RIGA, Latvia -- Olympic hopeful and 2017 Drake graduate, Reed Fischer, continues to make a name for himself in the world of long distance running. The current Drake school record holder in the indoor and outdoor 5000 meters was a member of the USA delegation at the inaugural edition of the World Athletics Road Running Championship. Fischer was one of four Americans who competed in the half marathon on Sunday, Oct. 1 in Riga, Latvia. In a field of 97 athletes representing 40 countries, Fischer finished 53rd in a time of 1:03:56.
 
"It was an honor to compete for USATF in Latvia," Fischer said. "It's always a privilege to be able to wear the Stars and Stripes in representing my country, family and alma mater in international competition. Gaining experience in my first World Championship will go a long way as I turn toward the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February and I'm looking forward to racing for another spot on Team USA."
 
As a professional athlete, Reed Fischer represents Tinman Elite and adidas, holding the Tinman Elite team records in the 10,000 meters (28:12.53 in 2020), Half Marathon (61:37 in 2020) and Marathon (2:10:54 in 2022). Drake Track and Field fans remember Fischer's thrilling 5000-meter win at the 2017 Drake Relays, in which he set the current Drake school record of 13:48.32 and was swarmed by fans at the finish. The competition in Riga, Latvia was part of Fischer's preparation for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, February 4, 2024 in Orlando, Fla. His next planned competition is the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 5, 2023. 
 
"It was rewarding to be in Riga with Reed to witness his first competition representing our country," said Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays and the Men's Coach for Team USA  at the 2023 World Road Running Championships. "He (Fischer) ran a smart race and throughout the weekend he contributed positively to the entire team. Reed has become a factor in U.S. distance running and speaking on behalf of everyone at Drake, we're excited to see what's ahead for him."
 
In addition to the men's half marathon, the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga also included a women's half marathon and inaugural world championship races in the 5k and road one mile for men and women. The U.S. team had an outstanding performance, highlighted by the men's one mile in which the 2023 Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Champion, Sam Prakel, earned a bronze medal by finishing third in 3:56.43.