On Monday, registration opened for the 2021 Howard Wood Dakota Relays. Last year, there was no event due to COVID, and this year will also have a few large differences. For starters, this year’s Howard Wood Relay Event will only consist of a high school division.
“At the March 3, 2021 Board of Directors meeting of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays, the Howard Wood Dakota Relays Board of Directors acknowledged to host a two-day high school division only event for the running of the 2021 Howard Wood Dakota Relays,” said Bill O’Connor, President of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays Board of Directors. “The board made the very difficult decision to cancel the University/College, Middle School, and Special Olympics divisions for the 2021 Dakota Relays, as well as to have a specified event attendance.”
Each high school participant will receive two entry permits to give to spectators. Along with a policy on it being a high school only event, and there being a limit on crowd size, running events will all be run as finals. Field events, however, will have both prelims and finals.
Last year, the high school track season in South Dakota didn't even officially start. This year, while modifications for some events are being made, the season thus far will take place as scheduled. This includes the Dakota Relays event.
“The Howard Wood Dakota Relays Board of Directors top priority is and will be the health and safety of our student participants, volunteers, and spectators as we work to provide a first-class event in 2021,” explained President O’Connor. “We appreciate your understanding as we diligently work to provide a first-class opportunity for our participants, volunteers, and spectators.”
The 96th Annual Dakota Relays will take place at Howard Wood Field on April 30th – May 1st. To view the tentative schedule for both days, click here.
