The Facility
The course is located directly across from the entrance to Principia College. Parking is located on campus in the Crafton Center parking lot. The Principia Cross Country Championship course is the most challenging course in the region because it includes some tough hills, but runners say they appreciate that it is easy to follow—and beautiful. The backside of the course, in particular, has sweeping views that extend into the next county. Principia used a hybrid-grass, engineered not to clump, that provides an excellent running surface.
Another bonus of the course is its flexibility. Principia can lengthen or shorten what they call the 'front yard' (a 25-acre parcel) and adjust the start line and the turns according to race specifications. For example, it is easy to create both a 5K and a 6K race, depending on what is needed at the time. The expansive front yard also allows for a good and fair start on the 110-meter-wide line.
Spectators have easy access to the course and multiple opportunities to view the race as it develops. Spectators can see approximately 90 percent of the course from a viewing tower on the crown of a hill.
Please Note – During 4:30-6:30pm, all students and athletes of Principia will have priority usage of the athletic facilities. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.
Disclaimer – Principia College is an academic institution, and as such reserves the right to change the hours of operations for the Gold and Blue Athletic Club for college events.
