Mt. SAC XC Invite High School Division
Fri-Sat, October 25-26, 2024

For those who missed the entry deadline… We will once again be offering our always popular Last Chance / Very Late Registration on Sunday, October 15th from 10:00am to 12:00pm (noon). This is the absolute last chance to get your team in, however, there are some conditions:

• You must register in person at Mt. SAC in Heritage Hall, Kinesiology Division Offices (building 742, North West End of Hilmer Lodge Stadium)
• You will be typing in your entries.
• There is a $100 late fee that must be paid, along with regular entry fee, to be PAID IN FULL.
• CASH ONLY! No credit cards or checks accepted.

To RSVP or for questions about the Last Chance / Very Late Registration, please email byokoyama@mtsac.edu (909.274.4022 office phone day of)

Please include in the email:

1. Your name
2. Your school
3. Your cell phone number

General Information

• The Mt. SAC Invitational is a NFHS and CIF Sanctioned Event.
• All athletes entered must officially represent the school they attend
• Only a school official (coach, administrator) may register their schools team/individual through athletic.net. NO unattached or individual entries accepted and no parents may register their child without school consent.
• Pre-authorization of a credit card will be required to unlock registration.
• A school official (coach, administrator) must accompany the team/individual to the Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational.

Registration Process and Information

All schools must first pre-authorize a credit card to begin the registration process. The card will not be charged until the entry deadline of Sunday, October 8. On that date, the credit card will be charged the full fees for all entries online, unless another type of payment arrangement has been made and the full amount of payment has been received in our office.

Entry Fees

• $25 for a single athlete in a single level
• $50 for two athletes in a single level
• $65 for a team of 3 or more athletes in a single level
• $450 maximum fee per school ($225 for a single-sex school)

Refund Policy
This meet will be run regardless of weather. There will be no refunds if your team does not show on meet day for any reason.

All team registration fees will be finalized and non-refundable at the close of registration on Sunday, October 8.

Check Payment Policy
If you are allowed to pay by SCHOOL/DISTRICT CHECK (no personal checks), the check for the ENTIRE AMOUNT DUE must be RECEIVED in the Mt. SAC Athletic Special Events Office by Friday, October 6th otherwise the credit card on file will be charged the ENTIRE entry fee.

Make checks payable to:
Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational

**It is imperative that the school name is somewhere on the check or in the check notes.  

Please submit payment to:
Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational Registration
1100 North Grand Avenue
Walnut, CA 91789

CHECKS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE SPECIAL EVENTS OFFICE BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2023, OTHERWISE THE CREDIT CARD ON FILE WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE ENTIRE ENTRY FEE.  

General Information

• The Mt. SAC Invitational is a NFHS and CIF Sanctioned Event.
• All athletes entered MUST officially represent the school they attend
• Only a school official (coach, administrator) may register their schools team/individual through athletic.net. NO unattached or individual entries accepted and no parents may register their child without proof of school consent.
• Pre-authorization of a credit card will be required to unlock registration.
• A school official (coach, administrator) must accompany the team/individual to the Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational.

Registration Process and Information

All schools must first pre-authorize a credit card to begin the registration process. The card will not be charged until the entry deadline of Sunday, October 13th. On that date, the credit card will be charged the full fees for all entries online, unless another type of payment arrangement has been made and the full amount of payment has been received in our office.

Entry Fees

• $30 for a single athlete per gender level
• $60 for two athletes per gender level
• $90 for a team of 3 or more athletes per gender level
• $50 minimum fee 
• $600 maximum fee ($300 for a single-sex school)

Refund Policy
This meet will be run regardless of weather. There will be no refunds if your team does not show on meet day for any reason.

All team registration fees will be finalized and non-refundable at the close of registration on Sunday, October 13th.

Processing Fees
A registration processing fee will be charged for ALL online credit card transactions and check payments.

Check Payment Policy
If you would like to pay by SCHOOL/DISTRICT CHECK (no personal checks), the check for the ENTIRE AMOUNT DUE, INCLUDING PROCESSING FEES,  MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE SPECIAL EVENTS OFFICE BY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2024, OTHERWISE THE CREDIT CARD ON FILE WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE ENTIRE ENTRY FEE.  

