Inside the Drake Relays: A Conversation with Blake Boldon on Tradition, Community, and the Future of America’s Athletic Classic

And, oh, those BEAUTIFUL BULLDOGS!

If you’ve ever been to the Drake Relays, you know it’s more than just a track meet. It’s an Iowa tradition, a world-class competition, and a community celebration all rolled into one. For more than a century, the Relays have brought together high school athletes, collegiate competitors, Olympians, and everyday Iowans, creating an atmosphere unlike any other.

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Blake Boldon, the Director of the Drake Relays, on Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast. Our conversation was an insightful deep dive into the immense planning that goes into the event, the stories that make it special, and the exciting future ahead.

The Final Sprint: Preparing for the Drake Relays

With just a few months to go before the 2025 Drake Relays, Boldon shared a glimpse of what his life looks like leading up to the event. It’s non-stop planning, organizing, and coordinating.

“Some nights I go home and wonder if my dogs will even recognize me,” he said with a laugh. The workload is intense, with days often stretching from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. without so much as a meal or a sip of water.

But despite the long hours, Boldon’s passion for the event is undeniable. “We’re creating a world-class experience, and that means making sure every participant, from high school athletes to Olympians, feels valued,” he emphasized.

The countdown to the Relays is crucial. The last 100 days are especially intense, as Boldon and his team handle everything from logistics to marketing, sponsorships, and athlete recruitment. Whether it’s organizing the Grand Blue Mile, coordinating elite international track stars, or ensuring that thousands of fans have a seamless experience, every detail matters.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

One of the most remarkable things about the Drake Relays is its deep-rooted history. Families have attended for generations, passing down traditions and season tickets like heirlooms.

“We have fans whose families have held the same seats for 60, even 70 years,” Boldon shared. “The loyalty reminds me of Green Bay Packers fans—some people wouldn’t miss the Relays for anything.”

But the event’s impact extends far beyond Iowa. Athletes from around the world have competed at Drake, and their experiences are unforgettable.

Boldon recalled a conversation with Bershawn “Batman” Jackson, a world champion hurdler. Jackson, who has competed in major cities across the globe, said, “Des Moines is better than Paris.” That kind of love for the event speaks volumes about the magic of the Drake Relays.

Another incredible story involved an athlete from Monaco who described the event as "an intimate, small-town version of a European track festival." It’s this perfect mix of Iowa charm and world-class competition that keeps drawing athletes back.

Beyond the Track: The Community Side of the Drake Relays

While the Relays are known for elite competition, they’re also a festival of inclusivity. From the Beautiful Bulldog Contest to the Grand Blue Mile, the event isn’t just for track and field purists—it’s for everyone.

“We want the Relays to be more than just a track meet,” Boldon said. “We want to engage the entire community.”

Take the Grand Blue Mile, for example. What started as a fun, casual race has now become a nationally recognized event. In 2025, it will once again serve as the U.S. Championships for Road Mile Racing, with the top two finishers automatically qualifying to represent Team USA at the World Road Running Championships.

“The fact that we’re selecting Team USA right here in Des Moines is huge,” Boldon said. “On Monday, the world will be watching the Boston Marathon. On Tuesday, they’ll be watching the Grand Blue Mile in Iowa.”

And of course, there’s the Beautiful Bulldog Contest, a crowd favorite that crowns the official mascot of the Drake Relays. “That’s one of those unique events that makes the Relays so special,” Boldon said. “It’s not just about competition—it’s about fun, community, and bringing people together.”

The Future of the Drake Relays: A Bold Vision

When I asked Boldon about the future of the Drake Relays, his answer was both ambitious and inspiring.

He referred to a concept from business strategist Jim Collins, known as a "Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal" (BHAG). In short, a BHAG is a vision so bold that it almost feels impossible—but striving toward it pushes an organization to achieve greatness.

For Boldon, that goal is simple: to make the Drake Relays an event that reaches and engages every Iowan.

“We already have high school athletes from almost every county in Iowa competing,” he said. “Now, the goal is to extend that engagement to more communities, workplaces, and families.”

One way they’re doing that is through adaptive sports and inclusive programming. By partnering with Special Olympics Iowa and introducing events for wheelchair athletes, the Relays have become even more accessible.

Additionally, the Relays Wellness Challenge has encouraged Iowans to get active year-round. Workplaces across the state can earn points for employee participation, and each year, the most engaged companies are recognized at Drake Relays Night at a basketball game.

“It’s not just about track and field,” Boldon said. “It’s about making Iowa healthier, more connected, and more engaged.”

Moments That Define the Relays

Boldon shared countless memorable moments, but a few stood out.

One of my favorites was the story of Jenny Simpson, an Olympic medalist and one of the greatest American middle-distance runners of all time. After setting a national record at the Relays, she returned the next day for a victory lap.

“We had to assign two staff members to follow her around the track like Secret Service agents,” Boldon laughed. “She was stopping for so many selfies and autographs that it took her half an hour to complete the lap.”

Another incredible story was about the pole vault competition at Jordan Creek Town Center. Seeing athletes soar nearly 20 feet into the air inside a shopping mall gave fans a newfound appreciation for the sport.

“When you watch the pole vault from a distance in a stadium, you don’t really grasp how high they’re going,” Boldon explained. “But when they’re clearing a bar that’s practically at the mezzanine level of a mall, it’s mind-blowing.”

Final Thoughts: Why the Drake Relays Matter

After talking with Blake, one thing became crystal clear: the Drake Relays are more than just a sporting event. They’re a rite of passage, a community tradition, and a world-class competition all in one.

Whether it’s high schoolers chasing their dreams, Olympians setting records, or families passing down tickets through generations, the Relays hold a special place in the hearts of many.

And with Boldon’s leadership, the event isn’t just thriving—it’s evolving. By expanding inclusivity, embracing community engagement, and keeping the tradition alive, the Drake Relays continue to be America’s Athletic Classic in every sense.

So, if you’ve never experienced the Drake Relays, make 2025 your year to go. And if you’re a lifelong fan, know that this Iowa tradition is in very good hands.

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