The Robert Shumake/Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge is returning to WakeMed once again in 2017! We look forward to hosting some of the best HBCU teams and individuals from the Southeast and around the country, as we have previously for many years.
The NSAF has tremendous gratitude towards and appreciation for some of those who have been driving forces behind getting this event started and sustaining it:
The 2013 Challenge was special as we honored Mr. Walker (mentioned above, who passed in March, 2013) for his years of service to the Challenge, the Foundation and to our sport in general. The women’s race that year also included a guest competitor that drew much attention: 1984 Olympian and former 5,000-meter world record holder (on the track) Zola Budd-Pieterse, the native South African who now lives in South Carolina. She showed she was still an outstanding runner at age 47 with a 17:47.0 5k. Budd-Pieterse had accepted a coaching position at Coastal Carolina University.
In the men's race, it was North Carolina A&T State winning their 2nd straight crown (3rd overall) with 47 points -- holding off Hampton (70) and Morehouse (76).
Then it was Hampton notching their 5th women's title in 6 years with 37 points, ahead of NC A&T (59) and Winston-Salem State (70).
Crossing the line first in the two races were Trey Simons of Morehouse in a near meet-record 24:47.2 for 8k and Darroneisha Lott of Coker College in 18:37.0 for 5k.
