EARLYSVILLE, Va. (September 11, 2026) – Howard University men's and women's cross country teams competed in the Virginia Invitational, hosted by the Cavaliers, where both squads took sixth overall in the 6K and 5K races, respectively. The meet took place at Panorama Farms in Earlysville, Va.
 
Second-year Bison Alexis Jones (New Windsor, N.Y.) led the way on the women's side, finishing in the top half with a 18:42.30 mark.
 
Junior Ester Kirk (Morristown, N.J.) was close behind Jones, clocking in at 18:44.80, while fellow classmate transfer Kylee King (Detroit) registered an 18:51.20 time.
 
For the men, DMV native junior Sayid Shakur (Fort Washington, Md.) led the charge with a 19:37.60 mark.
 
Fellow DMV native and classmate Paul Robinson (Bowie, Md.) was the second Bison to cross the finish line, recording a 19:44.60 time, followed by freshman standout Clevon Wofford Jr. (Jamestown, N.Y.) at 20:05.20.
 
UNC won the 2026 men's and women's Virginia Invitational Team Titles.
 
Ciara O'Shea (UNC) led the field, winning the women's individual crown (16:46.00), while Norfolk State's Clinton Kipruto claimed the men's individual championship (17:39.00).
 
On Oct. 2, the Bison will compete at the 52nd Paul Short Run in Bethlehem, Pa. The race starts with the women, beginning at 11 a.m., and the men's race at noon.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.