CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Aaron Alukunyang of North Carolina Central captured his second straight cross country victory in impressive style on Friday.
Alukunyang torched the McAlpine Creek Park course in a personal-best 24:08 to beat a field of 268 runners in the Queen City Invite men's 8K race in Charlotte, N.C. The NCCU standout is unbeaten in the first two races of the season. Last week, he won the Elon Opener.
The Eagles runner won by 37 seconds over the nearest competitor. Franklin Kipchirchir of Fayetteville State was second in 24:45.5 and Alejandro Romagosa of North Florida placed third in 24:47.5.
Alukunyang has been rolling since the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships this past spring. He was named Most Outstanding Men's Track Athlete after winning the 1,500-meter, 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter races.
In the women's 5K race,
Sharon Magut led the Eagles with a time of 21:25.3.
Cynthia Koech posted a personal-best time of 22.12.9 and
Navi McDowell finished in 23.10.0. The women's field featured 222 runners.
UP NEXT
The NCCU men and women are scheduled to run in the adidas Cross Country Challenge at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C., on Friday, Sept. 18. The men's 6K race starts at 5:15 p.m. followed by the women's 5K race at 5:55 p.m.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
