(Des Moines, IA) — Some of the world’s top distance runners are heading back to Iowa’s capital as Des Moines prepares to host the USA Track & Field 1 Mile Road Championships as part of the Grand Blue Mile.
The event, set for Tuesday, April 21, will once again serve as a qualifying race for the World Athletics Road Running Championships. The top two finishers in both the men’s and women’s races will earn automatic spots on Team USA for September’s competition in Copenhagen, Denmark.
“The return of the USATF 1 Mile Road Championships is always a special moment for our city and the Drake Relays,” said Drake Relays Director Blake Boldon. “There’s nothing like watching elite runners race through downtown and finish on World Record Way while representing a chance to compete on the international stage.”
The men’s field is highlighted by Olympic bronze medalist Yared Nuguse, who owns the world’s best road mile time and the American indoor mile record. Two-time defending champion Vince Ciattei also returns, along with a deep field that includes Drew Hunter, Dylan Jacobs, Morgan Beadlescomb, and Brandon Kidder.
Several athletes will compete in both the road race and the Drake Relays 1500 meters later in the week, including Paralympic medalist Mikey Brannigan. Fans will also see familiar names like Shane Streich, Damien Dilcher, and Jack Crull.
Former Drake standout Isaac Basten will compete in the men’s 1500 meters inside Drake Stadium, joined by international runners Aaron Ahl of Canada and France’s Titouan Le Grix.
On the women’s side, multiple athletes will also double up between the road mile and stadium events. Former Drake runner Emilie Meyer returns, along with past Relays champion Kat Larson.
The women’s field features strong competition from athletes like Gracie Morris, Allie Ostrander, Olivia Howell, and Kassie Parker, along with several top collegiate standouts.
International talent will also be on display in the women’s mile at Drake Stadium, including Canadian Olympian Kate Current and World Junior silver medalist Rachel Forsyth. Dani Jones and Christina Aragon headline the American entries.
Last year’s race marked the 50th anniversary of a historic performance by Francie Larrieu. This year’s competitors will chase the Drake Stadium record of 4:23.69.
“Fans can expect world-class racing in both the men’s 1500 and women’s mile,” Boldon said. “Those events are always among the most exciting of the Drake Relays weekend.”
