DRAKE RELAYS: Hy-Vee Becomes Sponsor

Drake University has announced Hy-Vee will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Drake Relays.

The partnership will increase the purse money to half a million dollars for professional athletes, which is the largest for an event in the U.S.

So far 16 London Olympic medalists have signed on to participate in the 2012 Drake Relays, and Drake anticipates more could join in the months to come.

The purse will also be increasing in the road races to $120,000.

Organizers say the sponsorship by Hy-Vee, will help grow the relays and the long-standing relationship Hy-Vee shares with the university.

“A partner that shares in our values, they share in our commitment to excellence and ethics, they share in our commitment to the health and vitality of this community and to our University,” says Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb.

The 104th year of the Drake Relays will be held April 24-27 at the blue oval.