DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Relays has again partnered with the Iowa Sports Foundation to help support all Iowans in their commitment to their 2026 health and fitness goals. During the holiday season and into the first days of the New Year, the Drake Relays staff are encouraging everyone to make their New Year's resolution a Relays Resolution.
 
"Each New Year provides a definitive opportunity to set goals, and we're proud to once again partner with the Iowa Sports Foundation to help Iowans turn those goals into action," said Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays, Blake Boldon. "The Relays Resolution campaign and the Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Wellness Challenge provide accessible, motivating ways for people of all fitness levels to stay active and train toward the Drake Road Races."
 
The 58th installment of the Drake Road Races will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, marking the official beginning of Relays Week. With three distances available, 5k, 10k, and half marathon, there is a race available for all fitness levels and the first six 2026 Drake Relays Champions will be crowned. All finishers receive a commemorative Drake Road Races finishers medal, a premium apparel item, free admission to the Thursday night Distance Carnival at the Drake Relays plus other benefits. Become one of the first finishers of America's Athletic Classic when you cross the finish line on the Blue Oval. Make your Relays Resolution and register on or before Monday, January 5 to take advantage of our special Relays Resolution pricing at drakeroadraces.org.
 
"The beginning of a new year is an ideal moment to get active and set personal goals," Nicole Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer, shared, 'The Iowa Sports Foundation is excited to partner with the Drake Relays to provide these fun and healthy opportunities for Iowans.'"
 
As a way to stay accountable in training for the Drake Road Races, the Drake Relays are encouraging registrants to participate in the Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Wellness Challenge. For $25, participants can now register for the Challenge that will run from January 12-March 20, 2026. Over the course of 10 weeks, teams (2-10 people) track activity minutes and/or weight loss through the Live Healthy Iowa website. This simple and affordable challenge provides Iowans an opportunity to improve their health while engaging in fun, friendly competition. To register visit livehealthyiowa.org/10-challenge. 
 
About Drake Relays
The Drake Relays has served as "America's Athletic Classic" since its first running in 1910. The annual competition, hosted by Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is recognized internationally as a destination for the world's premier track & field athletes across multiple professional and amateur divisions. In 2020, the Drake Relays was named a Silver Level event on the World Athletics Continental Tour, a designation that has been received annually since that time. In addition to its signature stadium competition, the Drake Relays includes two marquee road running events open to the general public — the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Drake Road Races. For more information, visit drakerelays.org.
 
About Live Healthy Iowa
Live Healthy Iowa is a program of the Iowa Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Ames, Iowa. Live Healthy Iowa brings together friends, families, businesses, and communities in team-based wellness challenges and active events encouraging lifelong well-being.