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By Charlie Neibergall, AP |
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| Alan Webb's victory in the men's mile in 2007 was voted as the top moment in the 100 years of action at the Drake Relays. |
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Alan Webb had run at the Penn Relays as a high school, college and professional athlete before he competed at the Drake Relays two years ago.
His first time in Des Moines, was charmed. Webb surprised himself and the fans with a meet record mile of 3:51.71, catapulting him to an outstanding season that led to a U.S. mile record (3:46.91).
"That was a very special day," said Webb. "Everything was clicking. I was clicking. The crowd was clicking — they really got into it. The weather was great. It was just special."
As Drake celebrates it's 100th running this week, concluding with Saturday's expected 44th consecutive sellout, Webb's moment was ranked No.1 in meet history in internet voting by fans. "Great performance, great atmosphere," said Paul Morrison, a long-time employee at Drake and the meet historian, attending the event for the 71st time. "The crowd was standing for the last lap."
While Drake has its milestone, the Penn Relays in Philadelphia will be having its 115th running. Penn is the older and bigger meet, which attracts about 15,000 athletes over three days and typically draws a Franklin Field attendance approaching 50,000 with good weather on Saturday. Drake will have about 7,500 athletes Friday and Saturday and sell out 14,500-seat Drake Stadium the second day.
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