DES MOINES, IOWA ? Drake Relays officials revealed plans Wednesday for celebrating the 100th running of the Drake Relays April 22-25, 2009.

"We're very excited about embarking on the 100th running of the Drake Relays, " said Drake Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb. "It has become a cornerstone and a fundamental part of who we are."

Drake Relays director Brian Brown unveiled a special logo commemorating the 100th running of the Drake Relays as well as a four-foot by four-foot countdown clock for the event.

"We want to share some of the vision, history, legacy and destiny that have encompassed the 100 years of the Drake Relays," said Brown. "We want to make sure we remember our past and illustrious history.

"We are indeed America's Athletic Classic and we want to talk about destiny, relating to where do we go from here."

The logo mark is reflective of the history of the Drake Relays with the track starting in 1910 while making its way to the 100th running.

There will be three countdown clocks located around the city of Des Moines.

Brown said the first opportunity the pulbic will have to view one of the countdown clocks will be this Saturday only at the Drake tent at the Iowa State Fair. It is located on Rock Island Ave. just east of the Administrative Building and the Bill Riley Stage.

Drake Relays memorabilia as well as special 100th Drake Relays merchandise will be available.

"We want to engage the people at the State Fair to start thinking about Drake Relays now," added Brown.

Brown also said the Drake Relays fans will have an opportunity to help decide the greatest moments in Drake Relays history as well as selecting the athletes of the century by visiting a newly launched web site....www.drakerelays100.com

Drake Relays fans also will have an opportunity to purchase a commemorative 100th Drake Relays highlight DVD.

A special book on the 100-year history of the Drake Relays, authored by longtime historian Bob Spiegel, also will be available.