University of Maryland Eastern Shore cross country: Nkanyezi Niqubu won the men’s 8,000-meter race at the UMES Invitational in Princess Anne on Sept. 19, 2026. The junior finished in 26:25.15 during his season debut as the program completed its first home meet of the season.
Senior Siyabonga Mbatha finished second in the men’s 8,000-meter race with a time of 26:30.90. The UMES men’s cross country team placed third with 56 points.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore Cross Country Results
Junior Rihanna Gayle led the UMES women’s cross country team in the 5,000-meter race, finishing in 25:09.17. Freshman Lila Moore was the second UMES women’s runner to finish, recording a time of 26:06.20.
The women’s program placed fourth with 83 points. The UMES Invitational served as the university’s first home meet of the season.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Nkanyezi Niqubu provided the meet’s top individual result for UMES with his men’s 8,000-meter victory in his season debut. Siyabonga Mbatha added a second-place finish, while Rihanna Gayle and Lila Moore led the women’s effort in the 5,000-meter race.
Source: Original report
