ELON, N.C. – Aaron Alukunyang of North Carolina Central was successful in his highly anticipated cross country debut. 

The NCCU runner topped the field at the season-opening Elon Opener, which concluded late Friday night on the Elon Course. His winning time of 18:57.6 in the men's 6K race was eight seconds lower than the nearest runner, Blake Nicholson of High Point, who placed second in 19:05.8. Alukunyang was the only competitor to run under 19 minutes.

A highly-touted runner, Alukunyang is coming off an impressive outdoor track & field season. He was named most outstanding men's track athlete at the MEAC Championships after sweeping the 1,500-meter, 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter titles. 

Alukunyang continued his winning ways in his first cross country meet at the Elon Opener, which began 45 minutes after the 8:15 p.m. start time due to inclement weather. The women's 4K race was first followed by the men's 6K race. 

NEXT UP 

The Eagles travel to Charlotte, N.C., for the Queen City Invite on Friday, Sept. 11. The women's 5K race begins at 6 p.m. followed by the men's 8K race at 6:45 p.m. at McAlpine Creek Park.