Fayetteville, Ark.,   The men's and women's cross country team's finish in the top six at the 2024 Chili Pepper Festival hosted by the University of Arkansas. The men's team placed second with 127 points while the women's team finished sixth with 197 points.

JUST THE FACTS
Event: Chili Pepper Festival
Location: University of Arkansas
Final Scores, Men's 8k: 1. Arkansas (29 points). 2. Western Colorado (127). 3. East Central (159).
Final Scores, Women's 5k: 1. Texas (42 ). 2. LSU (75 ). 3. Arkansas (88 ) … 6. Western Colorado (197).
Top Three Men: 1. Kirami Yego, Arkansas (22:57.0), 2. Elkana Kipruto, Stephen F. Austin (23:19.2), 3. Timothy Chesondin, Arkansas (23:23.6).
Top Three Women: 1. Mia Cochran, Arkansas (15:56.3), 2. Paityn Noe, Arkansas (15:56.3), 3. Olivia Howell (16:25.1).

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Senior Leah Tayor placed fourth individually for the Mountaineers. Taylor was the first NCAA Division II athlete to cross the finish line with a time of 16:28.
• Sophomore Lauren Wilson, not far behind, finished in the top-20 in the 17th spot with a time of 17:02.
• Crossing the finish line, for the men, in the 11th spot was sophomore Tyler Nord with a time of 24:06.
• Just on Nord's tail was freshman Oliver Diaz who placed 21st with an end time of 24:32.

UP NEXT
Western Colorado cross country will host the 74th W Mountain Race on Saturday, October 5. The race will begin at 10 a.m.
 
For more information visit gomountianeers.com.