News Summary

On September 20, 2025, Ottumwa celebrated its 2nd Annual Lighted Links Cross Country Race at the Ottumwa Golf and Social Club. The evening was filled with cheering crowds as Iowa’s only lighted high school cross country meet showcased the skills of young athletes. Teams from across the state participated, highlighting the competitive spirit and community support, while athletes like Reagan Carter and Chloe Glosser impressed with their performances. The event not only emphasized athleticism but also celebrated teamwork and local community bonds.

Ottumwa Lights Up the Night with Cross Country Action

On a crisp evening in Ottumwa, excitement filled the air as the community gathered for the 2nd Annual Lighted Links Cross Country Race on September 20, 2025. This unique and thrilling event, held at the Ottumwa Golf and Social Club, has quickly become a favorite on the high school athletic calendar, and this year did not disappoint!

Under the Lights: A Night Like No Other

If you’ve never experienced a cross country race at night, you’re really missing out! The atmosphere was electric as teams from all corners of Iowa laced up their running shoes, ready to challenge themselves under the glow of the lights. Dubbed Iowa’s only lighted high school cross country meet, it provided a fantastic backdrop for athletes to show off their skills, all while spectators cheered with enthusiasm.

Shining Stars of the Race

The spotlight was on some incredible young athletes, particularly the girls’ race, where Albia junior Reagan Carter took charge. She led her Ottumwa teammates, including Sophie Schmidt, Erline Mahautiere, and Maddie McIntyre, as they faced the challenging course. These student-athletes have shown tremendous dedication and grit throughout the season, and their performances at this race showcased their hard work.

As most races go, the night also meant preparation for the boys’ event. The air was thick with anticipation as distance runners McKenna Montgomery and Chloe Glosser geared up for their final high school cross country season. Both have been standouts, and their competitive spirits set the stage for a thrilling showdown.

A Look Back: Recent Performances Shine Through

In the days leading up to Lighted Links, many of the participants were already on a roll. Notably, Chloe Glosser dominated the recent Van Buren County Warrior Invitational, where she sped ahead to win the race by a remarkable margin of more than a minute! Seeing such impressive performances from local talent really pumps up the hometown pride.

On the girls’ side at the Van Buren County Invitational, the Pekin girls cross country team snagged second place overall with 68 points, just behind Van Buren County’s impressive 41 points. Key contributors included Abby Guise finishing in 8th place and Maddy Petrehn at 16th place, adding depth to the team’s competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the Pekin boys team also made heads turn, capturing third place with a total of 69 points. Led by talented athletes such as Cole Millikin (4th place), Lane Fariss (5th place), and Mason Dahlstrom (7th place), they showcased their hard work and determination throughout the season.

A Community Celebration

Community support was palpable, with families, friends, and fellow students coming out to cheer on their local heroes. The evening was not just about races and rankings; it was a gathering of spirits and a celebration of youth athleticism that underscored the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and community bonds.

Coach Davis Eidahl expressed his pride in the progress made by both the Pekin girls and boys teams this season. Their commitment to improvement has been a key element in their rising success.

As the night came to a close, the glow of the lights reflected not just on the runners but also the bright future of cross country in Iowa. The Lighted Links event reminds everyone that when it comes to sports, it’s about more than winning; it’s about the journey, the friendships, and the lasting memories made along the way. Here’s to more races under the lights in the future!

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