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Grand Blue Mile announces Mascot Madness Charity Challenge participants Iowa's most popular mascots to race for their favorite charity

April 15, 2015

DES MOINES, Iowa — Grand Blue Mile participants and fans are in for an extra treat this year as some of Iowa's most popular mascots are set to compete against each other in the first ever Mascot Madness Charity Challenge at the annual race on April 21. The Mascot Challenge will follow the Grand Blue Mile recreational division and is scheduled to start at approximately 6:35 p.m.

Mascot Madness will pit the mascots against each other in a friendly competition as they run on the backstretch of the Grand Blue Mile race course. The winning mascot will be awarded a $1,000 prize for their school/organization’s charitable foundation. Confirmed mascots include:

  • Spike the bulldog (Drake University)
  • T.C. the panther (University of Northern Iowa)
  • Surge (Iowa Energy)
  • Cubbie Bear (Iowa Cubs)
  • Cy the Cardinal (Iowa State University)
  • Herky the Hawk (University of Iowa)
  • Maniac (Des Moines Menace)
  • Viktor the Viking (Grand View University)

The sixth annual Grand Blue Mile will welcome more than 4,500 runners and walkers to its signature mile course through downtown Des Moines. This community street run — scheduled to kick off the 106th Drake Relays — is an annual tradition for many of America’s best milers and individuals at all stages of fitness.

Registration for the Grand Blue Mile is still open and costs $15 for youth (ages 17 and under) and $25 for adults. Event proceeds support Iowa Kidstrong school fitness programs and the Drake Relays. Visit www.grandbluemile.comExternal Site to register for the race, view the course map, find training tips and get spectator information.

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