Air Force Travels to Iowa for Historic Drake Relays

The Air Force track and field team is back on the road this week, as several athletes head to Des Moines, Iowa, for the 116th running of the famed Drake Relays. After a one-year absence from the Blue Oval, the Falcons will compete against some of the nation's top teams during the April 22-25 meet.

DRAKE RELAYS
Wednesday-Saturday | April 22-25
Des Moines, Iowa | Drake Stadium
Results | Watch | Tickets

MEET INFORMATION
The Drake Relays, which is in its 116th year of running, will take place at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. Competition will get underway for the Falcons on Wednesday, April 22, when Texas Tanner represents Air Force in the World Shot Put Series at 6:00 p.m. (CT), and continue through Saturday, April 25. Live results will be available on the Drake Relays' website, while action will be broadcast live on RunnerSpace.com.

HISTORY 101
Since 1963, Air Force has captured 23 championships at the Drake Relays, highlighted by a program-record four titles during their last appearance in 2024 (men's 100-meter dash, men's 5000-meter run, men's 400-meter hurdles, men's 110-meter shuttle hurdles relay). Backed by an Academy-best runner-up finish in 2023, the men have placed within the top of the Relay Cup standings during four of its last five appearances.

DRAKE RELAYS CHAMPIONS
Men's 4x110-Meter Shuttle Hurdles Relay – 1963, 1975, 1976, 2024
Bob Lamber, Men's High Jump -- 1964
David Dick, Men's 110-Meter Hurdles -- 1965
Gail Conway, Women's 800-Meter Run – 1984
Dana Pounds, Women's Javelin Throw – 2004, 2005, 2006
Men's Distance Medley Relay – 2016, 2023
Dylan Bell, Men's Pole Vault – 2016
Men's 4x200-Meter Relay – 2016, 2017
Jaci Smith, Women's 5000-Meter Run – 2017
Men's 4x1600-Meter Relay – 2018, 2023
Men's Sprint Medley Relay -- 2019
Jalan Rivers, Men's High Jump – 2023
Javin Bostic, Men's 100-Meter Dash -- 2024
Luke Combs, Men's 5000-Meter Run – 2024
Darek Hackett, Men's 400-Meter Hurdles – 2024

HISTORY 201
Air Force coaching legend Ralph Lindeman was inducted into the Drake Relays' Coaches Hall of Fame in 2023, while former Falcon Dana (Pounds) Lyon was selected into the Relays' Athlete Hall of Fame that year. In addition, former Falcon – and longtime track and field official – Jim Murphy was honored with a Drake Relays' Service Award in 2024.

WHAT'S ON DECK
The Falcons will be back in Colorado next week, as they head to Fort Collins for the Doug Max Invitational on Saturday, May 2.

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