Three Course Challenge

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 isn’t just a race—it’s an adventure that pushes athletes to their limits and creates lasting memories for all involved.