Drake Relays is an iconic event in the Midwestern US. Hosted a Drake University, the event sells out each year. Each year, the event has amazing compeitions and it is cool that World Athletics recognized Drake!
Drake University, photo by Adam Johnson Eder / the Shoe Addicts
Drake Relays Earns World Athletics Silver Status And Announces Elite Competitions
The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has solidified its standing as one of the world’s elite competitions as World Athletics has designated the 2021 Drake Relays as a Silver Level Meet.
The 2021 Drake Relays will be one of only two currently announced Gold or Silver Level competitions in the United States in 2021, establishing Drake Stadium as a critical stop for athletes beginning their quest to qualify for the 2021 Olympic Games, while including the nation’s top collegiate athletes.
“For the last 11 decades, the Drake Relays has been one of the nation’s top collegiate track and field meets,” said Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. “With this announcement, the Drake Relays will be the only NCAA track and field competition that offers this Olympic qualifying opportunity to collegiate athletes. I am confident that this status, paired with our tradition of excellent relays, will make the Blue Oval one of the top destinations for the nation’s premier collegiate programs and athletes.
In 2020, the Blue Oval Showcase presented by Mediacom was a World Athletics Bronze Level event. However, thanks to unprecedented support from Xtream powered by Mediacom and Baton Club members, Drake Relays leadership was able to elevate the 2021 Drake Relays to its current Silver Level Status.
In addition to collegiate competitors, some of the nation’s top professional athletes will seek to punch their ticket to the Tokyo Olympics and will have the opportunity to do so in the following events.
The men’s lineup will include the following events:
110-meter hurdles
400-meter hurdles
1,500 meters
5,000 meters
Pole vault
Shot put
The women’s Silver Level competitions are slated to feature the following:
100-meter hurdles
400-meter hurdles
1,500 meters
3,000-meter steeplechase
Pole vault
Long jump.
All World Athletics Silver Level events are scheduled for Saturday afternoon, except for the men’s 5000 meters and women’s steeplechase slated for Friday evening.