Mt. sac xc invite
Saturday, October 24, Morning
Mt SAC is a well-known invitational in Walnut, California, that is frequently a favorite race among athletes. How can you resist running a famous 78-year-old course with features like Valley Loop, Switchbacks and Reservoir Hill that are all part of cross country lore?!
Race Schedule:
We don't have exact starting times yet, but our athletes will run between 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The race organizers plan to have it up on the Mt. SAC website by this Wednesday, 10/21. Their website is extremely thorough, and we recommend you take some time to peruse it. Once added, the event schedule, team confirmations and a program will be available at the top of the page.
Entrance & Arrival Times
Athletes must have their bibs in order to enter the stadium. The bibs are their tickets. One of our coaches will meet athletes near the stadium ticket booth (#2 in a blue circle on the course map). Call Coach Ott when you arrive at the gate/ticket booth: (310) 709-8088. If anything changes regarding bib pick-up, coaches will send a message directly to athletes via GroupMe.
Course Map
Here is the course map. This 3-mile course is considered one of the nation's most challenging. The course path now finishes in the stadium, which provides for a better fan experience.
Clerk-of-the-Course
All athletes MUST report to the Clerk-of-the-Course at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start of their race. The Clerk is located along the west fence inside the warm-up track area (#6 in a blue circle on the course map).
Parking
Due to the size of this event, please plan your departure/arrival time accordingly. The organizers recommend adding additional travel time in order to park, walk and enter the main entrance.
All Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational Parking will be in the Gateway Parking Structure (off Bonita Drive) or Parking Lot F (North of Temple Ave). See map here.
Handicapped Parking is available on the second level of the Champions Parking Structure.
Cost is $10 for all vehicles. BRING CASH! You can pay when entering the parking lot.
When to Arrive
Please plan to arrive at the TP canopy 1.5 hours before your race.
Where to Find Us
Our yellow team canopy will be in the grassy area (behind the scoreboard) labeled with a "3" in a blue circle on the course map. (There are two 3's on the map.) If for some reason they run out of space for team camps in the grassy area, the other spot to check is the lower level of the Champions Parking Structure.
What to Bring
Uniform and team warm-up shirt, water bottle, running shoes, racing flats, sunscreen and a snack. Boys may wear compression shorts under their uniform but they must be all black; if there is a logo, it must be white and smaller than a credit card.
Timing & Results
The meet will be timed using tags on the backs of bibs. Live results will be available on FinishedResults.
Streaming
If you have a RunnerSpace+ account, the Mt. SAC Invitational will have a live webcast of the race. If you don't have a +Plus account, it's possible to sign up for one month at $12.99 and then cancel so you don't continue to get charged monthly.
Spectators
Purchase tickets early online! All spectators must enter through the stadium front gate (#2 in a blue circle on the course map) to gain access to the course areas (starting line, course, finish line). Ticket costs are below (price increases by $5 if you purchase onsite). These tickets are separate from the $10 parking fee. Save time and money by purchasing tickets in advance. Here's the ticket link.
General Admission (13 years or older, Seniors & Students) – $15
Children (12 years or younger) – $10
Because this is a huge facility, the course map is your best friend when it comes to finding restrooms, the water fill up station and more. (P.S. The toilet paper gremlin might be an issue at this event. They even mention it on their website and recommend bringing your own.) Best spectator viewing will be at the entrance to the Valley Loop and in the stadium for the finish.
Important Note
Since our races could start as early as 7:15 a.m., we recommend booking a nearby hotel for Friday night so that your athlete is well-rested and ready to go for his or her race. It's definitely not required, however, and some families do drive up early-early on Saturday morning.
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