DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Relays is expanding its connection to runners beyond race day with the launch of the new Drake Relays Runners Club, a Strava-based community designed to bring together runners of all abilities through a shared passion for training, racing, and tradition.

The club officially launched Monday, October 19, alongside the opening of registration for the 59th Annual Drake Road Races.

For more than a century, the Drake Relays has welcomed athletes to Des Moines as part of America's Athletic Classic. The Drake Relays Runners Club aims to extend that spirit throughout the year by creating a place where runners can connect, encourage one another, celebrate accomplishments, and prepare for their next goal.

"Running has always been a part of the Drake Relays story," said Ben Huftalin, Associate Director of Drake Relays. "The Drake Relays Runners Club is an opportunity to bring that community together year-round. Whether you're training for your first 5K, preparing for a marathon, or chasing a personal best, we want this to be a place where runners can support one another and celebrate the sport."

To celebrate the launch of the club, runners who join by October 20 will be entered into a prize drawing for one of two Scheels gift cards, including a $50 gift card and a $25 gift card.
The launch of the Drake Relays Runners Club coincides with registration opening for the 2027 Drake Road Races, scheduled for Saturday, April 17, 2027.

As the official start to Drake Relays Week, the Drake Road Races feature a Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, with every participant finishing on the iconic Blue Oval inside Drake Stadium.
To celebrate registration opening, runners can take advantage of special two-day Flash Sale pricing available October 19-20:

• 5K: $30
• 10K: $40
• Half Marathon: $60

Flash Sale pricing expires at 11:59 p.m. on October 20, after which registration prices will increase.
All participants receive:

• Premium race apparel
• An official finisher medal
• Admission to the Drake Relays Distance Carnival
• Free professional race photos
• The opportunity to complete the Bulldog Double by participating in both the Drake Road Races and Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

The Drake Road Races remain one of Iowa's most celebrated running traditions, welcoming runners and walkers of all abilities while offering one of the sport's most memorable finish-line experiences on the Blue Oval.

Runners can join the Drake Relays Runners Club at Drake Relays Runners Club on Strava.

Register for the 2027 Drake Road Races at drakeroadraces.org.

Run Classic. Runners Club.