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Drake Relays Pro Pole Vault Returns to Jordan Creek Town Center
Elite vaulters to compete at outdoor mall in West Des Moines on April 20.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:33pm
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The Drake Relays will once again host a professional pole vault competition at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines on April 20. The event is open to the public and will feature top-ranked athletes from around the world, including Olympic champions and American record holders.
Why it matters
The Drake Relays is one of the most prestigious track and field events in the United States, drawing elite athletes from around the world. Hosting a pro pole vault competition at the popular Jordan Creek Town Center mall helps bring the excitement of the Relays to a wider audience and highlights West Des Moines as a growing sports and entertainment destination.
The details
The women's field will feature the world's top two ranked pole vaulters - Katie Moon, the 2021 Olympic champion, and Sandi Morris, the American record holder. On the men's side, reigning champion KC Lightfoot will defend his title against six-time U.S. champion Chris Nilsen and other top American vaulters. Some of the athletes will also compete at the main Drake Relays events at Drake Stadium later in the week.
- The pole vault competition will take place on April 20 at 6 p.m.
- The Drake Relays will be held from April 18-25.
The players
Katie Moon
The current world No. 1 pole vaulter, Moon is the 2021 Olympic champion and has the second-best American jump of all time.
Sandi Morris
The world No. 2 pole vaulter, Morris holds the American record and won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
KC Lightfoot
The reigning men's division champion at the Vault at Jordan Creek event, Lightfoot currently holds the American men's pole vault record.
Chris Nilsen
A six-time U.S. champion, Nilsen will be part of the loaded men's field competing at the Vault at Jordan Creek.
What’s next
Some of the elite vaulters will also compete outdoors at Drake Stadium during the afternoon session on April 25 as part of the larger Drake Relays events.
The takeaway
The return of the professional pole vault competition to Jordan Creek Town Center demonstrates the continued growth and popularity of the Drake Relays, one of the nation's premier track and field events. It also highlights West Des Moines as a destination for elite sports competitions and entertainment.
