DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Relays will award trophies to the three winning companies of the 2025 Relays Wellness Challenge on Wednesday, January 28, as part of Drake Relays Night when the Drake University men's basketball team hosts Evansville at the Knapp Center.
 
Employees at ZLR Ignition, Delta Dental of Iowa, and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield proved their dedication to health and wellness throughout the past year and will be recognized with their Relays Wellness Challenge trophies during the evening's celebration.
 
ZLR Ignition and Delta Dental of Iowa continue their strong tradition of success in the Relays Wellness Challenge, while Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield joins the champions this year as a division winner, highlighting the continued growth and competitive spirit of the program.
 
The Relays Wellness Challenge, organized in conjunction with the Drake Relays and contested through participation in the Drake Road Races and the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark, is an incentive-driven wellness competition for Central Iowa employers. The Challenge emphasizes participation, community engagement, and healthy lifestyles rather than finishing times or placement.
 
"Our entire staff takes tremendous pride in the continued success and popularity of the Relays Wellness Challenge," said Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "Each year, more companies and employees embrace this opportunity to prioritize their health while connecting with their coworkers and the Drake Relays community. We are excited to recognize these champions during Relays Night and celebrate the impact they are making."
 
Congratulations to the 2025 Relays Wellness Challenge division winners:
 
Small Business (5–50 Employees): ZLR Ignition
 
Medium Business (51–500 Employees): Delta Dental of Iowa
 
Large Business (501+ Employees): Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
 
"Rallying as a team for the Drake Relays Wellness Challenge is a special tradition at ZLR Ignition. It brings our employees, families, and friends together to be active and support our community—all while having fun. We're honored to be recognized and proud of our team for showing up every year with such enthusiasm and heart," said Xan McNelly, Chairman of ZLR Ignition.
 
"As a health and wellness company, Delta Dental of Iowa knows that when people feel their best, they perform their best and the Drake Corporate Wellness Challenge brings that belief to life in a fun and supportive way," said April Schmaltz, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. "We're proud of our team's dedication, and we appreciate Drake University for creating a program that inspires our community to move more, connect more, and prioritize healthy living."
 
For more information about the Relays Wellness Challenge, including participation guidelines, scoring, and enrollment details, click here.
 
In addition, the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been added as a pilot event for the 2026 Des Moines Corporate Games (DMCG), expanding opportunities for corporate wellness and community engagement across Central Iowa.
 
This community-based participation initiative will allow employees from companies participating in the Des Moines Corporate Games to take part in the Grand Blue Mile by walking or running the mile. During registration, participants will select their employer, allowing company participation to be tracked at the event.
 
The pilot program is participation-based only, with no performance-based awards or points. Companies will be grouped by their 2026 DMCG divisions, and the companies with the highest participation in each division will be recognized at the Des Moines Corporate Games Awards Celebration in August.
 
Registration for the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark opens on Tuesday, February 10, with a special $10 registration rate available for two days only on February 10 and February 11. There is no cost for employers to participate. Participants are responsible for their individual entry fees and will register independently through the Grand Blue Mile website at grandbluemile.com. 
 
The Relays Wellness Challenge will continue during Drake Relays Week at the Drake Road Races on Saturday, April 18, and at the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield on Tuesday, April 21. Enrollment is now open for companies to participate in the free Relays Wellness Challenge. For more information on enrolling your organization in the free Relays Wellness Challenge, please email drakeroadraces@drake.edu. 
 
Register for the Drake Road Races here.
 
As part of the evening-long celebration of the Drake Relays, area elementary schools will once again compete during halftime on Relays Night. Inspired by the long-standing tradition of the elementary shuttle relay held on the infield during the Drake Relays, teams will race in two divisions: boys and girls. The elementary relay showcases the next generation of athletes and remains a highlight of the evening for fans and participants alike. Drake Relays committee members and officials will also be recognized during the game, along with several special announcements for those in attendance.
 
For more information about elementary and middle school participation in the 2026 Drake Relays, please click here.
 
"Relays Night at Drake basketball is always a fun, family-friendly celebration to launch Relays season," said Boldon. "It provides a special opportunity for our community to celebrate the sport of track and field while recognizing our Wellness Challenge champions and inspiring young athletes as they take part in the elementary relay."
 
Drake Relays All-Session tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, January 28, at godrakebulldogs.evenue.net/events/drake-relays.