said Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. 

Ben Huftalin, Race Director for the Drake Road Races, added, "Chicago Running Company's attention to detail, innovation, and experience with large-scale events will take the Drake Road Races to new heights. From the racecourse to the unforgettable swag, participants can expect the highest quality in every aspect of the event."

New for 2025, RunSignup will serve as the official registration platform, streamlining the registration process for all participants. The platform simplifies signing up for the 5k, 10k, and half marathon, ensuring a smooth, accessible experience for runners of all levels.

Bob Bickel, founder of RunSignup and self-proclaimed "Chief Running Nerd," expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: "We are thrilled to collaborate with such a historic event as the Drake Road Races and Grand Blue Mile. These iconic events positively impact the lives of thousands of Iowans every year, and we look forward to supporting them for years to come."
 
The 2025 Drake Road Races will once again offer the popular 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances, starting just outside of Drake Stadium and finishing on the legendary Blue Oval. Whether a seasoned athlete or a first-time runner, participants will experience the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define the Drake Relays. 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19, 2025, and join us for another unforgettable race day. Registration opens for the 57th edition of the Drake Road Races with the lowest prices of the year on Monday, October 21, 2024. For two days only, registrants can save 50% off race day prices, with the half marathon, 10k and 5k priced at $55, $35 and $25, respectively. 
 
About the Drake Relays
The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has served as "America's Athletic Classic" since its first running in 1910. The annual competition, hosted by Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is recognized internationally as a destination for the world's premier track & field athletes across multiple professional and amateur divisions. In 2020, the Drake Relays was named a Silver Level event on the World Athletics Continental Tour, one of only two meets in the United States to earn Silver Level status. In addition to its signature stadium competition, the Drake Relays includes two marquee road running events open to the general public — the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Drake Road Races. For more information, visit drakerelays.org.

About Chicago Running Company
With over 60 years of combined experience, the team at Chicago Running Company (CRC) is dedicated to bringing events to life while meeting and exceeding client goals. From charity walks to national championship races, CRC expertly manages all aspects of event production, including operations, logistics, procurement, customer service, timing, photography, and marketing. Whether organizing Olympic Trials or fun runs, CRC delivers memorable experiences and successful outcomes for events of all sizes and distances.  For more information, visit: www.ChicagoRunningCompany.com

About RunSignup 
RunSignup, an employee owned company, is the leading US event technology company powering registration, ticketing, and peer-to-peer fundraising. Our comprehensive, free, end-to-end platform provides solutions from marketing tools to event day management because we believe everyone deserves powerful technology to improve their events. More than 28,000 events use RunSignup, TicketSignup, and GiveSignup to sign up over 8 million people annually. Since 2010, we have helped our customers raise more than $2 billion.