Relays 2026 - All Upcoming Events
Whether on the Blue Oval or on campus, Relays Week is where Bulldogs celebrate together. Mix road races, stadium action, and athletic feats with alumni tent parties, reunions, and on-campus events for the complete alumni Relays experience.
Browse Alumni and Community events going on during Relays Week 2026.
Alumni Events
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Alumni Awards Ceremony
Drake University and the National Alumni Board of Directors are proud to honor exceptional graduates each year during the Drake Relays at the Alumni Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is open to the community.
Let's DU Drinks at the Blue Oval
Join fellow alumni and friends for Let’s DU Drinks at the Blue Oval. Start your Drake Relays weekend with us at the Drake Alumni tent on Thursday night!
April 24-25, 2026
50-Year Reunion
Join the Drake community and your fellow classmates for the 50 Year Reunion celebrating the Class of 1976. It’s a weekend of reconnecting with classmates, celebrating Drake, recalling college days, and making new memories.
Friday, April 24, 2026
All-Alumni Painted Street Party - Painted Street & Jewett Hall
Gather with ALL Alumni Bulldogs and meet old friends, make new connections, and celebrate together.
School of Education Alumni Gathering
Please join us for a School of Education alumni gathering during the All-Alumni Painted Street Party during Relays! Click the link to register and receive a complimentary drink ticket and connect with Dean Ryan Wise, School of Education Faculty, and fellow alumni.
CPHS Alumni & Friends Gathering
Please join us for a CPHS alumni gathering during the All-Alumni Painted Street Party at Relays! Click the link to register and receive a complimentary drink ticket and connect with Dean Erik Maki, CPHS Faculty, and fellow alumni.
Zimpleman College of Business Alumni & Friends Gathering
We hope you will join us for this milestone gathering as we celebrate 75 years of excellence as a college. Click the link to register and receive a complimentary drink ticket and connect with Dean Alanah Mitchell, Zimpleman faculty and staff, and fellow alumni.
JDBC Alumni Gathering
Please join us for a John Dee Bright College alumni gathering at the All-Alumni Painted Street Party during Relays! Connect with Dean Craig Owens, JDBC Faculty, and fellow alumni.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
LGBTQ+ Alumni Mixer
In between all of the festivities, relax at our casual LGBTQ+ Alumni Mixer hosted by the LGBTQ+ Alumni Association.
Campus Tour
No matter when you graduated, join us on this tour of Drake’s campus to hear how campus has transformed since you were a student, including learning about campus renovations, community growth, and upcoming projects.
SJMC Relays Party
Please join us for our annual SJMC party during Drake Relays 2026! Register below to receive a complimentary drink ticket and celebrate with the SJMC family.
Latinx Alumni Mixer
Join fellow Latinx alumni for our first gathering of the recently established Latinx Alumni Association. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with old friends, expand your network, or simply celebrate Drake's vibrant Latinx community, this is the place to be. Enjoy great conversations, delicious bites, and the electrifying energy of Relays weekend!
Community Events
March 16—April 20, 2026
Griff Gives Back
For the ninth year, pet lovers are invited to contribute to the Griff Gives Back pet food drive.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Drake Road Races
Be a part of America's Athletic Classic as the 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances all finish in Drake Stadium on the world famous Blue Oval.
April 19 – April 25, 2026
Drake Relays
Attend one of the top track and field events in the United States: The Drake Relays.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Beautiful Bulldog Contest
Thirty English Bulldogs walk the pup-way to impress judges in hopes of being crowned the Most Beautiful Bulldog. The winner then serves a year-long reign as the Drake Relays mascot and the Most Beautiful Bulldog.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Grand Blue Mile
The Grand Blue Mile is the Midwest's premier community street run for all ages and abilities. Held annually since 2010, the Grand Blue Mile has hosted more than 35,000 participants from 36 states, six countries, and four continents.