Former Augie standout Joe Langridge leads Running Wild Elite team, captures Newell Award

His 35:10 clocking through the hills of Davenport did just that.

But in the 52nd running of the annual event, he also earned a bonus — he was the top local male finisher, winning the annual Gregg Newell Award.

“I’m really excited,” said Langridge, of winning the award that was established in 2009 to honor the former Davenport Central High School and University of Iowa runner and the only local Bix 7 winner.

Langridge, a 2025 Augustana College graduate and Moline resident, reported that the 35:10 was a PR by a minute.

“This is just the second time I’ve run this race without concentrating on a cross-country season,” he said. “I’ve had more time to focus on this.”

Running fast times is nothing new for the former Des Plaines resident and Maine West High School graduate.

“I was not good in high school,” he deadpanned. “I was the third runner on our team.”

Admitting he wasn’t recruited much out of high school, he left Augie with four school records — the outdoor steeplechase mark and indoor top times in the 3K, 5K, and distance medley relay.

“I think maybe the indoor records were easier to get,” he joked. “The outdoor records at Augie are pretty tough.”

Since graduating and going to work at Running Wild in Davenport, the 23-year-old has transitioned to longer races. He said that he plans on running the Chicago Marathon in October. Olympic Trials qualifying is also on his mind now that a successful Bix is behind him and the team race title is successfully making its way back to the Davenport business to go on display.

Running Wild Elite team members finished close behind. Devin Allbaugh, who had won three of the last four Newell titles, was right behind in 35:11. Max Murphy (35:20) and Steve Froeschle (35:31) rounded out the four counting times for Running Wild Elite, and all finished in the Top 35 overall.

Allbaugh won the 35-39 age division title.

“It was a great day for the team,” said Langridge.

And that team approach carried Langridge to the ownership of the Newell Award for the first time.

“I knew it was in the cards because I’ve been racing with Devin, Steve, and Max, and we’ve been working out and racing together all summer. I came out on top in the last few races with those guys and I knew I was favored, probably.

“I was just focused on the team competition, and we did that. That’s what I’m really happy about. This (holding up the Bix coronet trophy) is just a bonus.”