Make checks payable to:
Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational

**It is imperative that the school name is somewhere on the check or in the check notes.  

Please submit payment to:
Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational Registration
1100 North Grand Avenue
Walnut, CA 91789

REGISTRATION – 09/01/24

 <<CLICK HERE TO REGISTER>> – Please make sure you have read all of the information above regarding registration!

Last Chance / Very Late Registration

For those who missed the late entry deadline… We will once again be offering our always popular Last Chance / Very Late Registration on Sunday, October 20th from 10:00am to 12:00pm (noon). This is the absolute last chance to get your team in; however, there are some conditions:

• You must register in person at Mt. SAC in Heritage Hall, Kinesiology Division Offices (building 744, North West End of Hilmer Lodge Stadium).
• You will need to type in your entries into an Microsoft Excel File.  To speed up the process you may bring a chip with your team information on an Excel File.  File should contain = FirstName | LastName | Gender (M or F) | Grade (9, 10, 11, 12) | Race (Freshman, Sophomore, JV, Varsity)  
• There is a $100 late fee that must be paid; along with the regular entry fee, to be PAID IN FULL.
• CASH ONLY! No credit cards or check accepted.

To RSVP or for questions about the Last Chance / Very Late Registration, please email byokoyama@mtsac.edu (909.274.4630 office phone day of)

Please include in the email:

1. Your name
2. Your school
3. Your cell phone number

Competition Levels (Boys & Girls)

• Varsity – 7 runners maximum
  • Any grade level (9^th, 10^th, 11^th or 12^th graders)
• Junior Varsity – 10 runners maximum
  • A minimum of 7 varsity runners must be registered before runners will be allowed to enter the JV division
  • Juniors or Seniors ONLY (11^th  or 12^th graders)
• Sophomore – 10 runners maximum
  • Sophomores Only (10^th graders)
• Freshman – 10 runners maximum
  • Freshman Only (9^th graders)
    
    

Sweepstakes Entries: Please view Sweepstakes Info links below for information on how to apply, who is accepted, and how additional entries are permitted.

Competition Divisions

CIF Southern Section Schools
All CIF-SS schools MUST enter in the division they have been placed by the CIF-SS office for the 2023 season.
—————————————————————————

2024 CIF-SS Divisions (based on grades 9-12 enrollment – PDF)

• D1 – 2,439 and above
• D2 – 1,977-2,438
• D3 – 1,450-1976
• D4 – 601-1,449
• D5 – 600 and below

—————————————————————————

California Schools Outside the CIF-Southern Section

California schools outside of the Southern Section have two options:

1. Schools may enter in the division they have been placed for this current season by THEIR CIF Section Office.
2. Schools may enter based on the current CIF-SS enrollment numbers listed above.

Schools Outside California
Schools from outside California should enter based on their schools enrollment numbers, using the current CIF Southern Section parameters listed above.

If your school is from outside California and you wish to be placed in a division different than the parameters listed below, please contact the high school division coordinator (Mark Gardner).

Sweepstakes Races Overview

The Team and Individual Sweepstakes Races bring together the very best teams and individuals on each day of the Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational.

The four Sweepstakes Races are combined division races which are scheduled to run each morning (Friday/Saturday), with starting times that take advantage of optimum weather conditions. Sweepstakes races have additional awards, an overall sweepstakes champion award and have additional time allotted in the schedule to allow for highlighting and introducing competing athletes and teams.

FRIDAY (Division 3, 4 & 5)

• Boys Team Sweepstakes Race
• Girls Team Sweepstakes Race
• Boys Individual Sweepstakes Race
• Girls Individual Sweepstakes Race

SATURDAY (Division 1 & 2)

• Boys Team Sweepstakes Race
• Girls Team Sweepstakes Race
• Boys Individual Sweepstakes Race
• Girls Individual Sweepstakes Race

Team Sweepstakes

The Team Sweepstakes Races are for schools with a very strong team. Schools that are currently ranked in the top ten in the state or the top ten in the Southern Section usually request to be placed in the Team Sweepstakes Race.

20 to 25 teams are placed in the Team Sweepstakes Race.

If requested, you are guaranteed acceptance into a Team Sweepstakes Race if your school is currently ranked top ten in the most recent CIF Southern Section or CIF State polls.  

Individual Sweepstakes

The Individual Sweepstakes Races are for schools that have one or two outstanding runners, but are not as strong as a team. Schools that have individuals with a reasonable chance of placing top ten in the state championship or the Southern Section Finals usually request placement in these races.

