DES MOINES, Iowa — The Grand Blue Mile in Downtown Des Moines has become a popular springtime tradition among thousands of Iowans during the week of Drake Relays. That status can be, in large part, attributed to a solid 15-year partnership between the Grand Blue Mile and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Hosted this year in conjunction with the 114th Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom, the Grand Blue Mile will continue to uphold that tradition with around 2,500 participants hitting the streets on Monday. The event serves as a prime example of Wellmark's primary principles of creating healthy, sustainable habits.
The corporate partnership between the Grand Blue Mile and Wellmark began in 2010 as an all-inclusive community event for all ages and abilities. While the popularity of the Grand Blue Mile has grown rapidly to include competitive and professional exhibitions, the foundation of promoting all aspects of well-being has remained the same.
"The Grand Blue Mile was born from a shared vision to help generations of Iowans move toward a future of better health," said Chris Verlengia, Wellmark's marketing activation and alliance manager and Grand Blue Mile co-race director. "As the event's founding sponsor, Wellmark is deeply committed to improving the health of the people and communities we serve. It's inspiring to see so many families, friends and neighbors embrace this as an annual tradition, sharing high-fives and hugs after crossing the finish line."
All proceeds from the Grand Blue Mile support student participation in the annual Drake Relays and benefit Iowa Kidstrong, a nonprofit organization that works with Des Moines metro-area schools to promote healthy and active lifestyles. Iowa Kidstrong's KidStriders must run a cumulative marathon over the school year and are invited to run the last quarter mile at the Grand Blue Mile. Over the past 15 years, Grand Blue Mile has successfully raised $100,000 for Iowa Kidstrong to expand its programming and curriculum for school-based wellness.
"While the Grand Blue Mile is a major part of Drake Relays festivities," Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays said. "It really belongs to the people of Des Moines and Iowa. Our communities have dedicated themselves, both physically and emotionally, to the Grand Blue Mile and everything Wellmark stands for to support their own health and the work done at Iowa Kidstrong. We're excited to see everyone downtown on Tuesday and celebrate another year of the Grand Blue Mile."
Registration for the 2024 Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark is open until April 23 at GrandBlueMile.com. The registration fee is $20 for youth and $25 for adults.
