DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Road Races, a cornerstone of America's Athletic Classic, will officially move to Saturdays beginning in 2026, with the next race set for Saturday, April 18, 2026. The decision follows strong feedback from participants after the 2025 Drake Road Races shifted to Saturday to avoid holiday conflicts. That event drew more than 3,400 participants across the 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances — the highest post-pandemic total — and sparked a participant poll about future scheduling. More than 73% of those surveyed said they prefer Saturday racing, with only 10% preferring Sunday and 17% having no preference.

"This change proved to be a win for everyone," said Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "Runners told us they loved the Saturday schedule, and the energy it brought to the start of Relays Week set the tone for the entire week. After discussing the change with campus and community partners, we're even more encouraged about what this change can mean for our event in the long run." 

The Drake Road Races will continue to serve as the official start to Relays Week, challenging runners of all abilities with distances of 5k, 10k, and half marathon before delivering the unforgettable thrill of crossing the finish line inside Drake Stadium.

Registration Opens with Lowest Prices of the Year
Registration for the 2026 Drake Road Races will open with a two-day flash sale at the Des Moines Marathon Expo, held at Cowles Commons in downtown Des Moines, on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18. Online registration launches on Monday, October 20, offering the lowest prices of the year — 50% off race day pricing.

New Virtual Assistant Available Online
For the first time, participants can get instant answers to their questions through a new AI-powered virtual assistant available on both the Drake Road Races and Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, websites.

This innovation — powered by RunSignUp — uses event website content and participant data to provide quick, reliable information about registration, race day details, and more. The assistant is affectionately named Clark, in honor of Clark Street. Closed during the 2006 modernization of Drake Stadium, Clark Street now serves as the athlete entrance to Drake Stadium — including all finishers for the Drake Road Races.

Beginning today, visitors to DrakeRoadRaces.org and GrandBlueMile.com can ask Clark their questions to make the participant journey easier and more seamless.

"The athletes and participants in all of our events are central to our planning," Boldon said. "Clark simplifies the experience for everyone involved. And just as importantly, by listening to participant feedback and shifting to Saturday in 2026, we're creating the best possible experience for athletes and fans while continuing our proud tradition of finishing on the iconic Blue Oval."
The 2026 Drake Road Races are set for Saturday, April 18, 2026.

For more information on the Drake Road Races or Drake Relays, visit drakeroadraces.org or drakerelays.org.