There are two types of runners in the world: Those who prefer boring but flat routes, and those that would rather tackle hills if they have pretty stuff to look at. If you are in the latter category, you should really consider doing the Three Capes Marathon Relay on February 28th.
I ran the Three Capes Relay a few years back and it was one of my very favorite races. The Oregon Coast is my favorite place to run, and the views of the Three Capes Scenic Loop, (Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda) are some of the most beautiful ones I’ve had the pleasure of seeing.
Since the Three Capes Marathon Relay is the distance of a marathon (hence the name) you can choose to run the whole thing solo, trade off on a 2-person team, or you can split up the 5 legs into a 5-person team. If you still aren’t sure how to pick your poison, let me give you a breakdown of each of the 5 legs and then you can decide what you are up for. There’s something for everyone here!
Important note: The road will not be closed so runners need to be aware of oncoming traffic. Everyone is highly encouraged to wear a reflective vest or florescent shirt.
Leg 1, 4.47 miles, rated very difficult:
The starting line for the Three Capes Relay sits beside Cape Meares Lake, right at the intersection of Bavocean Rd NW and Bayshore Drive. If you’re someone who likes a good hill challenge, this leg is for you. It’s known for an immediate climb straight off the line—a Category 3 ascent that gains nearly 600 feet at a 6% grade, earning its “very difficult” rating.
Once you crest that initial grind, things ease up a bit, though you’ll still tackle a handful of smaller hills before dropping back down to sea level. The payoff for your burning quads? Sweeping views of the Cape Meares Wildlife Refuge and Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll pass Cape Meares Lighthouse State Park before cruising into the finish in Oceanside.
Leg 2, 5.44 miles, rated difficult:
After the exchange at the corner of Netarts Hwy and Cape Meares Loop Road, Leg 2 heads out on an adventure with constant overlooks of the Pacific. The climbing isn’t overwhelming, but the leg still earns a “difficult” rating thanks to two Category 5 climbs. The first two-thirds roll along with steady ups and downs, offering views of Oceanside, Happy Camp, and the stretch of Netarts Bay below. This leg wraps up just beyond the Whiskey Creek Fish Hatchery.
Leg 3, 5.02 miles, rated extremely difficult:
Welcome to the hardest leg of the relay! You’ll start alongside Netarts Bay with about 2.5 miles of comfortably flat terrain—just enough to lull you into thinking this won’t be so bad. Then you’ll quickly discover why this section earns its “extremely difficult” rating. The back half climbs more than 800 feet at a 6.5% grade, making it a bona fide Category 2 ascent.
The good news? The views of Netarts Bay are spectacular, offering at least some distraction from the burn as you make your way toward the summit at Cape Lookout State Park, where Leg 4 begins.
Leg 4, 6.82 miles, rated moderate:
It’s smooth sailing—relatively speaking—from here on out. This leg is rated “moderate” primarily because it’s the longest stretch of the relay, but you’ll start with a generous downhill as you leave Cape Lookout State Park. You’ll drop more than 600 feet before the course carries you through the dunes of Sand Lake and into the finish at Whalen Island County Park.
Leg 5, 4.39 miles, rated easy:
Congratulations—you’re almost at the finish of your epic journey! This final leg is the easiest of the relay: relatively flat and the shortest stretch of the course. You’ll start with just 167 feet of climbing at Whalen Island County Park and finish at Web County Park. Cape Kiwanda’s beach in Pacific City isn’t far away, making it the perfect spot to gather your team and snap some celebratory photos!
A solo registration is $95, a two-person team is $165, and a five-person team is $339. If you have three or four people, you just sign up as a five-person team and work out who runs what.
