Drake Relays Director Brian Brown today announced commitments from Cantwell, American mile record-holder Alan Webb, defending Relays mile champion Boaz Lalang and defending women's 100-meter hurdles champion Damu Cherry.

"Its always good to be at this point of the year," Brown said. "We get to unfold and unpack all the talent that will be on the blue oval. A lot of athletes have shown interest in the Drake Relays. That list is going to grow and grow. There are tremendous opportunities for our fans to see the photo finishes and exciting events this year."

Cantwell, inducted last year into the Drake Relays Hall of Fame, has won the event's invitational shot put title an unprecedented seven times (2002-04, '06-08, '10) and was named the Relays' outstanding men's performer in 2002 and '06.

"The shot put has always been a very special event," Brown said. "It's a prime-time location, right near the finish line. Our fans have come to know and love it, and they certainly know and love Christian Cantwell as a seven-time Relays champion."

Webb, the 2007 and '09 Drake Relays mile champion, and defending champion Lalang are set to square off in what is expected to be a highly competitive and spirited Grand Blue Mile in downtown Des Moines on Tuesday, April 26.

Both Webb and Lalang will also compete in the Relays' Special Invitational mile on Saturday, April 30, in a race that will feature three of the event's past four champions.

Webb, who set Drake Relays and Drake Stadium records in his first appearance in 2007, is making his third trip to the Relays. His 2007 mile time of 3:51.71 shattered Steve Scott's previous Drake Relays record of 3:55.26 from 1979 by nearly four seconds.

The two-time champion and American record-holder in the mile, Webb will face stiff competition in both events from Lalang, who defeated Bernard Lagat to claim last year's Drake Relays Special Invitational mile in a personal-best time of 3:56.14. Lalang ranks in the top 10 in the world (10th) in the mile and is ranked third in the 800 meters.

"Lalang had a great year last year," Brown recalled of Lalang's 2010 season, "and it started here. When something goes well, they're going to want to continue that process. They're creatures of habit."

Cherry returns to the Drake Relays after making a big splash in 2010 in her Relays debut when she edged hometown favorite Lolo Jones in the 100 meter hurdles. Cherry's time of 12.65 and Jones' 12.68 in a thrilling Special Invitational both topped Jones previous Drake Relays record of 12.74 set in 2008.

"Damu Cherry made her presence known at the Drake Relays last year at arguably the most competitive event," Brown said. "She was a great champion and was very gracious in her victory. She's excited, and ready to come back to defend that championship."

The 102nd Drake Relays will feature a week-long festival of events in and around the city, including the second annual running of the Wellmark Grand Blue Mile on Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines on Tuesday, April 26. The race is open to all participants. Registration can be completed online by visiting www.GrandBlueMile.com.

The popular "Pole Vault in the Mall" presented by Hy-Vee at Jordan Creek Town Center returns this year for the third time, and first since 2009. It is scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27. This year's event will feature a new twist that will bring women's competitors into the event for the first time as part of a team competition. While the men will still compete for an individual title, a men's and women's entrant will be paired up to compete for a team title based on best combined finishing place.

All-Session tickets for the April 28-30 Drake Relays are on sale now, and may be purchased online through the official Drake Athletics website (www.GoDrakeBulldogs.com) or by calling (515) 271-DOGS (3647). On-sale date for Individual Session tickets will be announced soon.

• Defending Drake Relays champion in the mile (3:56.14), edging favorite and training partner Bernard Lagat in one of greatest mile races in Drake Relays history. Top six finishers all broke the four-minute mark in that 2010 race.

• Personal best mile time came in the aforementioned Drake Relays win last year, third-best mark in Relays and Drake Stadium history.

• Silver medalist in the 800 meters at 2010 IAAF Indoor World Championships.
• Ranked No. 10 in the world in the mile and No. 3 in the 800 meters.

Alan Webb-Mile

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