The Drake Relays has long been known as one of America’s premier track and field events. The Relays have gone out of their way in recent years to try to generate interest in track and field, including moving events to high traffic areas, such as downtown parks and office buildings.

Wednesday night, they took it a step further - pole vaulting in a mall. Some of the nations best pole vaulters, (Allison Stokke not included), competed in the middle of Jordan Creek Town Center vaulting almost 20 feet, giving second floor shoppers an up close view.

Video courtesy of The Des Moines Register