KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - University of Pikeville men's and women's cross country ran in the 2024 NAIA Appalachian Challenge hosted by Tennessee Wesleyan University Friday.  

Kelvin Kurgat had the fastest time for the men's team with a time of 27:10.9, the second-fastest time in school history. Finishing three seconds behind Kurgat was fellow newcomer Obed Cheruiyot, who ran a 27:13.2. Cheruiyot's time was the third-fastest time in school history. Lucas Ison's 28:48.9 was the tenth-best time in school history.  

Niles McCoy ran a 32:26.5, Bruce Coleman ran a 33:40.3, Syrus Ramsey ran a 40:35.1, RJ Goins ran a 41:43.5, and Zachary Neace rounded out the race for UPIKE with a time of 41:52.2. UPIKE finished 18th as a team.  

On the women's side, Sheila Maiyo ran the fastest time with a 26:03.6. Maiyo was followed by Michelle Kemboi, who ran a 26:38.4. Kylee Hamilton ran a 27:35.9 and Jasmine Meade finished 28 seconds behind Hamilton. Alison Cantrell ran a 31:29.7 and Laiken Tackett rounded out the Bears' day with a 37:55.0. As a team, the Bears finished 21st.  

Coach John Biery's squad will return to action on November 8th in Athens, Tenn., for the 2024 AAC Championship.  

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