The Drake Road Races are more than just a race—it’s an iconic event that welcomes runners of all levels to be part of something special. Held annually in the lead-up to the renowned Drake Relays, the Drake Road Races offer participants a choice of 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances, …
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The Drake Road Races are more than just a race—it’s an iconic event that welcomes runners of all levels to be part of something special. Held annually in the lead-up to the renowned Drake Relays, the Drake Road Races offer participants a choice of 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances, making it an inclusive event for everyone, from competitive athletes to first-time runners.
Join thousands of runners and experience the excitement of race day, complete with supportive spectators and a scenic route through historic Des Moines neighborhoods. Each race finishes on the iconic Blue Oval at Drake Stadium, where countless records have been set and legends have been made, giving you a finish-line experience unlike any other.
By participating in the Drake Road Races, you’re not only challenging yourself—you’re also celebrating community, fitness, and the rich legacy of the Drake Relays. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply soaking in the experience, the Drake Road Races offer an unforgettable journey from start to finish.
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Fast course, good environment
I won't go into great detail as many have already done. Race is not the cheapest but a nice 1/4 zip as swag is better than a shirt. Packet pickup … MORE
I won’t go into great detail as many have already done. Race is not the cheapest but a nice 1/4 zip as swag is better than a shirt. Packet pickup has to be done a certain day before and same with picking up awards if you were top in age groups. I can understand as there is so many people, race day pickup and mailing awards aren’t feasible just be aware if you live outside of the Des Moines area. A friend can pick up your packet if need be.
Course is fairly flat and finishes on the track which is nice. I don’t particularly like the fact the half and 10k starts 15 minutes before the 5k as you get a mix of 5k+10k runners finishing at the same time. Makes sense from a logistics point of view just it just feels a little off having someone pass you at a much faster pace even if they are running a different distance.
Parking is really rough just a heads up especially if you are running the 5k and don’t need to be there until a little bit later. Other than that no complaints about the event. Lots of spectators in the stadium as well as a decent group of people about a half mile from the finish cheering. About 700 runners for the 5k which is obviously a good amount. Not too many festivities happening at the finish. Figured they would let sponsors and local companies set up tents on the infield and a band maybe and some post race entertainment especially considering the size of the event. There was a decent amount of sponsors set up at the packet pick up but 99% just ignores them as they want to get in and out asap.
One more thing, they take pictures and have a what i assume is automated detection to find all the pictures that you are included in. The majority of the pictures were in two spots, a certain section on the course and the finish. The images are free with the sponsor/race banner or you can pay for unaltered photos.
Around the Blue Oval
Smaller race with parts around a college campus Expo was smaller, but did have a few vendors Course was great well marked with plenty of aid stations You finish the … MORE
Smaller race with parts around a college campus
Expo was smaller, but did have a few vendors
Course was great well marked with plenty of aid stations
You finish the race with a loop around the Blue Oval on their track
Recovery area had massage tables, cookies, milk, bananas, beef jerky
Great crowd support around the campus with students cheering you on
Swag was okay, medal was a little small, but you got a nice half zip shirt
A lot of stuff going on all week with different races
I would recommend this race if you need Iowa
Birthday Half Marathon in state #42.
Some challenging downhill and uphill sections on course. Nice crowd support in clusters on course - especially from the energetic students and supporters around the Drake University campus and in … MORE
Some challenging downhill and uphill sections on course. Nice crowd support in clusters on course – especially from the energetic students and supporters around the Drake University campus and in the stadium (finish line). Nice to finish on the blue track inside Drake Stadium – home to the renowned Drake Relays track & field meet. Good post race snacks. Nice premium. Free photos to download! I stayed at hotel next to campus (Home2 Suites by Hilton) and walked (<10min) to/from the race. Great local diner on next block – Drake Diner!
Drake Relays Kickoff
There is no better way to kick off Drake Relays week than with this great race through some of the beautiful neighborhoods Des Moines has to offer. Packet pickup is … MORE
There is no better way to kick off Drake Relays week than with this great race through some of the beautiful neighborhoods Des Moines has to offer. Packet pickup is always a breeze, and race day itself generally runs smoothly. I think this race’s biggest strength is its scenery, with most of the course showcasing some beautiful homes and neighborhoods in Des Moines. The fan support is thin most of the way. However, I was impressed with how many Drake students got up early and lined the streets to cheer us on. That gave me a huge boost at the start and near the end.
