News Summary

The 2025 Iowa High School Cross Country Championships are almost here, with qualifying meets scheduled for October 22-23, 2025, and the grand finale set for October 31-November 1, 2025. Co-hosted by the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, this event showcases the talent and dedication of high school athletes from across the state. Prepare for exciting races at Fort Dodge, where teams and individual runners will compete for glory. Be ready for a thrilling contest as top contenders aim for championship titles.

Iowa High School Cross Country Championships Knocks on the Door!

Get ready, Iowa! The excitement is building as the 2025 Iowa High School Cross Country Championships loom just around the corner. It’s that time of year when the best young runners from across the state prepare for their moment in the spotlight. The Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union are stepping up to co-host this highly anticipated event that highlights the hard work, dedication, and talent of high school athletes.

Preparing for the Big Day

Before the championship frenzy takes place, our talented runners must first qualify through preliminary meets scheduled for late October. These qualifying meets will occur statewide, giving teams and individuals a chance to prove they’ve got what it takes to compete at the state level. Locations for these meets have been announced, with specific team assignments coming soon, adding an exciting layer of anticipation.

When and Where?

Mark your calendars!

  • Wednesday, October 22, 2025 will see the qualifying meets for Class 3A and 4A, while
  • Thursday, October 23, 2025 will recognize Class 1A and 2A hopefuls.

The grand finale – the state championships – will be held on:

  • Friday, October 31, 2025 for Classes 2A and 3A, and
  • Saturday, November 1, 2025 for Classes 1A and 4A.

Both days of competition will take place at the beautiful Fort Dodge, with races happening at Kennedy Park and Lakeside Golf Course.

Qualifying Meet Hosts: Who’s in Charge?

  • Class 4A Hosts: Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln, Iowa City High, Johnston, Marshalltown, Pleasant Valley.
  • Class 3A Hosts: Gilbert, Pella, Spencer, West Delaware, Williamsburg.
  • Class 2A Hosts: Eagle Grove, Oelwein, Pella Christian, Iowa City Regina, Unity Christian.
  • Class 1A Hosts: ACGC, Central Decatur, Emmetsburg, Mason City Newman, North Linn, Pekin, South Hamilton, Starmont.

Top Contenders to Watch

The stage is set, and many athletes are stepping into the spotlight as top contenders for the coveted titles. The Iowa Association of Track Coaches is already buzzing with excitement over the rankings. Among the standouts, we have:

  • Quentin Nauman from Western Dubuque in Class 3A,
  • Marissa Ferebee from Pella, who’s looking to defend her championship title,
  • Jaden Merrick from Cedar Falls and Piper Messerly from Dallas Center-Grimes lead Class 4A,
  • Emerson Vokes from Grundy Center and Laura Streck from Van Meter are top runners in Class 2A,
  • Hayden Thompson from Lake Mills and Lili Denton from Council Bluffs St. Albert rank top in Class 1A.

Ranking Highlights

Two things are clear: the competition is fierce, and talented teams are emerging. In the boys’ rankings, expect to see:

  • Cedar Falls (4A),
  • Gilbert (3A),
  • Chariton (2A),
  • Lake Mills (1A) among the top contenders.

On the girls’ side, the strong teams include:

  • Johnston (4A),
  • Pella (3A),
  • Mid-Prairie (2A),
  • Madrid (1A)—giving us a thrilling contest!

Looking Ahead

With the state championships just around the corner, the buzz among teams and fans is palpable. Make plans to get out there and support the athletes as they chase their dreams! Whether you’re a running enthusiast, a proud parent, or simply a fan of high school sports, the Iowa High School Cross Country Championships promise to deliver on showcasing the incredible talent our state has to offer.

Stay tuned for the latest updates as we gear up for this exciting athletic showdown!

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