COLUMBIA, Mo. — Arizona freshman Evans Tanui capped a historic debut season with a standout performance at the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Cross Country National Championship on Saturday at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course. Tanui placed 44th overall in a field of 259 runners, clocking a lifetime-best 29:10.3.

Tanui became the first Arizona men's runner to compete at the NCAA Championships in more than a decade, marking a major milestone for the program in his first season as a Wildcat.

The true freshman was also one of just 10 freshmen nationally to finish inside the top 50, underscoring the strength of his postseason run after earning an at-large berth from the NCAA West Regional.

"It has been a great season," Tanui said. "I am satisfied for my season just starting at Arizona. I am excited to keep getting better and make my school more proud."

Associate head coach Jay Koloseus emphasized the significance of Tanui's performance and what it signals for the program's future.

"This means a lot for our program," Koloseus said. "To have a true freshman who arrived late step in and perform this well on the spotlight shows our trajectory. I can't wait to come back here with more athletes in the future as we build the University of Arizona into a cross country juggernaut."

New Mexico's Habtom Samuel won the individual national title in 28:33.9, while Oklahoma State captured the men's team championship with 57 points.

Tanui's finish concludes a breakthrough season for Arizona Cross Country and sets the stage for a promising future under Koloseus and head coach Andrew Dubs.