6th Annual Grand Blue Mile schedule of events set for April 20-21 Announcement of event schedule and road closures

DES MOINES, Iowa — Grand Blue Mile officials today posted the schedule of events and road closure information for April 20-21.

New this year is the Mascot Madness Charity Challenge. Mascots from Drake University, Iowa State University, Grand View University, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Des Moines Menace, Iowa Cubs and Iowa Energy will compete for a $1,000 prize to be awarded to the winning mascot’s charitable foundation.

Also back by popular demand is the community 5K training run, which is open to runners of all abilities. The run is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 20, and it is led by Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano. This casual run starts and ends at 13th Street and Grand Avenue. Those planning to participate should arrive by 11:15 a.m. for brief instructions. Manzano will be available for media interviews immediately following the run.

 

Schedule

 

Monday, April 20, 2015
11:30 a.m.	Grand Blue Mile training run with Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano Wellmark Headquarters - meet in Pappajohn Park lawn 1331 Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa
3 - 6 p.m.	Packet Pickup - all race participants Pappajohn Education Center South Lobby 1200 Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa Note: Packets may also be picked up from 3 - 6 p.m. on race day, April 21, 2015.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Road Closures Downtown Des Moines businesses will continue to be open and accessible throughout the Grand Blue Mile. Please note the following closures to help plan your travel on race day.
9:00 a.m.	Grand Avenue from 10th to 14th Streets 12th Street between Grand Avenue and Locust Street 13th Street between Grand Avenue and Locust Street
3:00 p.m.	Locust Street from 13th to 15th Streets
6:00 p.m.	Grand Avenue from 6th to 10th Streets
Event Schedule
3 - 6 p.m.	Packet Pickup - all race participants Athlete Services Tent (Pappajohn Park lawn) 13th Street and Grand Avenue
6:00 p.m.	Iowa Kidstrong Fun Run 9th Street and Grand Avenue Note: Non-competitive 1/4-mile fun run for Iowa Kidstrong program participants.
6:15 p.m.	Recreational Division 13th and Locust Street Note: Open to all ages and abilities, including runners, joggers and walkers.
6:35 p.m.	Mascot Madness Charity Challenge 12th Street and Grand Avenue
6:45 p.m.	Women's Competitive Division 13th and Locust Street Note: Open to all competitive runners and recommended for sub-8-minute milers.
7:00 p.m.	Men's Competitive Division 13th and Locust Street Note: Open to all competitive runners and recommended for sub-8-minute milers.
7:15 p.m.	Women's Invitational Championship 13th and Locust Street Note: Features world-class track and field athletes by invitation only.
7:30 p.m.	Men's Invitational Championship 13th and Locust Street Note: Features world-class track and field athletes by invitation only.
7:45 p.m.	Post Race Media Availability 13 Street and Grand Avenue
5 - 8:00 p.m.	Celebration Party Refreshments and entertainment for participants and spectators Pappajohn Park Lawn 13th Street and Grand Avenue