News Summary

The city of Des Moines is alive with the anticipation of the Drake Relays 2025, running from April 24 to April 26. With high school and elite athletes showcasing their talents, the weekend promises thrilling events including relay races and individual sprints. Spectators can look forward to record-breaking performances and special events like the Beautiful Bulldog Contest. Attendees are advised to prepare for varying weather and road closures as they gear up for this remarkable showcase of athletic skill.

Des Moines Welcomes Excitement of Drake Relays 2025

This weekend, the city of Des Moines is buzzing with energy as the annual Drake Relays kicks off at the beloved Blue Oval. Set to run from April 24 to April 26, 2025, this coveted event promises to deliver a memorable showcase of talent from both high school and elite athletes alike.

A Weekend Packed with Thrilling Events

With the bulk of the competitive action beginning on April 24, spectators can look forward to tons of exciting events scheduled throughout the weekend. Fans can keep up with all the results thanks to a live blog that will provide continuous updates covering both high school competitions and major results from the college and professional levels.

Exciting Qualifying Rounds and Leading Teams

As the weekend unfolded, the high school 4×400 relay qualifying rounds concluded on April 25, revealing some of the fastest teams heading into the finals on April 26. The Johnston boys’ team and the Waukee Northwest girls’ team showcased not only impressive skill but also set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying final showdown.

On the track, Jashua Anglo clocked an impressive time of 47.68 seconds in the 400-meter dash, helping his team to secure the leading qualifying time for the finals. Other teams to watch include:

  • The Wolves at 3:55.98
  • Indianola with a time of 3:56.03
  • Ankeny hitting 3:57.82
  • Ankeny Centennial close behind at 3:58.48

With adjustments made due to delays in college events, the start time for the girls’ high school 4×400 relay preliminary round is now expected around 8:35 to 8:40 a.m. on the final day, keeping everyone on their toes!

Star Athletes Joining the Action

This year’s festivities feature not just the local stars but also Olympic gold medalists. Tara Davis-Woodhall will showcase her long jump skills while Hunter Woodhall takes on the 400 meters. Fans should mark their calendars for the WATC women’s long jump set to kick off at 2:05 p.m., followed closely by the thrilling 400-meter event at 3:23 p.m. on April 26.

Record-Breaking Performances

Among the many standouts, Valley senior Emma Havighurst made waves by setting a new Iowa all-time record in the girls’ 100m hurdles, finishing her race in a blazing 13.82 seconds. Not to be outdone, Clear Lake senior Reese Brownlee tied a Drake Relays record in the 400 meters with a stellar time of 55.45 seconds, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with on the track!

Other notable performances included Brady Wallace taking first in the boys’ 110m hurdles with a time of 13.80 seconds and ADM’s Londom Warmuth claiming victory in the high jump at an impressive height of 5-7, making all attempts on the first try.

Relay Races and Much More!

The competition didn’t stop there! The Dragons distance medley relay team brought home the championship, comprised of standout athletes Sam Drexler, Jackson Miller, Travis Lembechwa, and Owen Wolfe. Meanwhile, the boys’ sprint medley relay went to the Maroons with a promising time of 3:25.35, and Pella Christian secured the girls’ sprint medley relay title with a finish of 1:46.36.

Get Ready for the Festivities!

While road closures around Drake Stadium may mean a few delays for spectators, attendees are encouraged to utilize public transport for a smoother journey. Weather forecasts predict highs in the low 70s at the start of the event, dropping into the mid-60s over the weekend with a chance of rain on Friday, so it’s best to come prepared!

For those attending, remember that only certain items are allowed inside Drake Stadium. Spectators can bring small bags, blankets, rain gear, and sealed bottles of water. Prohibited items include large bags, umbrellas, alcohol, and strollers to ensure everyone enjoys the event without distractions.

Moreover, the weekend wouldn’t be complete without the Beautiful Bulldog Contest, showcasing adorable canines. This year, an English bulldog named Milo was crowned the Most Beautiful Bulldog, adding a light-hearted touch to the festivities!

Conclusion

The Drake Relays 2025 is set to be a fierce competition among Iowa’s best high school athletes, all vying for championship titles and the honor of being crowned at this annual event. As excitement builds, it’s clear this will be a weekend to remember!

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