Nyathi, Kiplagat take home individual championships at Memphis Twilight Classic

Saturday, August 30

Memphis, Tenn.

Middle Tennessee

Memphis Twilight Classic

8/30/2025 11:40:00 PM | Men's Cross Country and Track & Field, Women's Cross Country and Track & Field, Track & Field/Cross Country

By: Jayce Standridge, MTSU Athletic Communications

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee cross country took home both men's and women's individual champion at the Memphis Twilight Classic on Saturday night.

The Blue Raider men's cross country squad put together a statement performance at the Memphis Twilight Classic, claiming the top two spots and landing six runners in the top 30 putting together a 2nd place finish.

Allan Kiplagat crossed the line first overall, clocking an impressive 18:38.99 to secure the individual title. Teammate Mackdonald Songok followed right behind in 19:13.67, giving Middle Tennessee a dominant 1–2 finish.

Jacinto Gaspar added an 11th-place result in 19:34.37, while freshmen Gabe Allen (14th, 19:52.15) and Solomon Sayo (19th, 20:02.96) impressed in their collegiate debuts. Juan Lucas De La Fluente rounded out the Blue Raider top six with a 30th-place finish in 20:38.39.

On the women's side, the team opened the 2025 season with a strong showing placing six runners inside the top 40 to grab third place.

Graduate standout Faith Nyathi led the way in dominant fashion, taking the individual title with a time of 16:38.69. Privillege Chikara followed with a fourth-place finish in 17:19.77, giving the Blue Raiders two runners inside the top five.

Odilia Jepchumba added a top-15 finish, placing 11th in 17:51.51, while Eleanor Towe and Hailee Gorham closed out the team's scoring with 25th (18:42.38) and 30th (18:49.39) place finishes. Lauren Cole also crossed in 37th at 19:19.01 to round out the lineup.

With depth throughout the top 40, Middle Tennessee showcased a balanced effort to open the season on a high note.

Keep up with Blue Raider cross country and track and field on Facebook (Middle Tennessee Blue Raider XC/Track & Field), Twitter (@MT_TrackField), and Instagram (@mt_trackfield).