DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Road Races, one of the oldest community road races in Iowa, has sold out in the half marathon and 10K distances for the 55th edition of the event. Nearly 3,000 runners are anticipated to take to the streets of Des Moines on Sunday, April 23 in the sold out event. With less than sixty spots remaining in the 5K, an impending sellout in all three distances would mark another historic milestone for the Drake Road Races, further solidifying its reputation as a destination for runners and fitness enthusiasts alike. 
 
The sellout of the half marathon and 10k comes as no surprise to Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays, who had this to say, "We are thrilled to see the overwhelming support for the Drake Road Races, with two events already sold out for the 55th edition of the event. The sellout is a testament to the commitment of our participants and the prestige of participating in America's Athletic Classic. This excitement just foreshadows the anticipated 57th consecutive Saturday sellout of the Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom."
 
This is the third-straight year that the Half Marathon has sold out for the Drake Road Races. A sellout occurs in community running events due to logistical and material constraints, which necessitate the existence of capacity limits on these events. Production lead times on the benefits the athletes receive such as apparel items and medals are taken into consideration in establishing a fixed field limit. These capacities exist to guarantee that the event is safe and is of the highest possible quality. 
 
The 5K race is still open, but is at 93% capacity, and based on the demand, the event is also expected to sell out. Participants can secure their spot at the starting line for the 5K here. The Drake Road Races has been a fixture in the Des Moines community for more than half a century and provides the opportunity for thousands of athletes to finish on the famed Blue Oval while adding their name to the list of athletes competing in America's Athletic Classic. 
 
Participants still hoping to be part of the Drake Relays festivities can apply to a waitlist through the EnMotive registration platform. Participants who apply to the waitlist will reserve their spot for a $1 fee plus service fees and applicable tax which will be applied towards their registration if accepted. If a participant is not accepted, they will be refunded the total amount. Accepted entries will be notified of their status via email on Thursday, April 20 at 12:00 PM Central. The application to the waitlist does not guarantee entry into the Half Marathon and/or the 10K events. 
 
During the Relays Health & Fitness Expo hosted by Catch Des Moines, athletes competing in the Drake Road Races and the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield will receive their race day essentials. The event will be held in the Knapp Center on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Knapp Center on the campus of Drake University. The event is free and open to the public and will feature health and fitness vendors including Fitness Sports, IV Nutrition, Vero Health Center and Fleet Feet. 
 
Registration for the 56th Drake Road Races will open with a sale at the IMT Des Moines Marathon Expo on Friday, October 13 and October 14 followed by a 2-Day Flash Sale from Monday, October 16 to Tuesday, October 17. The 56th Drake Road Races will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024. 
 
For more information visit drakeroadraces.org.