Lightfoot, Morris claim Drake Relays Pole Vault in Jordan Creek Mall
DES MOINES, Iowa (Courtesy of Drake Relays Communications) – Indoor pole vault returned to the Des Moines metro on Monday night after a 2-year hiatus. Some of the world’s best pole vaulters entered Jordan Creek Town Center with defending men’s champion KC Lightfoot and women’s world No. 2 Sandi Morris leaving atop the podium to kick off the week-long running of the 116th Drake Relays.
Lightfoot did his damage in all-time fashion, surpassing his own previous record established the last time Jordan Creek hosted a pole vault event. The 2021 Olympian soared to a new best mark of 5. 91m/19-4 3/4, outdoing his old record by a half inch.
Morris, a 2026 Drake Relays Athletes Hall of Fame inductee, was matched in altitude by world No. 1 Katie Moon at 4. 75m/15-7, but the former faulted on fewer missed jumps to secure the Vault at Jordan Creek crown.
“It was awesome jumping with the guys, and they always put on a good competition,” Lightfoot said. “I’m glad that I could come away with a win…[this atmosphere] is a lot of fun. Such a unique environment but we feed off the energy, just us against the bar, putting on a show.
” Lightfoot will be part of the World Athletics Continental Tour (WACT) elite men’s pole vault inside Drake Stadium on Saturday. He, and the rest of this year’s experienced field, will begin their outdoor action at 2:30 p. m.