CHARLOTTE, NC (October 8, 2025) - The pace was fast, and these runners rose to the challenge, meet this week’s CIAA Cross Country Runners of the Week.
Male Performer of the Week - Brian Kiprop, Fayetteville State
Brian Kiprop turned in a championship-worthy performance at the Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge, part of the prestigious Great American XC Festival at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. Competing against a strong field of Division I and Division II HBCU programs, Kiprop took control of the men’s 8K race early and never looked back, crossing the finish line in an impressive 24:31.40 to claim 1st place overall. His dominant showing not only highlighted his individual excellence but also powered Fayetteville State University to a commanding 1st place team victory, underscoring the Broncos’ strength and depth on the cross-country course.
Female Performer of the Week - Faith Kiplomo,
Fayetteville State
Faith Kiplimo turned in a strong and determined showing in the Women’s 5000 Meter Run Finals at the Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge, part of the prestigious Great American XC Festival held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. Battling through a talented field of Division I and Division II HBCU athletes, Kiplimo displayed remarkable consistency and endurance to earn an impressive 2nd-place finish with a time of 18:27.20. Her standout performance not only showcased her individual strength and competitive spirit but also played a crucial role in helping Fayetteville State University’s women’s team secure a 3rd-place overall finish in the team standings.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.