Ruto Advances to Steeple Final

EUGENE, Ore. – Iowa State has one advance, while three Cyclones picked up All-America honors to begin 2026 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Joash Ruto will make his return to the national 3,000m steeplechase final as the sophomore crossed the finish line in an automatic advancing position. Ruto took fourth in the second heat and fourth overall in semifinals in a season-best 8:25.58.

Jailan Sohna, who became the first Cyclone freshman to qualify for nationals in the men's 800m since 1984, ended his first season out with Honorable Mention All-America honors. Sohna placed 24th. Sohna was one of three freshmen in the field.

Robin Kwemoi Bera and Sanele Masondo ended the night taking on the 25 laps of the 10,000m. Bera, who will also run the 5,000m Friday, took home Second Team All-America placing 15th, while Masondo placed 17th for Honorable Mention All-America.

Bera is now a five-time All-American, with three honors in track and field and two in cross country. Masondo also earns his fifth honor, also earning a third in track and field. It is Bera's first honor in the 10,000m and Masondo's second.

The women begin NCAA Championships tomorrow, with five events for Iowa State on the slate.

Iowa State Results

3,000m Steeplechase Semifinals (M): 1. Collins Kiprop Kipngok, Kentucky – 8:24.39; 4. Joash Ruto, Iowa State – 8:25.58

800m Semifinals (M): 1. Rivaldo Marshall, Arkansas – 1:45.05; 24. Jailan Sohna, Iowa State – 1:57.12

10,000m Final (M): 1. Habtom Samuel, New Mexico – 27:51,31; 15. Robin Kwemoi Bera, Iowa State – 28:32.22; 17. Sanele Masondo, Iowa State – 28:35.91

Players Mentioned

Robin Kwemoi Bera

Sanele Masondo

Joash Ruto

Jailan Sohna

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics