Men's 8k
Women's 5k
 
CHARLOTTE, N.C.  – The Queens University of Charlotte men's and women's cross country teams hosted the ninth annual Royals Cross Country Challenge this afternoon at McAlpine Creek Park welcoming around 50 teams and 500 runners in each race. The seventh-ranked men of Queens took the top spot in the men's 8k race while the 17^th-ranked women placed fourth in the women's 5k.

"Our men's and women's teams ran spectacular," said Queens head men's and women's cross country coach Tom Scott. "Our pack running was amazing, especially on the women's side. We had lots of lifetime bests and the energy and excitement during and after the race was amazing. We are super proud of our student-athletes and their performances today. We have seven weeks to continue to improve before the NCAA Championships!"
 
Queens' men beat out Mount Olive for the win totaling 58 points to collect their second straight Royals Cross Country Challenge title. Daniel Wallis led the way racing to a third-place finish in 23:52 while Felix Wammetsberger claimed sixth place in a time of 24:03. Yannik Duppich was the third Royal to cross the finish line taking 13^th place in 24:22 and Nick Kipkemei was 16^th in 24:24. Seb Anthony then grabbed the last of the Royals' points taking 28^th place in 24:56. Anthony Raftis and Erick Sanchez also ran in the meet taking 34^th and 82^nd, respectively.
 
The Royal women totaled 145 to claim the top Division II finish in the meet in fourth place. Natane Deruytter raced to a 19^th place finish to lead Queens with a time a 17:58 while Carissa Jenkins took 28^th place in 18:08. Lucie Noall clocked in at 18:13 to place 29^th and Mandi Moxie's time of 18:15 was 32^nd best. Allyson Arellano wrapped the Royals' scoring placing 46^th in 18:29. Aleksa Heely and Gillian Kasitz also ran today finishing 61^st and 65^th, respectively.
 
Davidson won the women's race after totaling 112 points. Individually, Hannah Steelman of Wofford won the women's race in 16:27 and Christian Noble of Lee won the men's race in 23:27.
 
Next, the Royals will travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to compete in the Rock Pre-Nationals Cross Country Meet on Saturday, October 20. The men's 8k will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the women's 6k will follow at 11:30 a.m.