Vote for the Register Female Athlete of the Week

Highlighting top track and field performances ahead of the Drake Relays

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:34pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting a female track and field athlete in mid-stride, with her body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes that convey the dynamic energy and power of the sport.The final push to qualify for the prestigious Drake Relays brings out the raw athleticism and competitive spirit of female track and field stars in the Des Moines area.Des Moines Today

The week of April 12-18 saw female track and field athletes from the Des Moines metro area make their final attempts to qualify for the upcoming Drake Relays, one of the premier track and field events in the Midwest. Several standout performances were recorded as athletes aimed to secure their spots in the prestigious competition.

Why it matters

The Drake Relays are a major annual event that draws top high school, collegiate, and professional track and field talent from across the region. Qualifying for the Drake Relays is a significant achievement for local athletes, showcasing their hard work and dedication to their sport.

The details

In the final week before the Drake Relays, female track and field athletes from the Des Moines area pushed themselves to new heights in an effort to earn a spot in the prestigious competition. Events like the 100m dash, 400m hurdles, and long jump saw several personal bests and school records fall as the athletes aimed to impress the selection committee.

  • The 2026 Drake Relays will be held this week at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
  • The week of April 12-18 saw female track and field athletes make their final attempts to qualify.

The players

Drake Relays

One of the premier track and field events in the Midwest, drawing top high school, collegiate, and professional talent.

Des Moines metro area

The local region surrounding the city of Des Moines, Iowa, home to many talented female track and field athletes.

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What’s next

Fans can now vote for the Register's Female Athlete of the Week, honoring the top performance from the final qualifications for the Drake Relays.

The takeaway

The upcoming Drake Relays will showcase the hard work and dedication of female track and field athletes from the Des Moines area, who have pushed themselves to new heights in the final days before this prestigious competition.