Articles Tagged: Drake Relays

Lolo Jones finds herself in an unusual position. The decorated veteran hurdler enters the blocks as the epitome of a long shot — both at this weekend’s Drake Relays and in her ambitious quest to earn a spot on the 2024 U.S. Olympic team.

Drake Relays (Thursday girls): Two schools, two school records in the high jump for Sydney Maue. The Mount Vernon newcomer is a runner-up, clearing 5 feet, 7 inches.

Drake Relays: After a false-start mishap last spring and a broken fibula last fall, Lisbon’s Baylor Speidel is healthy again and ready for one more dash of glory.

Here are five things to watch in the high school portion of the Drake Relays, which runs Thursday through Saturday at Drake Stadium.

Ogden column: Drake Relays are one of the state’s best athletic events every year and this year could be even better, director Blake Boldon said.

Prep track and field: Drake Relays 2024 form chart, including unofficial area qualifiers.

Prep track and field: Drake Relays 2024 form chart, as of April 17.

Prep track and field: Drake Relays 2024 form chart, as of April 15.

To kick off its 114-year-old Drake Relays on April 21, the university is holding its 45th annual “beautiful bulldog contest” -- with the winning glowering canine earning a year-long rein as the Drake Relays mascot.

Miles Thompson of Cedar Rapids Washington has been named the 2023 Drake Relays most outstanding performer in the high school boys’ division.

Drake Relays, Saturday boys: It’s a gold-filled, bittersweet day for area stars. Linn-Mar, Washington, City High and Kennedy each win a title, but the Warriors’ stirring 4x100 crown comes with a price, with anchor Michael Blank suffering a hamstring injury.

Drake Relays, Saturday girls: Another relay title, and an unexpected Cup, for Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Swartzendruber twins are bookends on the Cougars’ triumphant 4x400, but the middle runners (Jovie Veach and Emerson Swearinger) play their roles to perfection.

Scenes from Saturday’s Drake Relays events.

Iowa State enjoyed a red-letter day at Drake Stadium, as the Cyclones claimed Drake Relays flags in three women’s events: The 400-meter shuttle hurdle relay, the distance medley relay and the 100-meter hurdles.

It’s the final day of the 2023 Drake Relays at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. Follow The Gazette’s live blog for updates and results throughout the day.