DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has unveiled its 2023 schedule of events. The competition will welcome athletes and spectators from around the world during the 113th edition of America's Athletic Classic, April 26-29, 2023, at Drake Stadium. 

Track and field competition begins Wednesday, April 26, with the men's decathlon and women's heptathlon. The combined events conclude Thursday, April 27, followed by the annual Distance Carnival, which will include a special invitational field event to be announced. Friday, April 28, will again be divided into two sessions, featuring the nation's top collegiate athletes alongside Iowa's finest high school athletes. 

"Every year the Drake Relays presented by Xtream schedule requires meticulous planning to ensure we create a tremendous experience for fans and competitors," said Blake Boldon, the Franklin "Pitch" Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "While this schedule is subject to small changes, we know there are thousands of track and field fans, athletes and coaches eager for this news so they can start making preparations for the Blue Oval. We believe that the format changes this year will improve the experience for everyone in attendance and we have also worked hard to preserve many long standing traditions that make the Drake Relays America's Athletic Classic."

Relays fans should note:

• In addition to 12 events on the World Athletics Continental Tour, Invitational sections have been added in each of the University/College field events to highlight top collegiate athletes. More information on that format change can be found in the December 12 announcement.
• As part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Level competition, Thursday night will include an elite field event for the very first time, shortly after the conclusion of the traditional Elementary shuttle.
• The Friday session maintains the tradition of the Masters 800 meters, alongside the crowning of champions in the University, College and High School Divisions.
• Friday Night at the Drake Relays will feature three special events on the track and four invitational University field events, in addition to the return of the nation's top Paralympic sprinters. 
• In addition to ten World Athletics Continental Tour events including dozens of Olympians, Saturday will culminate with the crowning of three Relays Cup Champions for the first time in history with the University Relays Cup, High School Relays Cup and new this year, College Relays Cup.
• The Xtream Sprint Series, powered by Mediacom returns featuring Olympians in many fan-favorite events, collegiate stars in the men's and women's 100 meters, and for the first time, the finals for the NCAA 100m wheelchair national championship.

 More key notes for Relays Week:

• The Drake Road Races will offer in-person and virtual options for participation again this year. Registration for the in-person event will close on Saturday, April 22. Register here.
• The Wellmark Set the Pace Challenge returns in-person and virtually during the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. To register for the Grand Blue Mile, click here. The challenge encourages Iowans to develop sustainable, healthy habits to adopt throughout 2023. The community with the highest percentage of its residents participating in the Grand Blue Mile will be awarded $10,000 to use on a project that promotes safe, inclusive, and accessible places to be active, such as parks, playgrounds or trails.
• The Beautiful Bulldog Contest returns to the Knapp Center on Monday, April 24. 

To view the entire 2023 Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom schedule, click here.

For high school meet information, click here.

For university and college meet information, click here.

All-session tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.draketix.com/drakerelays.

All-session reserved tickets are $100 and all-session general admission tickets are $75. Single-session tickets go on sale to the public at noon, Tuesday, April 4. Early access to single-session tickets begins on Thursday, March 30 when pre-sale opens at noon.

Current Drake University students can attend all Drake Relays sessions and sit in General Admission seating (sections J, K and L) by scanning their Student ID at the gate. 

The last day to make a gift to receive Baton Club benefits like parking and hospitality is this Friday, March 17th. Gifts to the Baton Club support upgrades to the Blue Oval, help attract a competitive field, and much more. More information about the Baton Club can be found here: DrakeTix.com - Baton Club
Iowa high school and collegiate entries for the 113th Drake Relays opened March 6 through an online entry process. 

University and college division entries are submitted through Direct Athletics with a deadline of Sunday, April 16 at 6 p.m.

Iowa high school entries are submitted on Varsity Bound Meets with an entry deadline of Friday, April 21 at 8:00 am. The High School Entry Information Packet has complete details on event entry limits, historical entry cut-off marks, finalization of entries, fees, parent/guardian release directions and the 2023 High School Blue Standards. Coaches are encouraged to review the packet for proper entry procedures and key information on the tentative accepted list posting for coaches' review Friday, April 21.