DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom announced "Spike's Sprint," an exciting new youth event named for Drake University's beloved bulldog mascot that will debut at the 2025 Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield on April 22. This brand-new fun run offers children ages four to 10 years old the opportunity to sprint down Grand Avenue toward Des Moines' famed "World Record Way" as the official start to this year's event.
Entrants will have the opportunity to compete in one of three sections of sprints – 10 and under, eight and under, and six and under – earning a commemorative race bib and a finisher gift. Participants will also enjoy a front-row seat to cheer on some of Iowa's most famous mascots in the annual Mascot Madness showdown. Registration for Spike's Sprint opens tomorrow, Feb. 11, alongside general registration for the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark, for just $10 per participant.
"The Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark is renowned as a family-friendly event and Spike's Sprint is the perfect way for young runners to get in on the excitement," said Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "The addition of the sprint will bring the full spirit of the Drake Relays to life in Downtown Des Moines."
This addition of Spike's Sprint comes as an expansion of the event's traditional quarter-mile kids' run."
With Spike's Sprint, the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark continues to offer a family-friendly experience, ensuring kids and parents alike can participate in race day festivities. Young runners can tackle Spike's Sprint and still join their families for the Grand Blue Mile later in the evening, making it an event for all ages to enjoy.
Registration for Spike's Sprint and the Grand Blue Mile opens tomorrow, Feb. 11. For more information and to register, visit GrandBlueMile.com.
About the Grand Blue Mile
Grand Blue Mile, a Drake Relays event, is an annual one-mile fitness run/walk presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield to engage individuals at all stages of fitness, encourage healthy habits and celebrate personal achievement. The annual wellness event, established in 2010, includes recreational, competitive and invitational events featuring a field of elite male and female track and field athletes from around the world.
