• 101st Annual
    Howard Wood Dakota Relays
    May 1 - 2, 2026

  • Merchandise can be purchased at the
    Howard Wood Web Store


    Howard Wood Web Store

  • Download your Dakota Relays Scholarship form

    Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

    APPLICATION

  • Event Registration

    Registration opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, March 23, 2026.
    Registration closes at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 27, 2026.

    REGISTER NOW
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MESSAGE FROM BOARD PRESIDENT

On behalf of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays Board of Directors, it is my honor to welcome athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and fans to one of the most storied track and field events in the region.

For more than a century, the Howard Wood Dakota Relays have celebrated excellence, sportsmanship, and tradition. This meet continues to bring together generations of competitors—from emerging young athletes to elite performers—who share a passion for track and field and a respect for the legacy of this event.

The success of the Dakota Relays is made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, officials, sponsors, and community partners. Their commitment ensures a first-class experience for everyone involved and preserves the tradition that makes this meet so special.

We are proud to host you and wish all competitors the very best as you test your limits, pursue your goals, and create lasting memories. Thank you for being part of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays tradition.

Sincerely,

Erik VanLaecken

Board President

Howard Wood Dakota Relays

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Important Dates

2025 Scholarship Winners

Scholarship Deadline

Sarah VanDeBerg

Paul Hoekman

The Dakota Relays Gold Medal scholarship was established in 2000. The Howard Wood Dakota Relays Board of Directors created the scholarship to reward South Dakota Track and Field student athletes of accomplishment who have chosen to continue participation in the sport at the collegiate level in our State. Winners will be announced at the afternoon session on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Application Deadline:  Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Please mail to:

Dakota Relays
Attn: Gold Medal Scholarship
PO Box 2311
Sioux Falls, SD 57101

If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the scholarship committee: [email protected]

Registration Deadline

Registration opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Registration closes at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Hall of Fame Courtyard

The Courtyard at Howard Wood Field welcomes visitors at the main entrance on the southwest corner of Wood Field. It is surrounded by fencing and landscaping and features sponsor-named pavers which helped fund the project.

In addition to recognizing past and future members of the Relays Hall of Fame, this new area displays some history of the Field, reflecting on the life of Coach Howard Wood and wife Ruth Wells Wood. The Dakota Relays, which started in 1923, was later renamed in honor of Howard Wood. The Wood family knew the growth of the meet relied on volunteer workers. Our Courtyard is a tribute to all the volunteers who have made this a special event for so many years.

If you are interested in purchasing a paver for yourself or in honor/memory of someone near to you, your donation of $100 per paver/name can be made by completing the information on the form and mailing it with your payment to the address listed.

If you have any further questions regarding the Hall of Fame Courtyard, please do not hesitate to contact the legacy committee:

[email protected]