Former Dutch runner Decker wins Drake half-marathon

Central Dutch Athletics

DES MOINES — Cole Decker ’17, a former member of the Central College men’s cross country and track and field programs, took the title at the Drake Relays half-marathon road race Sunday.

Completing the 13.1 mile course in 1 hour, 11 minutes and 51 seconds, Decker outpaced the No. 2 runner Mitchell Davis by 1:22 to win the men’s division at the 50th annual road races.

At Central, Decker was a two-time All-American in the 10,000-meter run by placing eighth in 2015 and second in 2016 at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He also was seventh in the 5,000-meter run in 2016. In cross country, Decker was an All-American in after placing 22nd at the 2015 NCAA Division III Championships.

As a senior in high school Dowling Catholic in West Des Moines, Decker was the 2012 Drake Relays 3,200-meter race winner.

The 109th Drake Relays kick off Wednesday at Drake Stadium, while the Dutch teams will send athletes to Thursday, Friday and Saturday.