SALEM, VA-- The Women's Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Cross Country Tournament was a thrilling event, particularly for the Fayetteville State team, which delivered an outstanding performance. Fayetteville State dominated the competition, securing the top spot with a total score of 28 points to win their seventh consecutive championship. Their runners were exceptional, with Irene Jeptoo, a sophomore, leading the way by finishing first with a time of 17:55.6, setting a new personal record in the 5k event. Nia Gibson and Brenda Cheboi also made significant contributions, placing 4th and 5th respectively. Repline Cheptoo and Ashley Bell rounded out the top finishes for Fayetteville State, coming in 7th and 11th. This collective effort ensured their team's victory. Purity Kibet finished 18th with a time of 21:06.0 and Sierrah Matthews followed closely, placing 22nd with a time of 21:36.0.  Winston-Salem State claimed second place with 96 points, and Lincoln (Pa.) secured the third position with 113 points. 

Irene Jeptoo was honored as the 2024 Female Cross-Country Athlete of the Year, a testament to her outstanding achievements throughout the season. As evidence of her spectacular leadership, Coach Inez Turner was honored with the 2024 CIAA Women's Cross-Country Coach of the Year award. Reflecting on the team's success, Coach Turner remarked, "Hats off to these young ladies. Going out there winning seven times, not just seven times, but consecutively, that shows the type of heart that we have on the team. And I'm just so proud and happy to be a part of these young people's lives. I know for sure that they're not just going to win on the trail, but they are also going to be winners in life."

The Fayetteville State men's cross-country team also put up a strong performance at the CIAA Cross Country Tournament, finishing second overall with a total score of 46 points. Leading the charge for the Broncos was Derrick Kipchumba, a senior, who secured 2nd place with a time of 25:20.3. Close behind was Hillary Toroitich, finishing 4th with a time of 25:27.8. Nathan Kipyego also contributed significantly, placing 10th with a time of 27:00.6, followed by Elisha Kipsang in 14th place at 27:52.6, and Brian Kiptanui in 16th place at 28:13.6. The top three teams in the tournament were Virginia State, which took first place with 45 points, Fayetteville State in second, and Claflin in third with 85 points. Donald Rotich finished with a time of 28:39.1, and Abel Mengich had a time of 29:15.5.