CHARLOTTE, NC - Jacob Parkinson and Lewis Budgen continued their strong 2024 seasons on Friday, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively, out of 207 runners at the Queens Royals Challenge. Both Parkinson (24:08) and Budgen (24:11) ran season bests in the race. They were also the first two DII finishers, as the top four competitors were either unattached for DI. 

As a team the Bears took 13th out of 21 teams, coming in just in front of fellow DII member Augusta. National power Wingate took home the team title, and NC Central's Meshak Kuyo (23:54) won the individual title. 

Harrison Hickman (26:55), Isaac Riggs (27:48), and Chase Bryant (29:02) rounded out the scoring for the Bears. Six of the seven Lenoir-Rhyne runners ran season bests in the race. 

The Bears next race will be the SAC Championships on Saturday, October 26th. The event will take place at The Farm in Newberry, South Carolina.