The half-marathon course features one major downhill at mile 3, followed later by a challenging uphill as you approach mile 10. Otherwise, it’s mostly flat. Aid stations were sufficient and well-stocked with both water and volunteers. And of course, finishing on the Blue Oval is really a fantastic experience, with the stands inside Drake Stadium full of cheering fans.
This isn’t my favorite Des Moines race, but it is one of the best ones we’ve got. It’s a worthy challenge for anyone looking for a rock-solid spring race in the Midwest.
Great race! Fun Finish on the Blue Oval
As an Iowa native, what a treat to finish on the Blue Oval! This was a really nice race. Great production. Solid pre-race communication, super smooth process from packet pickup … MORE
As an Iowa native, what a treat to finish on the Blue Oval!
This was a really nice race. Great production. Solid pre-race communication, super smooth process from packet pickup to race start. Not a lot of crowd support once you leave campus, but the volunteers were fantastic. One water stop only had one (!) volunteer. Not sure what happened there, but at least when I came through, she was keeping up fine. So thankful for her! Plenty of water stops otherwise.
Course is mostly residential through some nice neighborhoods. A few homeowners came out and cheered! Some hills make it challenging, but I still enjoyed it even as a flat lander.
Nice jacket, nice medal.
I just really, really liked this race. Give it a try!
Sign up already
Be part of the Drake Relays - America’s Athletic Classic - no matter where you are at on your fitness journey. With a 5K, 10K and half marathon all available, … MORE
Be part of the Drake Relays – America’s Athletic Classic – no matter where you are at on your fitness journey. With a 5K, 10K and half marathon all available, the options are there. The 5K & 10K courses are nit difficult to conquer. Participants receive a top-notch long-sleeve shirt, and the medals are always fantastic (let’s face it, a lot of us do this for the medals…). This will only continue to get stronger. Don’t miss out.
nice race, bad timing
it was unfortunate that it had to fall during holy week as this prevented me from getting in more training. also, i liked it better when it was after the … MORE
it was unfortunate that it had to fall during holy week as this prevented me from getting in more training.
also, i liked it better when it was after the grand blue mile instead of before it.
still, it was a nice race despite my poor time.
the pic is of me after i finished showing my blue feet.
First time but definitely not the last
Great race with a great atmosphere. It was very well organized - both on the day and also advance communications. The free in-race photos were awesome and the medals were … MORE
Great race with a great atmosphere. It was very well organized – both on the day and also advance communications. The free in-race photos were awesome and the medals were fantastic!
I've been part of something special
Really well organised event and great atmosphere at the finish. Amazing feeling finishing on the blue oval. You feel a part of something special. MORE
Really well organised event and great atmosphere at the finish. Amazing feeling finishing on the blue oval. You feel a part of something special.
Perfect 10k for a first timer
Having never done anything greater than a 5k before, I wanted to challenge myself with a 10k distance. The Drake Road Race was the perfect opportunity to test out this … MORE
Having never done anything greater than a 5k before, I wanted to challenge myself with a 10k distance. The Drake Road Race was the perfect opportunity to test out this distance and build my confidence. The route was easy and flat….and lining the route was a supportive and fun community!
Worth Running!-Improved from Fall 5k
This 5k was quite fun and definitely worth it especially in the long run; you don't do just the race, but you also receive a medal and a decent jacket … MORE
This 5k was quite fun and definitely worth it especially in the long run; you don’t do just the race, but you also receive a medal and a decent jacket and have something good to feel about.
My biggest challenge is my asthma as I’ll never know what it’s like to run without breathing issues. This won’t stop me from running a half marathon someday.
My favorite part was the style of the finish (entering the Drake stadium) as it was a cool finish.
I wish the races were an hour or two later because as a Drake student, more of my friends would be able to watch me, or more so run it themselves.
Tips:
1. Commit in advance as it saves you money and gives you more time to prepare and once committed, you can’t go back.
2. Fans/Spectators, runners greatly appreciate people who they don’t know who cheer for them.
3. It’s ok to repeat the race the next time you sign up; it’s a good measure for improvement to keep your confidence up. Then, you can decide to take thing a notch higher.
