DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Higher purses have helped the Drake Relays attract some of its deepest fields in recent years. This year’s meet in the Iowa capital will feature many of the world’s best athletes.

Stars like LaShawn Merritt, Javier Culson, Dawn Harper-Nelson and hometown favorite Lolo Jones will headline the field for the 106th annual meet, which begins in earnest Thursday and concludes on Saturday.