CHARLOTTE, NC-- On October 11, 2024, the Fayetteville State women's and men's cross-country teams competed admirably in the Royals Challenge, with the women finishing 12th overall and the men finishing 16th.

The women finished in a total time of 2:04:03. Leading the team was junior Irene Jeptoo, who finished 53rd with a time of 18:37.00. Fellow junior Nia Gibson followed, placing 81st with a time of 19:17.00. Junior Repline Cheptoo crossed the line at 19:39.70. Sophomore Ashley Bell finished with a time of 20:25.00, while junior Purity Kibet placed with a time of 21:19.60. Sophomore Sierrah Matthews rounded out the team's effort, finishing with a time of 24:45.40. The top three teams in the competition were Wake Forest, which dominated with a total time of 2:03:19, followed by Charlotte with a total time of 2:04:37, and Catawba with a total time of 2:06:19.

The Fayetteville State men's cross country team delivered a commendable performance, finishing 16th overall with a total time of 2:13:29 and an average time of 26:41. Leading the men was senior Derrick Kipchumba, who finished 49th with a time of 25:17.1, averaging 05:05.2 per mile. Fellow senior Hillary Toroitich followed, placing 65th with a time of 25:38.1 and an average mile of 05:09.4. Senior Abel Mengich crossed the line in 106th place, clocking in at 26:28.0 with an average mile of 05:19.4. Sophomore Elisha Kipsang finished 162nd with a time of 27:43.1, averaging 05:34.5 per mile, while senior Brian Kiptanui rounded out the team's effort, finishing 177th with a time of 28:22.8 and an average mile of 05:42.5. Wingate dominated the meet, securing first place with a total time of 2:02:45 and an average time of 24:33. Charlotte claimed second place with a total time of 2:03:30 and an average time of 24:42. Catawba finished third with a total time of 2:04:49 and an average time of 24:57.

The teams will have a break before traveling to Salem, Virginia to compete in the CIAA Cross-Country championship on October 24th.