CORBIN, Ky. - University of Pikeville junior Kelvin Kurgat made program history this week, becoming the first Bear in program history to be named the Appalachian Athletic Conference Runner of the Week.
The Eldoret, Kenya, native earned the historic honor following a record-breaking performance at the Louisville Classic, where he led the Bears to a 12th-place finish among 30 teams in the Silver 8K Division with 353 points.
Kurgat, a product of Lelbonet Boys HS, made UPIKE history on the course as well, breaking the program's school record in the 8K. He finished fourth overall out of 278 runners, crossing the finish line in 25:43.5.
The performance established a new UPIKE standard in the 8K and marked Kurgat's second piece of program history from the weekend, as his AAC Runner of the Week selection becomes the first such honor for a Pikeville cross country runner.
Kurgat's record-setting effort came against one of the largest and most competitive fields of the season, helping lead the Bears in their latest meet of the 2026 campaign.
The historic honor adds another highlight to Kurgat's junior season as he continues to lead the Bears on the course.
Kurgat and the Bears return to action at the Jenna Strong Fall Classic on Friday, Oct. 16 in Wilmington, Ohio.
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