The Virginia Union University men's cross-country team captured first place at the CNU XC Invitational, hosted by Christopher Newport University, on Friday, September 18, in Newport News, Va.

Allan Kipkorir led the Panthers by winning the men's 8K with a time of 25:33.4.

Rodgers Korir finished third overall in 26:54.3, improving his season time by 18 seconds.

James Pedro posted the team's biggest improvement, cutting 52.1 seconds from his previous performance and finishing in 34:07.7. Jaiden Richardson recorded the second-largest improvement, running 41.6 seconds faster with a time of 29:49.3.

Keon Koonce also improved his time by four seconds, finishing in 27:54.7.

"I truly believe we could have run much better," said VUU Head Cross-Country Coach Franck Charles. "There is still another level this team can reach, and we have more work to do."

The Panthers will return to action at the HBCU XC Challenge, hosted by Virginia State University, on Friday, October 2, in Petersburg, Va.