Drake Relays?

**illinoiscyclone** · 04-25-2009, 03:52 PM

Now dont hurt me, but not being native to the area I have no idea..

What is so great about the Drake Relays? Why are they such a big deal?

Why would someone with no interest in track want to go see them?

**Upcyde** · 04-25-2009, 04:12 PM

Tradition - 100th year.
A lot of Olympic athletes compete.
Great college athletes are there every year.
Inclusion of the best High school athletes in the state.

**IcSyU** · 04-25-2009, 04:28 PM

Drake Stadium itself is a GREAT atmosphere.
Excellent athletes every year.
Heck, not even the stadium, the whole complex is awesome.

**CyCrazy** · 04-25-2009, 04:29 PM

and its a big party with the drake bars and college kids in the area

**cyclone9** · 04-25-2009, 04:50 PM

I just got back and thought it was a blast. It was my first time and being able to see world-class athletes run in Des Moines was really cool. I was watching the 4 x 100's with my friend when Jeremy Warner and his friends from Baylor walked right past us to congratulate some Baylor guys. I think it's stuff like that that make the Drake Relays special.

**theshadow** · 04-25-2009, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by Upcyde

Tradition - 100th year.
A lot of Olympic athletes compete.
Great college athletes are there every year.
Inclusion of the best High school athletes in the state.

This year alone, there were over 40 Olympians competing. In Des Moines, Iowa, of all places!

Many top athletes note the crowd support, saying that there are very few events in the United States where track and field gets that type of following. It prepares them for national championship events, as well as European competition (where the fans are more vocal).

Fans who sit in the first row can literally reach out and touch anyone running in Lane 8.

Today's weather sucked the big one, but the winning athletes made it a point to thank the fans for coming out. 44 consecutive Saturday sellouts -- rain, shine, snow, wind -- of 14,500 (after renovation) to 18,000 (prior to the renovation).