DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central will compete in the Lancer Pink Invitational on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Longwood Cross Country Course in Farmville, Va. The event begins with the women's 5K race at 3:45 p.m. followed by the men's 8K race at 4:30 p.m.

The Eagles are among a field of five men's and seven women's teams competing at the meet. The men's field also includes Chowan, Elizabeth City State, Southern Virginia and host Longwood while the women's field features Sweet Briar, Virginia Commonwealth, Chowan, Elizabeth City State, Southern Virginia and Longwood.

The NCCU men are led by Aaron Alukunyang, who will aim for his fourth straight victory. The sophomore runner has won all three of his races this season including the Queen City Invite on Sept. 11. His 8K time of 24:08 at the Queen City Invite tops all MEAC runners.

The NCCU women are paced by Cynthia Koech, whose 5K time of 20:47.4 at the adidas XC Challenge on Sept. 19 ranks 10^th in the MEAC. Navi McDowell ranks 16^th (21:23.6) and Sharon Magut is 17^th (21:25.3) among conference runners.

The Eagles are running in the Lancer Pink Invitational for the first time since becoming a full MEAC member in 2011.

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.