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 Highway 101. The event is scheduled for September 26, 2026, and serves middle school and high school runners. The meet has been held since 1990 and reports more than 50,000 finishers across its history. The event motto is "Celebrating the Sport of Cross Country."

Courses and results

Courses use colored flags to mark routes. Distances include:

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

Chip timing is provided by Eclectic Edge Racing for real-time, accurate results. Awards include medals for the top 10 finishers in each division and plaques and medals for top teams.

Lodging and weekend activities

Team lodging is available on Camp Rilea with accommodations assigned by group size and availability. Lodging costs $15 per bed; additional floor space is free. Teams are separated by gender and coed teams must provide both a male and a female chaperone. A Google Form will be used for lodging requests and housing assignments are shared at least one week before race day. Weekend offerings include a Friday spaghetti dinner, an ice cream social with a T-shirt exchange, and an optional Saturday pancake breakfast. Live performances by The Last Regiment Drum Corps are scheduled during the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.