Loaded Fields Set for Explosive Thursday Night Throws at Drake Relays

Top talent in hammer throw and javelin competition to highlight opening night of annual track and field event.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the explosive energy and motion of hammer throwers and javelin competitors in action.The Thursday Night Throws at the Drake Relays showcase the explosive power and artistry of elite track and field athletes.Des Moines Today

The 2026 Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa will feature elite throwing events on Thursday night, with world-class athletes competing in the hammer throw and javelin competitions. Defending champions Brooke Andersen and Rhema Otabor headline deep fields that include multiple Olympians and international stars.

Why it matters

The Thursday Night Throws have become a marquee part of the Drake Relays, kicking off the annual track and field festival with high-energy, high-stakes competition. These events showcase some of the sport's top talent and provide an exciting start to one of the premier events on the American track calendar.

The details

The women's hammer throw features a stacked field led by American record holder Brooke Andersen, who owns a personal best of 80.17 meters. She'll be challenged by a group that includes Olympians Annette Echikunwoke and Erin Reese, as well as international standouts like Canada's Jillian Weir and Greece's Stamatia Scarvelis. On the men's side, American record holder Rudy Winkler headlines the hammer throw, facing off against fellow Olympians Rowan Hamilton, Daniel Haugh, and Christos Frantzeskakis. In the women's javelin, defending champion Rhema Otabor of the Bahamas returns, taking on a competitive field that includes U.S. Olympian Ariana Ince and Madison Wiltrout. The men's javelin features two-time Olympian Curtis Thompson, the 2025 World Championships bronze medalist.

  • The 2026 Drake Relays will take place from April 23-26.
  • The Thursday Night Throws competition is scheduled for April 24, 2026.

The players

Brooke Andersen

A top American hammer thrower who owns the second-best mark in U.S. history and is the defending champion at the Drake Relays.

Rudy Winkler

The American record holder in the hammer throw and a multiple-time Olympian who is a former Drake Relays champion.

Rhema Otabor

The defending champion in the women's javelin throw at the Drake Relays, who recently set the Bahamian national record.

Curtis Thompson

A two-time Olympian and 2025 World Championships bronze medalist in the javelin throw, who finished second at last year's Drake Relays.

Blake Boldon

The event director of the Drake Relays, who says the Thursday Night Throws have become one of the most electric parts of the week.

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What they’re saying

“The Thursday Night Throws have become one of the most electric parts of the week, with this year's lineup expected to deliver another high-energy start to the Relays festivities.”

— Blake Boldon, Drake Relays Event Director

What’s next

Tickets to the 2026 Drake Relays are available for purchase on the event's website.

The takeaway

The loaded fields and high-profile talent competing in the Thursday Night Throws showcase the Drake Relays' continued status as one of the premier track and field events in the United States, delivering must-see competition to kick off the annual festival.