DES MOINES, Iowa -- Registration for the 2022 Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross^® and Blue Shield^® opens tomorrow with a two-day, $10 flash sale. This year, registrants have the opportunity to participate virtually or in person on April 26 in downtown Des Moines, coinciding with the 112^th edition of the Drake Relays presented by Xtream^® powered by Mediacom^®.  
 
"We're excited to celebrate the 13th Annual Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark — but in a modified, hybrid format that ensures all participants can join the fun in the setting that suits them best," said Chris Verlengia, Wellmark's marketing activation & alliance manager and Grand Blue Mile co-race director. "This event has always been about encouraging individuals and families to get moving and embrace simple, healthy habits and Wellmark remains committed to that goal."
 
"This year, Wellmark and the Drake Relays presented by Xtream look forward to providing the Grand Blue Mile experience to an even larger audience," said Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "We're thrilled to be 'Back on Track' in 2022, returning to the streets of downtown Des Moines to host America's best athletes, fitness enthusiasts, walkers and runners alike, while also expanding the reach of our virtual engagement to communities throughout the Midwest."
 
The Grand Blue Mile will be celebrated as part of Relays Night during the Drake Men's Basketball game on Wednesday, February 16 when runners try to collectively run a half marathon during the course of the game. When the 13.1 mile goal is reached Wellmark has committed to donating $1,300 to the Iowa Kidstrong program, the official beneficiary of Grand Blue Mile proceeds.
 
Registration for the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark will be available at GrandBlueMile.com. The $10 flash sales starts on Feb. 15 and ends promptly at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 16, after which, regularly priced youth registration is $15 and adults are $20. As part of Wellmark's commitment to improving the health of the communities we serve, all proceeds benefit Iowa Kidstrong youth fitness programs and support student participation in the annual Drake Relays.

About the Grand Blue Mile
Grand Blue Mile, a Drake Relays event, is an annual one-mile fitness run/walk presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield to engage individuals at all stages of fitness, encourage healthy habits and celebrate personal achievement. The annual wellness event, established in 2010, includes recreational, competitive and invitational events featuring a field of elite male and female track and field athletes from around the world. Proceeds from the event benefit Iowa Kidstrong, Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting healthy, active lifestyles among youth. For more information, visit grandbluemile.com.

About the Drake Relays
The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has served as "America's Athletic Classic" since its first running in 1910. The annual competition, hosted by Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is recognized internationally as a destination for the world's premier track & field athletes across multiple professional and amateur divisions. In 2020, the Drake Relays was named a Silver Level event on the World Athletics Continental Tour, one of only two meets in the United States to earn Silver Level status. In addition to its signature stadium competition, the Drake Relays includes two marquee road running events open to the general public — the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Drake Road Races. For more information, visit drakerelays.org.

About Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Wellmark, Inc. (Wellmark.com) does business as Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. Wellmark and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, including Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota, Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc., and Wellmark Value Health Plan, Inc., insure or pay health benefit claims for more than 2 million members in Iowa and South Dakota. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota, Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc., and Wellmark Value Health Plan, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.