Three Course Challenge
- Date Sat 20th September 2025
- Time 9:30AM EST
- Location Warrenton, Oregon
- Price Free
- Races 5 races
- Distances Ultra, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the Three Course Challenge on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in the stunning surroundings of Warrenton, Clatsop! This premier cross-country event, held annually at Camp Rilea, invites athletes of all levels to test their endurance and mental toughness across three uniquely challenging courses. Participants can choose from the Easy White Flags course at 4,300 meters, perfect for newcomers; the Moderate Blue Flags course at 5,000 meters, which includes thrilling water and mud crossings; or the Difficult Red Flags course, also at 5,000 meters, designed for seasoned athletes ready to tackle steep climbs and demanding terrain.
The Three Course Challenge is not just about racing; it’s a celebration of community spirit and camaraderie. Join in the pre-race festivities, including a delicious spaghetti feed and ice cream social, and consider staying overnight at Camp Rilea for a full weekend of cross-country excitement. Whether you're racing for victory or simply enjoying the experience, the Three Course Challenge promises lasting memories and an adventure like no other. Don’t miss out on this incredible event that brings runners together in the heart of nature!
The Three Course Challenge is not just about racing; it’s a celebration of community spirit and camaraderie. Join in the pre-race festivities, including a delicious spaghetti feed and ice cream social, and consider staying overnight at Camp Rilea for a full weekend of cross-country excitement. Whether you're racing for victory or simply enjoying the experience, the Three Course Challenge promises lasting memories and an adventure like no other. Don’t miss out on this incredible event that brings runners together in the heart of nature!
Organiser's Description
Three Course Challenge
The Three Course Challenge is a premier cross-country event held annually at Camp Rilea. It tests athletes' endurance and mental toughness with unique and adventurous courses featuring grass, dirt, sand roads, trails, and the iconic mud pit adventure. Runners encounter minimal pavement (only 20 meters) as they navigate their assigned course:
Course Descriptions
Easy White Flags (4,300 meters)
Ideal for newer runners or those seeking a lighter challenge.
Features one gradual incline, with primarily flat terrain.
Moderate Blue Flags (5,000 meters)
A step up in difficulty with two possible water/mud crossings.
At 3,840 meters, runners tackle the Elk Trail, a 100+ meter uphill climb that is narrow, steep, and sandy.
Difficult Red Flags (5,000 meters)
Designed for fit and experienced athletes, this course includes two possible water/mud crossings and three challenging hills.
The first hill, at 2,750 meters, is a 135-meter climb that is steep and sandy.
The second hill, at 4,390 meters, is the infamous Elk Trail, another 100+ meter ascent that is narrow, steep, and deep with sand.
The final challenge, Butterfly Hill, is a grassy 80+ meter climb located just 300 meters from the finish line.
Course Assignment
Athletes are assigned to their courses by their coaches during registration, which must be finalized on Athletic.net by September 15th, 2024. Coaches should carefully review the Difficult Course description and assign only fit runners to this demanding route to ensure athlete safety.
Team Scoring
Scoring is structured to reward strategic course assignments:
Divisions 1, 2, and 3: Teams must field two runners on the Difficult Course, three on the Moderate, and two on the Easy Course.
Divisions 4 and 5: Teams must field one runner on the Difficult Course, two on the Moderate, and two on the Easy Course.
This structure is for scoring purposes only. Coaches may assign as many runners to any course as they wish. All participants compete on one course only, ensuring a fair and focused challenge for every athlete.
Why Join the Challenge?
Beyond the race, the Three Course Challenge fosters camaraderie and community spirit. Pre-race events include a spaghetti feed and ice cream social, and participants can opt to stay overnight at Camp Rilea for a full cross-country weekend experience.
The Three Course Challenge isnt just a raceits an adventure that pushes athletes to their limits and creates lasting memories for all involved.
The Three Course Challenge is a premier cross-country event held annually at Camp Rilea. It tests athletes' endurance and mental toughness with unique and adventurous courses featuring grass, dirt, sand roads, trails, and the iconic mud pit adventure. Runners encounter minimal pavement (only 20 meters) as they navigate their assigned course:
Course Descriptions
Easy White Flags (4,300 meters)
Ideal for newer runners or those seeking a lighter challenge.
Features one gradual incline, with primarily flat terrain.
Moderate Blue Flags (5,000 meters)
A step up in difficulty with two possible water/mud crossings.
At 3,840 meters, runners tackle the Elk Trail, a 100+ meter uphill climb that is narrow, steep, and sandy.
Difficult Red Flags (5,000 meters)
Designed for fit and experienced athletes, this course includes two possible water/mud crossings and three challenging hills.
The first hill, at 2,750 meters, is a 135-meter climb that is steep and sandy.
The second hill, at 4,390 meters, is the infamous Elk Trail, another 100+ meter ascent that is narrow, steep, and deep with sand.
The final challenge, Butterfly Hill, is a grassy 80+ meter climb located just 300 meters from the finish line.
Course Assignment
Athletes are assigned to their courses by their coaches during registration, which must be finalized on Athletic.net by September 15th, 2024. Coaches should carefully review the Difficult Course description and assign only fit runners to this demanding route to ensure athlete safety.
Team Scoring
Scoring is structured to reward strategic course assignments:
Divisions 1, 2, and 3: Teams must field two runners on the Difficult Course, three on the Moderate, and two on the Easy Course.
Divisions 4 and 5: Teams must field one runner on the Difficult Course, two on the Moderate, and two on the Easy Course.
This structure is for scoring purposes only. Coaches may assign as many runners to any course as they wish. All participants compete on one course only, ensuring a fair and focused challenge for every athlete.
Why Join the Challenge?
Beyond the race, the Three Course Challenge fosters camaraderie and community spirit. Pre-race events include a spaghetti feed and ice cream social, and participants can opt to stay overnight at Camp Rilea for a full cross-country weekend experience.
The Three Course Challenge isnt just a raceits an adventure that pushes athletes to their limits and creates lasting memories for all involved.
Races
-
High School Boys and Girls Easy Race (White)
Sat 20th September 2025 (9:30AM EDT)
Free
4,300 meters. One gradual incline. Follow white flags -
High School Boys and Girls Moderate Race (Blue)
Sat 20th September 2025 (10:15AM EDT)
Free
Possibly two water/mud crossings. At 3840 meters runners negotiate the Elk Trail, 100+ meters uphill that is narrow, steep, and sandy. Follow blue signs -
High School Boys and Girls Difficult Race (Red)
Sat 20th September 2025 (11:05AM EDT)
Free
Possibly two water/mud crossings. Three healthy hills. The first one at about 2750 meters into the race is 135 meters, steep and sandy. Number two is the Elk Trail 100+ meters up which is narrow, steep, deep, and sandy at 4390 meters. The cherry on top is only 80+ meters over grassy Butterfly Hill some 300 meters from the finish. Follow red flags. -
Middle School Boys (Yellow)
Sat 20th September 2025 (12:00PM EDT)
Free
3000 meters run on grass, dirt, sand roads, and trails. No pavement. Follow yellow flags -
Middle School Girls (Yellow)
Sat 20th September 2025 (12:15PM EDT)
Free
3000 meters run on grass, dirt, sand roads, and trails. No pavement. Follow yellow flags.
Three Course Challenge