DURHAM, N.C. – Aaron Alukunyang of North Carolina Central was selected MEAC Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week on Wednesday after winning his third consecutive race last week.

Alukunyang was impressive at the Adidas Challenge in Cary, N.C., on Friday, winning the men's 6K race in 17:48.1 to remain unbeaten. He is the first Eagle to win the men's 6K at the event since NCCU rejoined the MEAC in 2011.

The NCCU runner outpaced a field of 161 competitors including athletes from Power Four programs Wake Forest and host N.C. State. Wake Forest entered the meet ranked eighth in U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association's Division I preseason poll.

A native of Iten, Kenya, Alukunyang crossed the finish line five seconds ahead of runner-up Noah Valyo of N.C. State. He was one of just two runners from outside the two ACC schools to finish in the top 10.

The weekly conference award is the first in Alukunyang's cross country career at NCCU. He was named the MEAC's Most Outstanding Men's Track Athlete after winning the 1,500-meter, 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter runs at the outdoor championships last spring.

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