Des Moines, Iowa — The 116th edition of the Drake Relays concluded under bright skies on Saturday, delivering a historic final day marked by record-breaking performances across multiple disciplines. Athletes from high school, collegiate, and professional levels converged on Drake Stadium to compete in one of the nation’s premier track and field events, where favorable weather conditions contributed to a series of standout achievements.
According to Drake University Athletics, twelve records were either set or tied during the final day of competition, including one world-leading mark, one top U.S. Seasonal performance, and four new Iowa all-time high school bests. The results underscored the Relays’ enduring reputation as a stage for elite athletic excellence and emerging talent.
The world-leading performance came in the women’s 4×400-meter relay, where a collegiate squad clocked a time that currently leads the global outdoor list for the 2026 season. This mark, verified through official timing systems and reported by meet officials, represents the fastest time recorded anywhere in the world this year in the event.
a top U.S. Seasonal mark was achieved in the men’s long jump, where an athlete surpassed all other American competitors in 2026 with a leap that now ranks as the best in the nation so far this year. The jump was measured and confirmed under wind-legal conditions, meeting all standards set by World Athletics and USA Track & Field.
Four Iowa all-time high school records were similarly broken or tied during the day’s proceedings. These included performances in the boys’ 110-meter hurdles, girls’ pole vault, boys’ discus throw, and girls’ 4×800-meter relay. Each mark was ratified by the Iowa High School Athletic Association and verified through Drake Relays’ official results platform.
“The atmosphere was electric,” said a Drake University spokesperson in a post-meet statement. “Having ideal weather, passionate crowds, and athletes performing at their peak made for a memorable conclusion to this year’s Relays. Seeing records fall — especially at the high school level — reinforces why this meet continues to matter.”
Relays officials noted that the combination of sunshine, moderate temperatures, and light winds created optimal conditions for sprinting and jumping events, contributing to the high volume of strong performances. No weather-related delays or disruptions were reported throughout the final day of competition.
The Drake Relays, first held in 1910, remains one of the oldest and most prestigious track and field events in the United States. Held annually at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, it attracts athletes from across the country and abroad, serving as both a competitive showcase and a community tradition.
As the 116th edition closes, attention now turns to the upcoming collegiate conference championships and national qualifying meets, where many of the athletes who competed in Des Moines will seek to build on their performances. Drake University has confirmed that planning for the 117th Drake Relays is already underway, with dates expected to be announced later this summer.
For complete results, including full lists of record-breaking performances and event-by-event summaries, visit the official Drake Relays website or the Drake University Athletics portal.
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