DES MOINES, Iowa, April 21, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Olympic gold medalists, world record holders and numerous past champions will highlight the field at one of the nation's great track and field events, April 22–24, as the Drake Relays celebrates its 101st year. The event, which has been held in front of sellout crowds for 44 consecutive years, is marking its fifth on a Mondo Super X Performance track, the same track that was used for eight Olympic Games.
Many meet and venue records have been established since the Super X Performance track was installed in 2006 at Drake University's historic Drake Stadium. Twelve records were set and one tied during the 2009 meet.
"For world-class track and field stars, and for the outstanding athletes of all ages who compete at the Drake Relays, it's only fitting that we provide a world-class track," said Brian Brown, Drake Relays' director. "During the past five years, Drake Stadium's Mondo Super X Performance track has helped Drake Relays competitors and Drake University student-athletes compete at the highest level."
The world's top track for more than 30 years, Mondo Super X Performance has been installed at more than 1,100 venues globally, and it is recognized around the world as one of the fastest, most durable and environmentally safest track available.
Designed to maintain its initial physical properties so it provides consistent performance throughout its life, Super X Performance features a vulcanized natural rubber surface to provide maximum elasticity and unparalleled durability, and its embossed, textured finish makes it extremely easy to maintain with no resurfacing required. The high-performance track is renowned for its shock absorption and optimal energy return, and its ideal blend of speed and comfort minimizes the occurrence of injuries. It was used for the track and field competitions at the eight Olympic Games prior to Beijing in 2008. (The surface at Beijing was Mondo's newest track, Mondotrack.)
The 2010 Drake Relays will feature 119 events—the most in the meet's history—including 23 invitationals as well as competitions for collegiate, scholastic and masters athletes. Among the luminaries scheduled to participate are reigning Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Brown Trafton (women's invitational discus) and two-time Olympic medalist and 2007 double world champion Bernard Lagat (men's invitational mile). In addition, the high school girls competition features five returning individual champions from last year.
About Drake University
Founded in 1881, Drake University is home to approximately 5,600 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked among the top universities for educational quality, student achievement and educational value. Drake athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division I level as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and the Pioneer Football League. It also is home to Drake Stadium, one of the most popular track and field venues in the U.S. In addition to the Drake Relays, the 14,557-seat venue hosts several major annual events each year, including the Iowa High School Boys and Girls State track championships. Drake also was home to the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Among the track and field legends who have competed at the stadium are Bruce Jenner, Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Ralph Metcalfe, Al Oerter, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Frank Shorter, Gwen Torrence and Jeremy Wariner.
About Mondo
Mondo is the global leader in the sports flooring market, manufacturing floor surfaces for virtually every sport. Throughout its 60-year history, the company has invested heavily in research and development to produce cutting-edge products that meet the highest quality standards, deliver optimal athletic performance, are durable, require minimal maintenance and are environmentally safe.
More than 1,100 Mondo tracks and 800 Mondo artificial turf fields are installed worldwide. The official supplier of the athletic track for the past nine Olympic Games, Mondo also is the official supplier or official sponsor of more than 100 sports federations and associations, including Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, FIBA, IAAF, National Soccer Coaches Association of America, NIRSA, U.S. Track Coaches Association and YMCA.
The company also supplies a wide variety of commercial flooring and is the world's largest producer of sports and toy balls with an average daily production of 450,000 units. In addition, it manufactures large luxury yachts under its Mondo Marine division.
A family-owned business since its founding in 1948, Mondo sells its products in more than 196 countries. The company's global headquarters are in Italy, and it has manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. More information about Mondo is available at www.mondoworldwide.com.
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