Amaris Munya, a rising Bermudian distance runner, helped Montverde Academy’s girls’ cross‑country squad secure fifth place among 21 schools at the flrunners.com Invitational held Saturday, October 3, at Holloway Park in Lakeland, Florida. The event drew 179 runners from across the United States and Canada.

Munya finished 37th in the Race of Champions, posting a time of 21 minutes 00.48 seconds. Her steady pace and competitive spirit were key to the team’s overall performance, which also saw teammates place in the upper‑midfield. The squad’s fifth‑place standing is the best finish in the academy’s history at this invitational.

Bermuda’s sporting community celebrated Munya’s achievement, with local coaches and former athletes praising her dedication. “Amaris has always shown a strong work ethic and a love for the sport,” said coach Jamal Smith, who mentors several Bermudian athletes training abroad. The win reinforces the growing presence of Bermudian talent in U.S. high‑school athletics.

Munya, a 17‑year‑old from Hamilton, plans to continue competing in cross‑country and track events while pursuing a scholarship to a U.S. university. Her success serves as an inspiration for young Bermudian runners who aspire to compete on the international stage.