2026 4A Region 3 XC Championships

Race Details: Only seven runners can start the race. Top eight teams advance to the State Meet. Top four individuals not on an advancing team will also qualify for the State Meet. Starting boxes will be assigned per FHSAA guidelines.

Course Outline: The race will take place over a two-loop course (running counterclockwise) starting and ending on a large soccer/football field. The course will run along the perimeter of the complex and is 99% grass. There is a brief 20-yard concrete walkway that will be crossed.

Mile Markers: There are clear signs at the mile and two-mile marks, and we are planning to have clocks at both spots. There is a very short distance between the mile and two-mile marks so you can probably make it over there in time. There will be a lead vehicle at the front.

Awards: Upon completion of both races, there will be a brief awards ceremony to recognize the top 15 finishers, Regional champs and Team Runner Ups. That ceremony will take place close to the finish line area.

Orange Flags/Orange Fences: The course is carefully marked with orange landscaping flags. Orange flags are always on the left of the runner. There are also orange fences that provide clear paths for the runners as they make turns in certain areas. Please ask your spectators not to traverse or go over those fences. There are safety measures in place to separate the runners from the fans in those particular areas. We will have course marshals in neon vests to assist the runners/coaches/spectators.

Soccer Fields: The soccer club and the county are particularly sensitive to heavy traffic on their soccer fields. It is a large complex and there is sufficient room to conduct warmups and cool downs, without going on their fields. They are particularly protective of their field turf, which is in the middle of the complex. Please, please, remind your athletes to stay clear of the field turf.

Course Preview: Due to all the County activity at the complex on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the complex managers have stressed that there can be no course preview. Soccer/football//cheerleading, etc goes on at ERC until late every night. They have asked that we not interfere with that process.

Parking Lot: As you enter the complex, to the left there is a giant main parking lot with tons of spaces. To the right is another parking lot which will serve as an overflow lot, if needed.

Tent City: There is a large berm area overlooking all the fields and it serves as a perfect tent city. Set up your camps anywhere along that area and you will have a perfect view of most of the race. Reminder, this is a County Park and as part of the agreement, we are responsible for cleanup. Hillsborough County Schools are co-hosts and will make sure the park is left the way we found it, but please do your best to limit the trash and keep your tent area clean. You will be provided with garbage bags for your campsites.

Bathrooms: The complex has its own set of bathrooms and there will be three port-o-lets also available.

Trainers: PT Solutions will be our trainers for the event and we expect at least three or four on hand to provide needed care. Temperature is not likely to be an issue. However, all necessary protocols will be in place. Keep in mind, the trainers will be there for athletes in need of care. It is your responsibility to provide hydration, towels, etc at the finish line for your own athletes.