Iowa State’s cross country teams, under the direction of director of cross country Jeremy Sudbury and women’s head coach Laura Harmon, have their fall planned out, with two home meets and the 2026 Midwest Regional being highlights for the Cyclone harriers.
“Home Sweet Home!” Sudbury said in a release. “There is nothing like competing on our own home turf and getting a chance to showcase our beautiful cross country course to the nation and for the community to see how great our teams are. Both squads
will benefit immensely from getting to stay home three times this fall to minimize wear and tear and to really be ready for the postseason.”
The men’s team finished second at both the Big 12 Championships and Midwest Regional in 2025 and third at the NCAAs.
The women, under first year head coach Laura Harmon who is in her first year in Ames after four seasons at Washington State, also finished second at the Big 12 Championships and third at the Midwest regional.
“I’m excited about the opportunities this schedule provides in my first season leading the Iowa State women’s cross country program,” Harmon added in a release. “It strikes a great balance for our team, giving us opportunities early in the season to gain valuable racing experience and build confidence before competing against some of the nation’s top NCAA Division I programs. Those high-level competitions will not only help prepare us for championship racing but also provide an exciting opportunity to showcase a women’s team that is capable of competing on the national stage.”
Iowa State opens the calendar with preseason action at the fourth-annual Cyclone Preview on Sept. 4 followed up by hosting the second home meet of the year on Sept. 18.
The Cyclones will make the trek to Madison for the Nuttycombe Invitational on Oct. 9.
The postseason starts with the Big 12 Championships on Oct. 31, hosted at Oklahoma State this year.
The Midwest Regional is scheduled for Nov. 13 in Ames with the National Championship following on Nov. 21, hosted by Indiana State University.
Schedule
Sept. 4 – Cyclone Preview
Sept. 18 – Home Meet No. 2
Oct. 9 – Nuttycombe Invitational (Madison, Wis.)
Oct. 31 – Big 12 (Stillwater, Okla.)
Nov. 13 – NCAA Midwest Regional
Nov. 21 – NCAA Championships (Terre Haute, Ind.)
