The 17th Annual Grand Blue Mile is on April 21, 2026.

Registration opens Tuesday, February 10, 2026, with a two-day flash sale offering the lowest prices of the year.

• 4:00 p.m. Family Fun Zone opens
• 6:00 p.m. Spike's Sprint
• 6:15 p.m. Recreational Division
• 6:35 p.m. Mascot Madness Challenge
• 6:45 p.m. Women's Competitive Division
• 7:00 p.m. Men's Competitive Division
• 7:15 p.m. Women's USATF 1 Mile Road Championship
• 7:30 p.m. Men's USATF 1 Mile Road Championship
• 7:45 p.m. Men's & Women's USATF 1 Mile Road Championship Award Ceremony

*subject to change

All participants receive:

• An official participant shirt

• Official race bib

• Finisher medal for youth 12 and under

• Family fun activities including face painting, inflatables, and the Mascot Race

• Free race day photography

• Spectator access to the USA Track & Field 1 Mile Road Championships

• Exclusive finisher medal for Bulldog Double participants

Athletes who complete both the Drake Road Races and the Grand Blue Mile, receive an additional commemorative medal after they finish the Grand Blue Mile later in the week.

For more information CLICK HERE or contact us grandbluemile@drake.edu.

The Relays Health & Fitness Expo serves as the packet pick-up for the Drake Road Races and the Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark. It will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Knapp Center on the campus of Drake University. The schedule for packet pick-up with be announced later. 

Parking is available in campus parking Lot 1 on the corner of Forest and 25th. 

Limited on-site packet pick-up will be available on race day (see below map for details).

Yes! You are able to have a friend or family member pick up your bib and race items or you can pick up multiple participants items. Please have their confirmation QR Code available at pick up. Participants will receive their confirmation QR Code prior to the Health & Fitness Expo. 

You can view the full course map, including start/finish locations on our course map page.

Near the intersection of Locust St. and 13th St. - right by Americana

At the intersection of Grand Ave and 13th St. - right in front of Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield

While the Grand Blue Mile doesn’t have designated parking, there are plenty of convenient options available downtown. Participants are welcome to park at any uncovered city parking meters or nearby parking garages that are open during the event. We recommend arriving early to allow time to find parking and enjoy the full experience. As always, we encourage carpooling or rideshare if possible!

Porta-potties will be placed near the start line and in the family fun zone. Access is available before and after the race.

Absolutely — we love our walkers! The Grand Blue Mile is all about celebrating wellness, community, and family. Every year, a large portion of our participants choose to walk, and we welcome you to go at your own pace. Whether you're walking with friends, pushing a stroller, or just getting started on your wellness journey, you're an important part of what makes this event so special.

Yes, we offer virtual participation for all of our races. Prices are set at a flat fee with shipping included in the price. Virtual registration is open until event day, April 21, 2026.

Virtual participants registered by March 31, 2026 (11:59p.m.): Your virtual packet will be mailed to arrive in advance of the in-person Grand Blue Mile.

Virtual participants registered April 1, 2026 and after: Your virtual packet will be sent within two weeks post the in-person Grand Blue Mile. You can still run and log your results without receiving your packet. If you registered prior to March 31, 2026 but didn't receive your packet, please confirm your waiver has been signed. 

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