CARY, N.C. – Aaron Alukunyang of North Carolina Central remained undefeated on the cross country season after winning the adidas Challenge Friday at WakeMed Soccer Park. Alukunyang is the first NCCU runner to win the men's 6K race at the event.
His 6K time of 17:48.1 also tops previous Eagles' runners in the event, hosted by N.C. State. In 2024, Meshack Kuyo placed 14
th in 18:06.3.
MEN'S 6K RACE
Alukunyang defeated a field of 161 competitors in the men's 6K race including runners from Power Four programs N.C. State and Wake Forest, which ranked eighth nationally in the USTFCCCA Division I preseason poll. His winning time of 17.48.1 was five seconds ahead of runner-up Noah Valyo of N.C. State. Alukunyang was one of just two runners from outside the two ACC schools to place in the top 10.
The NCCU standout bettered his 6K time of 18:57.6 from two weeks ago when he won the Elon Opener. He captured the men's 8K race at the Queen City Invite last week.
All five Eagles' runners, highlighted by Alukunyang, improved their 6K times by at least two minutes since the Elon Opener. Notable times were run by
Evans Kimutai (21:20.5) and
Ryan Chong (22:01.9).
WOMEN'S 5K RACE
Cynthia Koech and
Navi McDowell each cut two minutes off their 5k time from last week's Queen City Invite. Koech led the Eagles with a time of 20:47.4 in the adidas Challenge and McDowell was timed in 21:23.6.
Sharon Magut was right behind McDowell in 21:43.3 in the race featuring 167 runners.
UP NEXT
The NCCU men and women will take a break before returning to action Oct. 9 at the Lancer Pink Invitational in Farmville, Va.
