2008 Drake Relays In Review

The Drake Relays has grown to one of the best track meets for college and pro runners. The 99th running was no different. Saturday’s session drew a crowd of 18,000, marking the 43rd straight year of selling out the final day.

At the Drake Relays, Lolo Jones started the outdoor season in the same manner she ended the indoor season: rolling! The reigning 60-meter hurdles champ won her second outing this season at the Drake Relays in 12.74, breaking her own meet record. For her effort, Lolo was named top female athlete of the Drake Relays. It comes as no surprise from observers that she won the prestigious meet in her hometown, running in front of her people despite swirling, gusting winds.

Drake fans were also provided a treat by witnessing two of the world’s top shot put throwers. World Indoor champion Christian Cantwell won his sixth Drake title with a toss of 68 feet, 6 inches. That effort was well ahead of Jamaican Dorain Scott and Reese Hoffa, the reigning world outdoor champion.

The first trip to Drake Relays did not go so hot for hurdle legend Allen Johnson. The 1996 Olympic champion clipped a hurdle midway through the race finishing in a distance fifth place. The winner Anwar Moore crossed the line in 13.14, winning his second Drake title in a row.

Another Olympic hopeful Shareese Woods won the 400 in 51.75. April Steiner was the only athlete to clear a height and won the pole vault in 14 feet, 2 inches despite gusty winds.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.