MECHANICSVILLE, Va., October 2, 2026 — Virginia Union University's men's cross-country team placed seventh among 16 scoring teams Friday at the Richmond Invitational at Pole Green Park.

The meet featured 19 schools, including 12 NCAA Division I programs, two NCAA Division II programs, four NCAA Division III programs, and one NJCAA Division I program.

Virginia Union scored 183 points and posted a top five average time of 26:20.24. The Panthers finished ahead of four Division I scoring teams—Richmond, Elon, VMI and Morgan State—and all four Division III teams. VUU was also the highest-finishing NCAA Division II program.

Allan Kipkorir led the Panthers by placing fourth in the men's 8K with a personal-best time of 24:47.6. He finished just 30 seconds behind individual champion Charles Mbuthia of George Washington, who won the race in 24:17.6.

Making his cross-country debut for Virginia Union, Abel Kipkemboi finished 21st in 25:41.0. Rodgers Korir followed in 35th place with a season-best time of 26:12.4.

Keon Koonce placed 66th in a personal-best 27:14.2, while Marcus Merritt II completed VUU's five scoring positions by finishing 85th in 27:46.0.

Bradford Jeoboham recorded another personal best for the Panthers, placing 116th in 29:34.5. Jaiden Richardson finished 126th in 30:36.5, while James Pedro rounded out the VUU finishers in 145th place with a time of 36:34.2.

"With three personal bests, one season best and three runners among the top 35, the Panthers delivered a strong showing against a field dominated by Division I programs," said VUU Head Cross-Country Coach Franck Charles.

Virginia Union will return to action on Friday, October 9, when the Panthers travel to Salisbury, N.C., to compete in the Livingstone College XC Invitational.