The build-up is over and competition is underway at the 100th Drake Relays. This afternoon the Multi-events begin with the first day of the heptathalon and decathlon. Tonight, a West Des Moines mall will host a pole vault exhibition for the second straight year.
Relays director Brian Brown says he is looking forward to celebrating the 100 years of the Drake Relays and knows there will be high expectations. Brown says the weather is looking good and he says whenever the weather cooperates, "magic happens." As the event reaches the century mark it will get national television exposure and more than three dozen Olympians will be part of the field.
Brown says he is excited the way USA Track and Field has supported them and that bodes well for the future. He says they are sending the best to the Relays and providing support for them. Brown says any athlete that makes the A or B standard for the Olympic, they are funded with housing and food for the Drake Relays.
The Drake Relays continue through Saturday.