DES MOINES, Iowa — Registration for the ninth annual Grand Blue Mile on April 24 opened today with a $10, two-day flash sale. This deeply discounted price is available for all ages now through Feb. 7. Be part of the 109th Drake Relays by joining the thousands of runners and walkers in downtown Des Moines for the Midwest's premier one-mile race.
 
"Grand Blue Mile was created to encourage sustainable healthy habits and empower positive change," said Chris Verlengia, Wellmark Blue Cross^® and Blue Shield^®'s senior brand marketing manager. "The mile is an attainable goal for Iowans at all fitness levels. Whether participants walk, run or jog, the important thing is they are getting up and being active, which is an excellent start to improving the overall health of our state."
 
Returning to the Grand Blue Mile is the USA Track & Field Men's and Women's 1 Mile Road Championships. The addition of these prestigious events is expected to attract several Olympians and numerous elite athletes from across the country to vie for a national title and their share of the $30,000 prize purse. The Grand Blue Mile also hosted the 2013, 2014 and 2017 USATF 1 Mile Road Championships.
 
"Now in its ninth year, the Grand Blue Mile's national profile continues to grow and attract America's most decorated milers," said Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "The entire Drake athletics department is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Wellmark to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to central Iowans."
 
Also back by popular demand is the Mascot Madness Charity Challenge — pitting Iowa's most beloved mascots against each other in a friendly competition as they sprint to Grand Blue Mile glory. Divided into two divisions — the fast and the furriest — the winning mascots will be awarded a $1,000 prize each for their school/organization's charitable foundation.
 
Register today
Registration is now open at grandbluemile.com. The $10 flash sales ends at 11:59 p.m., Feb. 7, after which, regularly priced registration is $15 for youth and $20 for adults. As part of Wellmark's commitment to improving the health of Iowans, all proceeds benefit Iowa Kidstrong school fitness programs and the historic Drake Relays.