Kipsang Highlights Women’s Cross Country at Chile Pepper Festival
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The East Central University women's cross country team continued its 2025 campaign with a strong showing at the annual Chile Pepper Festival, hosted by the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Competing in their third meet of the season, the Tigers faced a highly competitive field that included teams from NCAA Division I, Division II, and NJCAA programs, finishing 19th overall out of 26 teams.
Within the Division II field, ECU placed sixth. The University of Texas claimed the overall team title, while the host Razorbacks finished as runners-up.
Women's 5k Results
Leading the way for the Tigers was
Winnie Kipsang, who delivered a standout performance in the 5K. She clocked a career-best 17:30.4, earning 35th place overall and finishing third among Division II runners, just two seconds behind the top DII finisher. Kipsang shaved nearly 15 seconds off her time from the Missouri Southern Stampede two weeks prior.
Sheilah Cheruiyot was ECU's next finisher, placing 128th with a time of 18:51.2, followed closely by
Mercy Kibiwott (142nd, 19:03.8) and
Madison Ham (148th, 19:08.4). Rounding out the Tigers' squad were
Damaris Chewon (162nd, 19:15.8),
Stephanie Ojo (174th, 19:21.9), and
Carolyne Kimaiyo (214th, 20:06.8).
The Tigers now turn their attention to the Old Glory Gallop, hosted by Dallas Baptist University, set for Saturday, Oct. 11 in Texas.
