Three Course Challenge

Event overview

The 36th Three Course Challenge is a cross-country meet hosted by Seaside High School at Camp Rilea, just north of Seaside, Oregon off Hwy 101. The event is scheduled for September 26, 2026. Since its start in 1990, more than 50,000 runners have finished races at this meet. The event includes competitions for middle school and high school runners. Chip timing is provided by Eclectic Edge Racing. Awards are given to the top 10 finishers in each division, and top teams receive plaques and medals. Live performances by The Last Regiment Drum Corps are part of the event atmosphere.

Courses and logistics

Courses are marked by flag color and vary by distance and terrain:

• 4,300 meters: gradual incline (Easy, White Flags)
• 5,000 meters: water crossings and steep uphill Elk Trail (Moderate, Blue Flags)
• 5,000 meters: three steep hills including Butterfly Hill and Elk Trail (Difficult, Red Flags)
• 3,000 meters: grass, dirt, sand roads, and trails; no pavement (Middle School, Yellow Flags)

Team lodging is available on Camp Rilea. Lodging is $15 per bed; additional floor space is available at no charge when needed. Teams are separated by gender, and coed teams must provide both a male and a female chaperone. Housing assignments will be shared at least one week before race day. Event weekend activities include a Friday spaghetti dinner, an ice cream social with a T-shirt exchange, and an optional Saturday pancake breakfast. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.