(Philadelphia) — Noah Bontrager has already done a lot of fascinating things in his track and cross country career. Saturday night in Philadelphia has to rank near the top of that list.

Needing to eclipse the standard of 8:04 to qualify for next month’s U-20 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Ore., Bontrager put together his own 3000-meter race at the Penn Relays Summer Showcase and ran a time of 8:02.39 to earn his spot. The race was moved indoors to the Ott Center, due to air quality conditions from the Canadian wildfires.

Bontrager’s time ranks fifth on the all-time prep indoor list, just ahead of Edward Cheserek (2013) and Gerry Lindgren (1964).

According to Hall of Fame writer David Woods, writing for Dye Stat (https://www.dyestat.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44531&do=news&news_id=675141), Noah’s father, Lyle Bontrager convinced Northridge High alums Baylor and Xavier Miller to join Noah in a time trial. Baylor Miller, a Harvard recruit, was third in the 800 at outdoor New Balance nationals in 1:48.81, also at Philadelphia. Xavier Miller is headed to Grand Valley State.

Needing a fourth runner to make the field official, Lyle Bontrager ran as well, but could really only set the pace for the first 300 meters.

Bontrager will spend the weeks leading up to worlds by training for Notre Dame’s cross country season. The 3,000 is on Aug. 7 at Hayward Field in Eugene.