Clam Beach Invitational (HS, MS, Club, UnA)

The Clam Beach Invite is a cross country meet unlike any other. The entire course will take place right along the shore line of Clam Beach in McKinleyville, CA. We run the race right up against the water and although it is 100% on beach sand the ground is typically firm and the times fast. For the HS and open race divisions the race starts out going North .75 miles and doubles back (.5 of for JV races), when the runners make it back to the start line they will be at the half way point of the race. Then the course goes south along the beach for another .75 miles before the runners double back again and head towards the finish line. Many runners choose to run shoeless, and this is definitely a meet all of your runners will remember. There is also camping available at the beach to make this a truly unique experience for your team.

We will be kicking off the day with the HS races. The order will go Girls & Boys JV, Girls Varsity, and Boys Varsity. JV races will be 2 miles, and varsity races 3 miles. Only 7 runners per team will be allowed to compete in the varsity races, so all others will need to compete in the JV division. Special tee shirts will be given to the top 7 in each race division, and also a medal to the top 3 finishers in the varsity division races. Entry fees will be $5 per athlete. High school athletes need to be registered by Tuesday October 2nd. Changes can be made on race day, but early registration will help us tremendously to get everything in order. Team packets with bib numbers will be ready for pick up on race day at the registration table. Payment will need to be made at this time in order to receive ones packet.

Next, we will be having our youth races. There will be 3 youth co-ed race divisions but we will start the 2 younger divisions at the same time: K-2nd (1mi) & 3rd-5th (1mi) both divisions together, then 6th-8th grade (1.5mi) division after. Entry fees for all youth runners will be $3 payable on race day. Ribbons to top 15 finishers in each race division.

Lastly, we will have an open division 3 mile race where any and all runners are welcome to participate (parents & coaches too!). Registration for this race will once again be done on race day. Cost will be $10/runner.

We have changed the start time and running order due to information on when low tide is supposed to happen. 9:50 AM is predicted to be the peak of low tide and we want to ensure that the HS races have the best footing so we are planning on starting the meet at 9:30 AM, with each race starting 30 min after the previous one. (HS JV Boys & Girls 9:30, HS G Varsity 10:00, HS B Varsity 10:30, K-2nd & 3-5th 11:00, 6-8th 11:20, Open race 11:40). Also, tee shirts will be on sale for $15, and there will be a table set up with some concessions and drinks at reasonable cost.

We hope you can attend, and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.


Thanks - Jason Lewis
Head Cross County/Track & Field Coach
McKinleyville High School
661-401-0390
siwelnosaj@gmail.com