Weekend Watch: Iowa Runners Shine Across Europe And The US

European Mile Showdowns

Adam Fogg, a former Drake University runner now racing for UA Mission Run Baltimore Distance, logged a solid third‑place effort at the Cork City Sports in Ireland. On July 8 he led through the 1,500‑meter mark before posting 3:55.13, while British rival Finley McLear finished eighth in 4:04.05. American Reuben Reina claimed the title in 3:54.08.

Two days later at the Morton Games in Dublin, Fogg improved to 3:52.82 for fifth place. Samuel Prakel of the United States took the win in 3:50.97. Meanwhile, McLear traveled to Watford for the British Milers Club Grand Prix, earning a 1:46.99 800‑meter bronze behind Germany’s Adrian Engstler (1:46.63).

Struggles at Birmingham and Hopes for U.S. Championships

Both athletes faced early exits at last month’s Novuna UK Athletics Championships in Birmingham. Fogg, a former Missouri Valley Conference champion, posted a season’s best of 3:46.41 but finished seventh in his 1,500‑meter heat. McLear recorded 1:49.84 for fourth in the 800‑meter heat and also did not advance.

With no World Championships or Olympic Games on the calendar this year, the upcoming U.S. Championships scheduled for July 23‑26 will serve as their next major test.

Israeli Steeplechase Star and Iowa‑Based Talent

Adva Cohen, a six‑time NJCAA champion now representing Israel, captured the 3,000‑meter steeplechase title in Tel Aviv on July 9. Her winning time of 9:48.81 eclipsed the field by over a minute and reinforced her status as a nine‑time national champion. Cohen holds the Israeli record of 9:19.90, set at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

Back in the states, Mallory Lindaman, a former Davenport Assumption and University of Iowa star, placed third in the women’s 800‑meter pre‑event on July 10. She timed 2:03.93, finishing behind American teammate Olivia Howell (2:02.73). The race highlighted a competitive field of emerging middle‑distance runners.

Midnight Madness 5K in Ames

The 55th Midnight Madness 5K unfolded on July 10 under mid‑80°F conditions in downtown Ames. Tyler Schermerhorn, a senior at Wartburg College, captured the men’s crown in 15:22, edging out Knights sophomore Ethan Boston by 11 seconds. Brennen Bhave (Nebraska‑Kearney) took third in 15:42, while Luke Hagenberg (Wartburg sophomore) was fourth in 16:23, just ahead of former Grand View runner Sam Mickelson.

Pasca Cheruiyot, a 39‑year‑old Runablaze Iowa veteran from Ames, dominated the women’s field. Her 18:03 finish topped high‑school standout Emma Stanley by 28 seconds, with Wartburg junior Ava Vance rounding out the podium in 19:12.

Mayfield’s Moonlight Chase 4‑Mile Classic

The Moonlight Chase 4‑mile race in Eldridge on July 11 featured a fierce battle among local elites. Running Wild Elite’s Joe Langridge, 23, of Moline set a new personal best of 19:31, earning the top spot and placing his time second‑best in RWE history. Matt Lorenz of Runablaze Iowa held off the chase by two seconds, proudly representing Cedar Rapids.

RWE’s veteran coordinator Devin Allbaugh (36) of Bettendorf settled for third in 19:41, while teammate Steve Froeschle (32) followed in 19:44. New addition Max Murphy, a 24‑year‑old who recently completed his college career at North Carolina, posted a club‑history eighth‑fastest time of 19:53.

Iowa Games Cross Country 5K

Will Lohr, 22, closed out a strong weekend by winning the Iowa Games Cross Country 5K in Ames on July 11. Racing on the Iowa State course, he posted 15:32 and topped former champion Blake Whalen (Runablaze) by 23 seconds. Karim Achengli (Runablaze, 34) placed third in 16:30, followed by Ean Warrick (FSDP) in 17:04 and Felipe Saleana (16) in 17:26.

In the masters division, Rob Semelroth (52) of Des Moines led the age‑group in 17:51, edging out Ryan Wagner (25) by seven seconds.

Women’s Iowa Games Victory

Sasha Gallagher, 30, of Ames captured the women’s title at the Iowa Games, timing 18:49 and defeating Newton High senior Alexis Sorensen by a margin of 1:43.

If you think a top distance runner or triathlete is missing from this roundup, please let us know at [email protected].

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