Simpson, Spearmon to run at Drake Relays

U.S. distance running star Jenny Simpson, the 2011 world champion at 1,500 meters, says she'll open her outdoor season at the Drake Relays.

Drake organizers announced Tuesday that Simpson and two-time U.S. outdoor 200-meter champion Wallace Spearmon, Jr., will compete in the meet, which is set for April 26-28.

Simpson grew up in Webster City and later had a record-breaking career at the University of Colorado. She won the 1,500 at Drake last year in 4:09.56, then captured the world title four months later in Daegu, South Korea.

Spearmon won the men's 200 at Drake in 2010, the last time the event was held.