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Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1780645144

** The **Golden Spike** is a legendary athletic event that marks the beginning of the outdoor track and field season in the United States, held annually at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. ## Overview The **Golden Spike** is a prestigious track and field meet that takes place in Des Moines, Iowa, every June. This event is considered the official start of the outdoor track and field season in the United States, attracting top athletes from around the world. The meet has a rich history dating back to 1979, when it was first organized by the Drake Relays Association. Over the years, the **Golden Spike** has grown in popularity, becoming one of the most highly anticipated events in the track and field calendar. The **Golden Spike** is a unique event that combines the excitement of a track meet with the energy of a music festival. The event features a variety of track and field events, including sprinting, distance running, hurdles, relays, and field events. The meet is known for its electric atmosphere, with thousands of fans cheering on their favorite athletes. The event has also become a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete for national and international titles. ## History/Background The **Golden Spike** was first held in 1979 at Drake University's Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. The event was created by the Drake Relays Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting track and field in the United States. The meet was initially designed to provide a platform for college athletes to compete against top-level opponents and gain valuable experience. Over the years, the **Golden Spike** has grown in popularity, attracting athletes from around the world. In the early years, the **Golden Spike** was a relatively small event, but it quickly gained momentum as it became a staple of the track and field calendar. In 1985, the meet was officially recognized as the official start of the outdoor track and field season in the United States. This recognition helped to boost the event's profile, attracting top athletes and sponsors. Today, the **Golden Spike** is one of the most highly anticipated events in the track and field calendar, with thousands of fans attending the meet every year. ## Key Information * **Date:** The **Golden Spike** is held annually in June at Drake University's Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. * **Events:** The meet features a variety of track and field events, including sprinting, distance running, hurdles, relays, and field events. * **Athletes:** The **Golden Spike** attracts top athletes from around the world, including Olympic champions, world record holders, and NCAA champions. * **Sponsorship:** The event is sponsored by a variety of organizations, including Nike, Adidas, and USA Track & Field. * **Attendance:** The **Golden Spike** attracts thousands of fans every year, making it one of the most highly attended track and field meets in the world. ## Significance The **Golden Spike** is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marks the official start of the outdoor track and field season in the United States, providing a platform for athletes to compete against top-level opponents. Secondly, the event has become a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete for national and international titles. Finally, the **Golden Spike** has helped to promote track and field in the United States, attracting new fans and sponsors to the sport. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Golden Spike - **Type:** Track and Field Meet - **Date:** June - **Location:** Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa - **Known For:** Official start of the outdoor track and field season in the United States TAGS: Track and Field, Golden Spike, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, Outdoor Track and Field, USA Track & Field, Drake Relays Association, Sports Event.