Three Course Challenge

Three Course Challenge

The 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 began in 1990 and has recorded over 50,000 finishers in its history. The 36th edition is scheduled for September 26, 2026. Runners range from middle school to high school and compete on designated courses.

Distances and course features:

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

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

Team lodging is available on Camp Rilea and is assigned by group size and availability. Lodging costs are $15 per bed; additional floor space is free when needed. Teams are separated by gender and coed teams must have both a male and a female chaperone. Lodging requests are collected via a Google Form in the summer and assignments are shared at least one week before race day.

Event weekend features include a Friday night spaghetti dinner at Seaside High School, an ice cream social with a T-shirt exchange for teams staying at Camp Rilea, and an optional Saturday morning pancake breakfast. Live performances by The Last Regiment Drum Corps accompany running and warm-up activities. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.