Cougar Creek Classic 2026

Cougar Creek Classic

Middle School Cross Country Invitational Information

Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Site: World Compass Academy 2490 South Perry Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104

Schedule

• 4:15 PM - Registration Table Opens. Please do not arrive before 4:10 PM. School pick-up will still be in progress, and you will not be allowed on-site prior to this time.

• 4:30 PM - Coach Meeting (at the Registration Tent)

• 5:00 PM - Girls Race

• 5:30 PM - Boys Race

• 6:00 PM - Awards Ceremony (at the Finish Line)

Parking

The main entrance to World Compass Academy will be closed to accommodate the race course. Thank you for helping us keep the race course clear and our runners safe!

Please use the Plum Creek Church parking lot as your entry point. The church parking lot is:

• Your first left after World Compass Academy when traveling south.

• Your first right before World Compass Academy when traveling north.

• Do not park on Perry Street or in the businesses across from the school to the north.

Box Assignments

• Boxes will be outlined but not assigned to specific teams.

• Schools may choose a box when lining up for the race.

• One box per team.

Course Information

• Distance: 2.0 miles (3,218.69 meters)

• The course starts on school property, crosses Plum Creek, and follows the paved Plum Creek Trail.

• It is an out-and-back route over a combination of turf field, grass, and pavement.

• Runners will cross Plum Creek, which typically has low water levels in October (a few inches), but water depth can vary up to 16 inches depending on recent weather.

• Students should use caution and watch their footing, especially on unpaved sections.Remind runners to stay to the right on the paved Plum Creek Trail portion, as there will be 2-way traffic from faster runners returning.

• CHANGE:  Our meet has more than doubled in size since last year! With so many runners participating, we want to make sure everyone has enough space to safely spread out before heading down to the creek.

• To help with this, we are altering the start of the course this year.

• Please see the map below for the updated course and starting area. Thank you for helping us make this a safe and successful meet for all of our runners!

Rules of Competition

• The top 5 runners from each team will be scored for overall team score.

• In the event of a tie, the team with the higher-placing 6th runner will win.

• Race is open to students currently enrolled in grades 3-8.

• Students who cut the course, including accidental cuts, will be disqualified.

Awards

Awards will be given for both Boys and Girls divisions:

• Top 6 finishers in each grade level:

• 5th Grade and Younger

• 6th Grade

• 7th Grade

• 8th Grade

• Top 6 overall finishers

• Winning Team: Girls & Boys Division (2nd & 3rd teams will be announced but no awards presented)

• Because some of the awards are based on grade level, it is essential that each student's expected high school graduation year is entered correctly in MileSplit. Please double-check your entries to ensure accuracy.

• Results will be posted on co.milesplit.com following the event.

Logistics

• Team Packets: Available starting at 4:15 PM at the Registration Table

• Team Camps: May be set up along the east side of the field, immediately outside the fence

• Restrooms: inside school via east double doors

• Medical: a nurse is available in the med tent on the south side of the field

Payment

Entry Fees:

• Girls Team: $100

• Boys Team: $100

• Individual Runner: $20

Please mail checks in advance to:

Attn: Sarah Berner - Cross CountryWorld Compass Academy2490 South Perry StreetCastle Rock, CO 80104

Checks may also be brought with you on the day of the meet.

Contact

Bethany Merkling

Coach

bethany.merkling@worldcompassacademy.com

Melissa Lance

Assistant Coach

melissa.lance@worldcompassacademy.com