Eleven NCCU Runners Post Season-Best Times at Royals Challenge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Eleven North Carolina Central runners posted their fastest times of the season at the Royals Cross Country Challenge, held Friday, Oct. 10, at McAlpine Creek Park.

WOMEN’S GOLD 5K RACE

All six Eagles posted season-best times in the women’s Gold 5K race in Charlotte. Three Eagles ran under 19 minutes including Alitza Dennard (18:35.42), Kayla Johnson (18:39.72) and Laila Jackson (18:47.17).

After Friday’s results, Dennard is the top-ranked runner in the MEAC. Johnson is third and Jackson ranks fifth. Navi McDowell ranks 11^th, Gianna Marquez ranks 17^th and Victoria Swepson is 21^st heading into Saturday, Oct. 11.

Four runners – Dennard, Johnson, Jackson and McDowell – recorded personal-best times at the meet.

Overall, the Eagles placed 11^th out of 18 teams in a very competitive field.

MEN’S GOLD 8K RACE

Five Eagles ran season-best times in the men’s Gold 8K race. Emmanuel Paddyfote, who led the way with a time of 25:49.64, was the only Eagle to run under 26 minutes.

 

After Friday’s performance, five NCCU runners are ranked among the top 25 in the MEAC heading into Saturday, Oct. 11. Ryan Chong is 11^th followed by Paddyfote at 12^th and Hinkle at 15^th. Evans Kimutai and Juan Tinajero Jr. are ranked 21^st and 24^th, respectively, in the conference.

 

Overall, NCCU finished 13^th against tough competition in the 19-team race.

 

NCCU WOMEN’S GOLD 5K RESULTS

45^th – Alitza Dennard – 18:35.42 (season best)

49^th – Kayla Johnson – 18:39.72 (season best)

55^th – Laila Jackson – 18:47.17 (season best)

99^th – Navi McDowell – 19:32.85 (season best)

124^th – Gianna Marquez – 20:09.09 (season best)

131^st – Victoria Swepson – 20:22.98 (season best)

(164 women’s runners competed)

NCCU MEN’S GOLD 8K RESULTS

54^th – Emmanuel Paddyfote – 25:49.64 (season best)

61^st – Avan Hinkle – 26:02.45 (season best)

87^th – Ryan Chong – 26:32.12

101^st – Evans Kimutai – 26:48.05 (season best)

111^th – Juan Tinajero Jr. – 27:04.18 (season best)

168^th – Kyllen Weathers – 30:40.72 (season best)

(185 men’s runners competed)

UP NEXT

The Eagles will spend the three weeks preparing for the MEAC Championships, which will be held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C., on Nov. 1.

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.