DES MOINES, Iowa – Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays, unveiled the schedule for the 2018 Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee, Thursday, March 1.
 
The 109th running of the Drake Relays features a number of enhancements to the Relays schedule to better serve the athletes and fans.
 
"The changes for the 2018 Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee have our athletes and ticket-holders at heart. We've increased competitive opportunities for university athletes and our staff worked to improve the timing of the competitions in this division while also maintaining a compelling program for all track and field fans," said Boldon.
 
The most significant change to Thursday evening's distance carnival is the addition of the university/college division 3,000-meter steeplechase, and to further serve middle distance and distance university/college competitors, Boldon announced additional sections of the university/college 800 meters and 1,500 meters.
 
"We've placed a greater emphasis on the Distance Carnival on Thursday night and in 2018 we expect some of the most competitive distance fields in recent memory. We'll provide requested pace setters and encourage all athletes to pursue lofty goals here on the Blue Oval," said Boldon.
 
The final tweak made to Thursday night's schedule is the running of the elementary shuttle relay. This will allow these young athletes free access with their wristbands to return to cheer on their favorite high school, college teams and track and field stars all weekend long.
 
Hy-Vee Night at the Relays will once again be a session that fans won't want to miss. Friday evening will be highlighted by some of the world's best women's middle distance runners, men's pole vaulters and women's high jumpers. Along with the elite events, Boldon announced the addition of the university/college division 200-meter dash as a result of feedback by the university coaches.
 
"Some of the best women's middle distance runners in the world will come to the Blue Oval to test themselves over a new distance, the 3,000 meters on Friday night," said Boldon. "We are adding the 200-meter dash to allow some of the country's best collegiate sprinters to pursue national qualifying marks in a marquee event."
 
As always, Saturday will be jam packed with several of the world's best competing on the Blue Oval. Boldon announced that fans will get to witness the men's special invitational 100-meter dash, 110-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles and shot put and the women's special invitational 100-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles and pole vault. The world class athletes that will comprise these fields as well as additional special events will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
"Saturday is set to be one of the best days of track and field anywhere in the world in 2018.  The world's best athletes will be competing on the Blue Oval and in field events, right alongside collegiate standouts and Iowa's finest preps. This new schedule continues to elevate expectations at the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee."
 
Fans can now purchase single session tickets for the 2018 Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee at DrakeTix.com, by visiting the Drake Athletic Ticket Office or calling 515-271-3647. All-session and multi-session ticket packages are still available.