Q: What do you get when Batman, Superman, and Liberace grab a baton and team up to run a footrace?
A: The Three Capes Relay!
What? Really?! Are you sure? Well, that’s embarrassing. OK, I’ve just been informed that The Three Capes Relay is actually an incredibly fun, scenic, and challenging one-day race on the Oregon coast. The three capes in question are Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda, not the unique sartorial choices of superheroes and overly flamboyant pianists.
The point-to-point course is exactly a marathon long (26.2 miles, for those new to the sport), and the relay is broken into five legs varying in length from 4 to 7 miles and rated “easy” to “very difficult”. Divisions include five-person teams, two-person teams, and solo marathoners. Teams can sign up as Family, Business, School, or Clydesdale (each member over 200 lbs.). This year’s race is scheduled for Saturday, February 27th.
The course is spectacular, with great views, serene woods, quiet coastal towns, and some wicked climbs and descents. Two-person teams can break up the legs any way they like, so strategic assignment of each runner to particular legs is an important aspect of race planning. Also, since it’s point-to-point, leaving a car at each end of the race is something to consider.
Run Oregon Bloggers Matt and Joe ran the Three Capes Relay as a two-person team in 2015 and found it to be the perfect combination of well-organized and low-key. You can read our recap HERE, HERE, and HERE.
The cost for five-person teams is $150, and two-person teams can register for $85. The solo marathon is $65. Proceeds benefit the Tillamook High School cross country team. Register by February 15th to be guaranteed a shirt.
The hills may take your breath away, but so will the scenery. This is one relay that every northwest runner should do at least once!
What: The Three Capes Relay
When: Saturday, February 27th
Where: The intersection of Bayocean Rd. NW and Bayshore Drive adjacent to Cape Meares Lake.
What Time: 9:00a
Registration: You can register online or print out an entry and mail it in. Both options are available from the registration page. Packet pickup and late registration will be available at Tillamook High School on Friday, February 26th, from 6-8p.
