Two of the top NCAA cross country runners will not return for the remainder of the 2018 season. 

According to Alabama head coach Dan Waters, No. 4-ranked Vincent Kiprop and No. 8-ranked Gilbert Kigen are going to redshirt the 2018 cross country season.

Without the Kenyans in the fold, Alabama's chances of qualifying for the NCAA Cross Country Championships this season are essentially nil. Led by Kiprop and Kigen's top 10 finishes at nationals in 2017, Alabama finished 14th in Louisville.

Now the Tide will regroup and hope that their stars can align in 2019 with the Kenyan pair once again leading the way. 'Bama was seventh in the FloXC preseason rankings, but they never got the chance to live up to that billing as Kiprop did not suit up once this season.

Kigen raced at the Nuttycombe Invitational on September 28, finishing 12th.

Vincent Kiprop's Credentials:

Personal Bests:

3K: 7:55.79i (2018)

5K: 13:37.92 (2018)

10K: 28:19.07 (2018)

Championship Performances:

2018 NCAA Outdoor 5K: 9th, 13:59.60

2018 NCAA Outdoor 10K: 2nd, 28:34.99

2018 NCAA Indoor 5K: 2nd, 14:15.01

2017 NCAA XC: 7th, 29:27.2

Gilbert Kigen's Credentials:

Personal Bests:

3K: 7:59.04i (2018)

5K: 13:40.99 (2018)

10K: 28:27.31 (2018)

Championship Performances:

2018 NCAA Outdoor 10K: 7th, 28:55.66

2018 NCAA Outdoor 5K: 13th, 14:03.06

2018 NCAA Indoor 5K: 10th, 14:17.73

2017 NCAA XC: 4th, 29:11.9