4.15 mile, 2-loop cross country race on the fire roads of the upper UC - Santa Cruz campus. This race is part of the Pacific Association-USATF cross country Grand Prix series. The race starts and finishes at the open meadow above the UCSC Firestation on Chinquapin Road. Registration opens at 8 AM alongside the fire road above the small parking lot above the Firestation. Womens race 9AM, Mens Masters 9:45AM, Mens Open 10:30AM Limited parking at the Crown College parking lot. Additional parking is at the East Remote Parking Lot on Hagar Drive. Allow extra time - parking is limited and the additional parking is close to one mile away from registration. Parking violations are strictly enforced!
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Santa Cruz, CA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Santa Cruz Track Club Cross Country Challenge 2026 — Santa Cruz, CA
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 23.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Santa Cruz, CA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
