DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has officially released its 2025 schedule, highlighting 16 Silver Level events on the World Athletics Continental Tour. As one of the premier track and field meets in the country, the Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom continues to attract top-tier athletes, setting the stage for world-class performances this spring.
 
"The 115th edition of the Drake Relays will again be a premier setting for some of the world's best athletes to compete," said Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "Our hard-working officials and volunteers, along with our dedicated fans, do so much to help these world-class athletes feel so special and welcome here in Des Moines. America's Athletic Classic is sure to be another hot ticket later next month."
 
Returning for its third year, the Thursday Night Throwdown will once again showcase some of the world's top athletes in the javelin and hammer throw competitions. The event will feature both men's and women's fields in each event, building on the excitement of its debut in 2024. With its place on the World Athletics Continental Tour, the competition continues to elevate the Drake Relays as a premier destination for elite throwers. Returning this spring will be two of the world's top paralympic seated throwers, Beth Grauer and Iowa native Justin Phongsavanh.
 
"The return of the Thursday Night Throwdown in 2025 sets the stage for another opportunity for our fans to witness these powerful athletes in their uniquely demanding disciplines," Bolden added. "Each year Thursday night gets more and more exciting, especially in the throwing fields."
 
Today, the entire schedule for the 115th Drake Relays was released.
 
Relays fans should note:

• In addition to 16 events on the World Athletics Continental Tour, Invitational sections return in each of the University/College field events to highlight top collegiate athletes. 
• As part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Level competition, the Distance Carnival is bringing back "Thursday Night Throwdown," featuring men's and women's javelin and hammer throw competitions. 
• Also, for the first time in Drake Relays history, both the boys' and girls' long jumps will be contested on Thursday. It is set to be a historic year in this discipline.
• The Friday Session will include action packed events for the highschool division with the 1600m Medley for Boys as well as the 800m Medley for Girls. Champions will also be crowned in the high school 100m, University/College 800m and 400m Hurdles, in addition to the fan favorite Masters 800 meters.
• Friday Night at the Drake Relays will feature a brand new mixed 4x400 for the middle school division. The evening will also feature a world class field in the Women's 3000m Steeplechase and exciting relay action with the University 4x800m relay, Collegiate Sprint Medley, and the University/College 4x200 relay.
• Saturday will feature eleven World Athletics Continental Tour events that showcase the world's top athletes in an iconic setting that embodies the spirit of international track and field. Reigning Olympic champions are already confirmed on both the track and in the field events, making for an instant classic.
• The Xtream Sprint Series, powered by Mediacom returns which will crown the winners of the 100m and 100mH in the College and University division. 

 More key notes for Relays Week:

• The 57th edition of the Drake Road Races will take place on Saturday, Apr. 19, 2025, marking the official start to Relays Week. With three distances available, 5k, 10k and half marathon, there is a race available for all fitness levels and the first six 2025 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. The event is quickly approaching a sell out in all three distances and spring training prices end on Monday, Mar. 31. Register today at drakeroadraces.org.
• The world-famous Beautiful Bulldog competition with 30 bulldogs from across the region and country vying for the title of 'Most Beautiful Bulldog' returns to the Knapp Center on Monday, Apr. 21. In addition to the "Most Beautiful Bulldog", the pageantry will feature dogs wearing their most extravagant and competing for other awards like "Drake Spirit", "Best Dressed", "Rescue Dog Recognition", and "Porterhouse People's Choice."
• There will be another chance to see a World Record as the USATF 1-Mile Road Championships closes out the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield in downtown Des Moines on Tuesday, April 22. This marks the ninth consecutive year that national champions will be crowned for the 1-Mile Road Championships in Des Moines for both the men and women. 
• New this year, the top two finishers in both the men's and women's races will earn their spot on Team USA at the upcoming World Road Running Championships. Also new this year is Spike's Sprint where runner aged up to 10 years old will get to show their speed as part of this family-friendly event. For more info visit GrandBlueMile.com.
• World Record Holder Ryan Crouser and other premier throwers will showcase their skills in brand new format, the World Shot Put Series, on Wednesday, Apr. 23. The WSPS will provide a fresh competition for contestants and fans alike. The traditional shot put structure featuring six throws with an individual's top mark taken for placement has been unchanged for over 100 years and that will change in this first-of-its-kind event at the historic Drake Fieldhouse. This updated format will provide minimal measuring for a faster-paced event. The World Shot Put Series event will feature a DJ with live music, food trucks, and be free to the public.

 
For high school meet information, click here.
 
For university and college meet information, click here.
 
To view the full meet schedule for the 115th Drake Relays, click here.
 
Announcements about confirmed elite athletes and important details pertaining to all divisions of the event will be shared in the coming weeks. 
 
All-session ticket and ticket packages for Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom are on sale now at godrakebulldogs.com/tickets . Single session tickets will be on sale to the general public on Thursday, Apr. 3. Follow @drakerelays on Instagram and X.