KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Toledo captured its third consecutive Mid-American Conference Men's Cross Country Championship on Friday, finishing with a team total of 21 points. The Rockets dominated the 8K race, placing five runners among the top eight finishers, including a sweep of the top three spots.
The Rockets also made history with its 21-point performance, setting a new MAC Championship record for the fewest points scored in a 10-team field. The Rockets broke the previous record of 29 points, set by Eastern Michigan in 1974.
Miami finished second with 66 points, followed by UMass in third with 98 points. Akron and Eastern Michigan each totaled 117 points, with Akron taking fourth and Eastern Michigan finishing fifth.
Individually, Toledo's Patrick Kiprop claimed the 2026 MAC Men's Cross Country Individual Championship, crossing the finish line in 23:20.9. Teammates Joad Martinho (23:26.3) and Eloshas Kipkirui (23:27.7) finished second and third, respectively, to complete Toledo's sweep of the podium. Kipkirui was named the MAC Men's Cross Country Freshman of the Year after his third-place finish, becoming just the second Rocket in program history to earn the honor, joining Jacob Harris (2019).
Toledo head coach Louis Vazquez earned MAC Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year honors for the second consecutive season after guiding the Rockets to their third straight conference championship.
2026 MAC Men's Cross Country Team Standings
1. Toledo – 21 points
2. Miami – 66 points
3. UMass – 98 points
T4. Akron – 117 points
T4. Eastern Michigan – 117 points
6. Ohio – 180 points
7. Central Michigan – 196 points
8. Buffalo – 209 points
9. Bowling Green – 212 points
10. Kent State – 259 points
2026 Men's Cross Country All-MAC First Team
Patrick Kiprop, Toledo
Joad Martinho, Toledo
Eloshas Kipkirui, Toledo
Collin Catherwood, UMass
Noah Nyageo, Akron
Titus Kirui, Akron
Loann Brelivet, Toledo
2026 Men's Cross Country All-MAC Second Team
Sibonelo Khumalo, Toledo
Ishak Mekideche, Miami
Evan Jarold, Miami
Petros Sanchez, Miami
Michael Dellasanta, Ohio
Sam Peterson, Eastern Michigan
Kian Wiles, Eastern Michigan
2026 MAC Men's Cross Country Freshman of the Year
Eloshas Kipkirui, Toledo
2026 MAC Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year
Louis Vazquez, Toledo
