Jenny Simpson, winning Drake 1,500m in 2013,
photo by PhotoRun.net
MORE TOP NAMES FOR DRAKE RELAYS
DES MOINES (USA): Drake Relays director Brian Brown continued to roll out world-class fields for the upcoming 2014 Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee with the announcement of the 400 m hurdles and pole vault fields for the World Championship Rematches. In the hurdles six out of top 10 in the World last year should compete. Michael Tinsley is the defending champion, Felix Sanchez is the reigning Olympic winner, Javier Culson is the bronze winner from London Games. Also running Johnny Dutch and ever good Bershawn Jackson, the World champion 2005. The women field has US Dalilah Muhammad, Lashinda Demus and Georganne Moline. The World Championship Rematch fields in the pole vault and popular Pole Vault in the Mall at Jordan Creek Town Center will have Bjorn Otto who swept the men’s pole vault events last year in Des Moines and returns to Iowa after taking bronze at the World Championships. He will face two strong competitors in 2012 OIympic gold medalist and current world record holder Renaud Lavillenie along with American record holder Brad Walker. Yarisley Silva will attempt to defend both of her 2013 Relays titles. She will be challenged by the Olympic winner Jenn Suhr and US Kylie Hutson and Mary Saxer. The women’s collegiate field will mark a homecoming for Des Moines native and All-American Katie Flood. Organizers are saying on their website.
(Editor’s note: Hy-Vee should be commended for supporting the Drake Relays. Truth is, outside of the Nike Pre and adidas GP NYC, the Drake Relays prize purse is best in North America. Surprised that Hy-Vee, which supports sports events and causes in nine states in the Midwest, does not get more support and more PR. RunBlogRun robustly encourages Midwesterners who love track to support Hy-Vee in any way you can. Show them that you care with your purchasing power! Their estimated support is over $500k a year, and this is a five plus year program. It would also sure be nice if Drake Relays would send out press releases. Hint: our email is [email protected] or [email protected]. )
