Drake Week: Relays, Beautiful Bulldog, Shot Put Contest, more
DES MOINES, Iowa — The 2025 Drake Relays started Saturday with the Drake Road Races, but a busy week of activities awaits competitors and attendees from April 20 to 26.
10th Griff Gives Back Campaign
Drake's Griff ll is collecting dog and cat food, along with donations, for The Pet Project Midwest. In its ten years, the campaign has collected more than 150,000 pounds of food. This year, Griff ll hopes to raise 20,000 pounds of food.
Final Day of Donations: Monday, April 21
Click here to check on the campaigns progress and make donations.
Street Painting
Student groups and organizations are invited to visit the Painted Street, where groups will paint a designated square with their interpretation of the 2025 Drake Relay's theme, Racing Thru Time.
When: Monday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Painted Street
Historic Iowa track meet streaming exclusively on new WHO 13+ app
46th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest
Drawing dogs from across the state and country, 30 bulldogs gather to take home the title 'Most Beautiful Bulldog' and other titles like best dressed, Drake spirit, rescue dog recognition and porterhouse people's choice. Earlier, the dogs were chosen through a lottery system, and the 2024 runner-up is aiming for first prize this year.
When: Monday, April 21 at 6 p.m.
Where: Knapp Center
Doors open at 5 p.m. for the Rescue Dog Festival and Kids Zone
Grand Blue Mile
Presented by Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield, the annual race has hosted competitors from across the world who gather to celebrate health and wellness through live entertainment and festivities. The event includes the Grand Blue Mile, the Grand Blue Mile Youth race, the Virtual Grand Blue Mile, and Spikes Sprint.
When: Tuesday, April 22 at 6 p.m.
Where: Western Gateway Park, Downtown Des Moines
Off the Cuff with Ed & Murph: What's up with Drake Relays weather?
World Shot Put Series
New this year, the World Shot Put Series Event will hold an open field and a professional field. During the open field, collegiate athletes will compete, and then during the professional field, several of the world's best throwers will participate.
When: Wednesday, April 23 at 5:15 p.m.
Where: Drake Fieldhouse
Track and Field All Week Long
Lasting four days, the track and field event brings middle school, high school, college, and professional athletes together for 'America's Athletic Classic.'
When: Tuesday, April 22 through Saturday, April 26
Where: Drake Stadium
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