Amazing finish on the Blue Oval!
This race is medium in difficulty which makes it perfect for any runner. The course is laid out nicely through Des Moines with a good variation of uphill, downhill, and … MORE
This race is medium in difficulty which makes it perfect for any runner. The course is laid out nicely through Des Moines with a good variation of uphill, downhill, and flat terrain. The people are so nice and encouraging. Always a good time of year for weather, its not too hot or too cold. I love the finish on the Blue Oval it makes it all worth it to finish on the track!
Perfect day for a no stress run
Leading up to the race the team did a great job keeping participants 'in the know' as to what to expect and kept participants excited about the race. They included … MORE
Leading up to the race the team did a great job keeping participants ‘in the know’ as to what to expect and kept participants excited about the race. They included tons of helpful training and race day information, had this been my first race ever I would have particularly appreciated this! The packet pick up and race day itself went VERY smooth and not once did I feel lost. I love running through Des Moines in any condition or location, but this course was mainly through residential areas and had plenty of light hills. The pacers did great, they were informative and friendly. I hung with the 2 hour pacer for most of the race and he did a great job of hitting accurate and even splits. Post race was easy to navigate my way through the recovery area and out of the event space. My family had no problem finding parking or their way into the race to support me. The running jacket surprised me by how great of quality it is!
the course was a little challenging for me since it was through neighborhoods and had several hills. Small hills but by mile 8 I was wishing for flat ground!
Finishing on the blue oval was actually a very powerful and impactful moment. I loved it!
#mydrakerelays
It was a beautiful day for a race! The check-in process was easy and super convenient, the medals and half zip pullover were great quality, facilities were available for restrooms/showers, … MORE
It was a beautiful day for a race! The check-in process was easy and super convenient, the medals and half zip pullover were great quality, facilities were available for restrooms/showers, and ending at the blue oval makes it a fun experience for those of us who weren’t competitive runners in HS/college, but now get to participate in the Relays for fun! I’d recommend this race, and will definitely be participating again!
Fun race but could be better
I wish there were more mile marker signs to know how far I was going. When I did the race in 2015, the course went downtown and included the Bulldog … MORE
I wish there were more mile marker signs to know how far I was going.
When I did the race in 2015, the course went downtown and included the Bulldog hill coming back to Drake University. I liked that course much better that the straight down Kingman Blvd. and back which was not as scenic or exciting but I do love finishing on the Blue Oval. There is always a great crowd at this race and the enthusiasm makes it so fun.
I had a great time running this race.
Love finishing on the blue oval. You must try it at least once. The hills make it challenging. I love a good challenge. If you haven't ran it before give … MORE
Love finishing on the blue oval. You must try it at least once. The hills make it challenging. I love a good challenge. If you haven’t ran it before give it a try, it’s an amazing race.
Perfect day for a run 🏃🏻
This race had gentle hills that made it very doable. It was well organized and went smoothly. There were people of all ages,shapes and sizes and everyone encouraged each other. … MORE
This race had gentle hills that made it very doable. It was well organized and went smoothly. There were people of all ages,shapes and sizes and everyone encouraged each other.
Great tune up race
Very well run, always an enjoyable race. Drake always puts on a top notch event, course is enjoyable and yet has some elevation to keep it interesting. Weather is always … MORE
Very well run, always an enjoyable race. Drake always puts on a top notch event, course is enjoyable and yet has some elevation to keep it interesting. Weather is always on the cool side to start but perfect racing weather. Very friendly crowds and fellow runners. Perfect time of the year for a tune up race.
Challenge + Fun = First Class
This is the 7th time of ran the Drake 1/2 marathon and will continue to come back for this amazing spring event. Drake does a fantastic job of putting together … MORE
This is the 7th time of ran the Drake 1/2 marathon and will continue to come back for this amazing spring event. Drake does a fantastic job of putting together a first class race with just the right amount of challenge + fun!!
Always a good spring race!
I’ve ran the Drake Relays road races multiple times. It’s a great spring race. The 5K and 10K are nice, fairly flat, easy courses and finishing in the Blue Oval … MORE
I’ve ran the Drake Relays road races multiple times. It’s a great spring race. The 5K and 10K are nice, fairly flat, easy courses and finishing in the Blue Oval makes for a great atmosphere at the end. Next up will be the Half Marathon!