SALEM, VA – The CIAA honored cross country runners Abijah Jepkemboi of Saint Augustine's and Hillary Toroitich of Fayetteville State for their outstanding performances during the regular season.

Jepkemboi was named women’s runner of the year and Toroitich was selected men’s runner of the year at the awards ceremonies held Thursday at the conclusion of the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships on the Green Hill Park course.

Jepkemboi captured five of six races this season including the N.C. Wesleyan Classic, the Blue Bear Invitational, the Greensboro Invitational, the Livingstone Invitational and the ECSU Classic. She also ran the fastest Division II time in the adidas Challenge. Her best time in a 5K race this season was 19:11.6 entering the CIAA Championships. 

Toroitich won the Blue Bear Invitational and ran the fastest Division II times in the HBCU Invitational and the adidas Challenge. His best time in an 8K race during the regular season was 25:45.5.


The Fayetteville State men and Saint Augustine’s women received the team highest GPA awards. Fayetteville State posted a 3.425 GPA and Saint Augustine’s recorded a 3.361 GPA.