Drake Relays – News – Early Blue Standard Achievers, New Elite High School Events Announced

DES MOINES, Iowa — As the track and field calendar transitions to the outdoor season, the Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has announced the addition of two new elite high school events and unveiled an early list of athletes who have met the Blue Standard.
 
To create additional opportunities to compete at historic Drake Stadium and satisfy fans’ appetite to witness the best the sport has to offer, the Drake Relays continually looks for opportunities to showcase the sport of track and field with new and unique events. One of those opportunities this year is creating an elite 1-mile event for high school competitors that will feature Iowa’s best lining up against competitors from neighboring states and Kansas for the first time on the Blue Oval. 
 
“Since Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph raced against Iowa high school girls in 1961, the Drake Relays has continually sought opportunities to showcase the tremendous track and field talent that Iowa produces on an annual basis,” said Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. “Historically speaking, Iowa has produced some of the very best middle distance competitors in the world and we’re excited to offer them the rare opportunity to showcase their talent against the best competitors in the Midwest in the mile.”
 
The boys and girls 1-mile events are expected to feature 12 athletes in each race and will be the only high school event to include athletes from outside the state of Iowa. The events are slated for Friday Night at the Relays and will be a rare opportunity to cheer on athletes as they compete in an iconic race.
 
“The mile and the pursuit of a sub 4-minute mile have long captivated both…