DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee unveiled another world-class field including Relays fan favorite Lolo Jones in the Rio Olympic Games Preview 100-meter hurdles.
The race will feature the Nos. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 hurdlers in the world according to Track & Field News and two-time Olympic medalist Dawn Harper-Nelson as well as the last two Drake Relays champions in Jasmin Stowers and Kristi Castlin.
In addition to unveiling the latest world-class field, Drake Relays director Brian Brown also made the following announcements.
Throwers and jumper to compete for additional money in 'Leap For Loot' and 'Throw For Dough' competitions.
Drake Relays Presented By Hy-Vee Mobile App Powered By MidAmerican Energy Now Available for download by clicking here for Apple iOS devices and here for Android devices.
Brown also announced that for the third-consecutive year, the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee will run on clean energy, thanks to a partnership with MidAmerican Energy. As Iowa's largest energy provider, MidAmerican Energy retires enough renewable energy credits to offset the emissions for the entire week of the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee.
Jones, a native of Des Moines and graduate of Roosevelt High School, is a two-time Olympian and was named one of the Relays' 'Athletes of the Century' during the centennial celebration.
Joining Jones in the field is a two-time Olympic medalist and the world's No. 1 ranked athlete in the event in Dawn Harper-Nelson. Harper-Nelson was the 2008 Olympic gold medalist and 2012 silver medalist.
Jasmin Stowers is the defending Relays champion in the event and Relays record holder as well after winning in 12.40 last season to begin an outdoor campaign that would end with her ranked third in the world.
The No. 4 hurdler in the world, Brianna Rollins, returns to the Blue Oval after finishing fourth at last summer's World Championship. She was also the 2013 World Champion in the event.
The 2013 World Championship bronze medalist will also be on the track as Tiffany Porter returns to Des Moines. She begins the outdoor season ranked fifth in the world.
Another Relays regular, Queen Harrison, returns after finishing 2015 ranked sixth in the world following a fifth-place showing at the World Championships.
The final top-10 competitor in the field is Kendra Harrison who in her first year as a professional, rose to No. 8 in the world rankings.
Completing the star-studded field is the 2014 Relays champion and one-time record holder Kristi Castlin.
Single-session tickets for the 2016 Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee are now on sale as are all-session and multi-session tickets. To secure your seats at Drake Stadium, visit www.DrakeRelays.org, www.DrakeTix.com or by calling the Drake Athletic Ticket Office at 515-271-3647.
