Amaris Munya continued to make progress in her second race of the cross country season, clocking a personal best of 19min 56sec in the 5K at the Katie Caples Invitational.

Munya’s run in Jacksonville improved on the 20:17 she posted two weeks ago at the Florida Horse Park Invitational. The Bermudian’s time placed her 26th out of 99 and helped Montverde Academy girls finish seventh at the meet.

“I’m satisfied with how my second race went,” Munya told The Royal Gazette.

“Going into the race I knew I was going to break 20, there was no doubt in my mind and 19:56 was a time I knew I could run. I’m confident I can continue to lower my time even more as my season progresses.

“As a middle-distance runner who specialises in the 800, I think my 5K time which is continuing to drop is a good representation of the aerobic base I am continuing to build upon.

“I’m not yet where I want to be but I’m far from where I was a year ago from today and I’m just grateful.

“Before the race, I had written Psalm 126:5 on my right arm, which says, ‘Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy’, and that is, in short, what this season is for me.

“Last year I had to build in a new environment and had many setbacks. Now I’m experiencing the fruit of my labour and although I will have some adversity as that is inevitable in competition.

“I know that God has a plan for me and that plan is a good plan. Overall, I’m satisfied but I know I have more in my legs.”

Montverde commended Munya and her team-mates for their strong showing for the private institution.

“A great day of racing and team spirit at the Katie Caples Invitational,” the school said.

“Our boys and girls cross country teams proudly represented Montverde Academy, competing together and supporting one another every step of the way.”

Meanwhile, the Cechini siblings represented Mercersburg Academy at the Ben Bloser Bulldog Cross Country Invitational at Big Spring High School in Newville, Pennsylvania.

Gabby clocked 19:12.63 to finish an impressive third in the girls 2A division, while her brother Joseph posted 18:24.87 for 94th in the same division for boys.