DES MOINES, Iowa – 2022 Relays Night at the Drake men's basketball game against Evansville on Wednesday evening was a success.

"On top of a great Bulldogs win, last night was a terrific celebration of America's Athletic Classic. In addition to recognizing our Wellness Challenge winners and supporting our longstanding community partner, Iowa Kidstrong, it was a fun way to announce our first confirmed elite athlete of 2022," Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays said. "The excitement kicked off Drake Relays season and it's awesome to see the community's support continue to grow. I want to say thank you to everyone that made Relays Night successful."

Voice of the Drake Relays Mike Jay set the tone by introducing the starting lineups. The National Anthem was sung by multiple-time Drake Relays champion and Waukee Northwest senior Natalie Harris.

Ryan Crouser, the reigning Olympic Champion, Drake Stadium record holder, and two-time Olympic gold medalist announced via video to the crowd he will return to the Blue Oval at the Drake Relays on April 30. 

The challenge of running a combined half-marathon on a treadmill during the course of a basketball game was completed by the following runners: Michael Admire (Voice of Drake men's basketball), Brian Hardin (Drake Director of Athletics), Lindsey Horner (Drake women's soccer head coach), Adam Fogg (Drake track & field/cross country), Emilie Meyer (Drake track & field/cross country), Isaac Basten (Drake track & field/cross country), Brooke Mullins (Drake track & field/cross country), Ana McNamara (Drake Road Races participant), Cody Baele (Team Runablaze), Tyson Wieland (Team Runablaze), Ellie Mueller (Iowa Kidstrong) and Griff II even got up on the treadmill.

The 13.1 mile goal was reached, so Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield donated $1,300 to the Iowa Kidstrong program. Wellmark and the Drake Relays have recognized the Iowa Kidstrong program as the official beneficiary of Grand Blue Mile proceeds. Learn more about Iowa Kidstrong here: https://www.grandbluemile.com/about/iowa-kidstrong/.

At halftime, the Running of the Bulldogs hosted by Beautiful Bulldog contest emcee Steve Berry returned with six Bulldogs competing before Cora crossed the finish line first in a photo finish.

The Drake Relays committee was recognized on the court and dozens of Drake Relays officials were also in attendance. 

All-session tickets and packages for the 112th edition of the Drake Relays are on sale now at draketix.com/relays.