Mark Hayes-Ayala, Muhammad Sabur Earn Top-Five Finishes for Men’s Cross Country in Beach to Tarmac 7K
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, September 29, 2025 – Sophomore Mark Hayes-Ayala and freshman Muhammad Sabur earned top-five finishes, leading the University of the Virgin Islands men's cross country team during the Beach to Tarmac 7K held on September 27 in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Hayes-Ayala was the first Buccaneer to finish, clocking in at 28:45.9, which secured him 3rd place overall. The six-foot distance runner has consistently been UVI's leading competitor this season, boasting four consecutive top-five finishes, including a 1st place victory in the team's preseason event.
Sabur, making his official cross-country debut for the Buccaneers, finished fourth in the race, trailing his Hayes-Ayala. The native of Flint, Michigan, completed the course with a time of 32:24.8.
Junior Rayhan Sabur, who also made his debut after missing the previous meet due to injury, along with freshman Lance Latare, both finished within the top 10, placing 7th and 8th with times of 33:52.6 and 35:03.3, respectively. Sophomore Gabriel Elcock brought up the rear for the Buccaneers.
"The team is definitely progressing," stated Head Coach Dale Joseph. "The HBCUAC Championships are approximately two weeks away, and I recognize the improvements that need to be addressed. We are consistently working on those areas and should be right where we want to be for the season finale in Alabama."
The team will now head to Tortola, British Virgin Islands, to compete in the BVI College Classic on October 4 to close out the regular season before their season finale in Decatur, Alabama, in the Historically Black College and University Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Cross Country Championships on October 17.