SALEM, VA — Fayetteville State University's cross country program earned top honors in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) as Brian Kiprop and Faith Kiplimo were named the CIAA Male and Female Cross Country Athletes of the Year, respectively, following a season of dominant performances under head coach Inez Turner.

Kiprop, a sophomore nursing major from Eldoret, Kenya, capped off a dominant season with a first-place finish at the CIAA Men's Cross Country Championship on Thursday in Salem, Virginia. He completed the 8K course in 24:19.7, averaging 5:59.7 per mile, to lead the Broncos and secure the individual title. Kiprop also claimed first place at the Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge earlier this month and consistently finished among the top runners throughout the season, establishing himself as the conference's premier distance athlete.

Kiplimo, a freshman nursing major also from Eldoret, Kenya, matched Kiprop's feat with a first-place finish in the CIAA Women's Cross Country Championship, clocking in at 18:12.9 over the 5K course with a pace of 7:20.3 per mile. Her season was marked by steady improvement and top-tier performances, including a podium finish at the HBCU Challenge and multiple top-five finishes that showcased her endurance and competitive edge. Kiplimo's breakout year has positioned her as one of the rising stars in CIAA women's cross country.

The dual honors mark a historic moment for Fayetteville State's cross country program, which continues to rise under head coach Inez Turner. Kiprop and Kiplimo's achievements reflect not only individual excellence but also the growing strength and depth of the Broncos' distance running teams.