Varsity teams will not be split up to accommodate entry into this race. (Example; placing one runner in the Individual Sweepstakes Race and the rest of the varsity in a regular varsity race). If your school is placed into the Individual Sweepstakes Race, all seven of your varsity runners will run in the Individual Sweepstakes Race. More teams are placed into this race since many out of state schools, may only bring only one or two outstanding competitors.

Requesting Placement into a Sweepstakes Race

To be considered for a Sweepstakes Race, YOU MUST REQUEST entry into a Sweepstakes Race during online registration.  

During the registration process (Athletic.net), there will be a “check” a box for requesting placement in Sweepstakes Races, along with an opportunity to submit a rationale in support of your request. 

Teams accepted in a Varsity Sweepstakes Races will be notified on Tuesday, October 15th.

Teams Selected For Sweepstakes Races

Teams accepted in a Varsity Sweepstakes Races will be notified on Tuesday, October 15th.  Selected schools:

1. Will have their selected Varsity Team (all varsity runners) moved into a Sweepstakes Race.
2. Will have the rest of their entered level races (boys and girls) placed into races closer to Sweepstakes races.   
3. Will be given a window of opportunity to submit unlimited entries (online) in the Freshman, Sophomore and JV Levels.
   1. No additional entry fee for these additional entries

Schools not placed into a Sweepstakes Race will have all of their entered teams placed into regular divisional races.  

Combined Divisions & Separate Awards

Sweepstakes (Team and Individual) races are combined division races. Friday will be combined Divisions 3, 4 & 5 and Saturday will be combined Divisions 1 & 2.  

Award distribution for the Sweepstakes races is as follows:

Team Sweepstakes

1. Team Awards = Special Team Plaques and medals for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place for each division
2. Individual Medals = Top 15  overall (divisions combined) 

Individual Sweeps

1. Team Awards = Special Team Plaques and medals for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place team (divisions combined).

Individual Medals = Top 15  overall (divisions combined)

All race day changes and adds will be handled at the Problem Registration Tent (see map).

Moving a Registered Runner to Another Race on Race Day

In order to move a runner to another race, the following parameters and directions must be followed:

1. Report to the Problem Registration Tent (see map) to make the change.
2. Your school MUST already be entered into the race you would like to move a runner into. You may not add a runner into a race that your team is not entered in.
3. The runner must be ELIGIBLE to run in that race you would like he/she to change to. Example: A sophomore cannot run in a Frosh or JV Race.
4. The runner must already be registered and have a Bib Number assigned to them.
   
5. Your school must not have more than the maximum allowable entries in the race you would like to move a runner to.

If the previous parameters are met, the staff will place your athlete(s) into that race.

Adding New Athletes That Have Not Been Registered

In order to add an athlete that has not been registered (no bib number):

1. Report to the Problem Registration Tent (see map) with:
   1. Your confirmation sheet
   2. If you have any, please bring an unused bib number.
2. Late entries will only be allowed IF:
   1. You wish to enter your late entrant into a divisional race your team is already entered in.
   2. Your school does not have the maximum allowable entries in that race.  
3. A $5 (cash-only) fee will be assessed if using an unused bib from your team packet, which will be reassigned to your late entry.
4. A $10 (cash-only) fee will be assessed if a new bib must be issued to your late entry.

Name changes / corrections

In order to make corrections to a runner (name, grade, gender):

1. Report to the Problem Registration Tent (see map).
2. Completely fill out a correction form making sure to check the box where a correction is needed. 
3. A $5 (cash-only) fee will be assessed.
4. Corrections will appear in results.

Packet Pick-Up / Gate Entry

Schools will pick up their team packets at the “Packet Pick-Up” window in the north entrance into Hilmer Lodge Stadium at Stadium Gate 2. The packet will contain Athlete Bib Numbers, coaches tickets and other important information. Coaches must distribute bibs and coaches tickets PRIOR to entering the stadium.

Athletes must present their bib number to enter the stadium. It is IMPERATIVE that runners RUN WITH THE BIB NUMBER THEY WERE ASSIGNED! If a runner runs without the appropriate bib, that runner will be removed from the results and not counted in the team scoring. RFID Chips are on the back of the bib numbers and care should be taken to prevent bending or mutilation of the Bib Number/RFID Chip.

Coaches must use their coaches ticket to enter (quantity determined by number of runners/levels a team entered).

Team Camps

Team Camps may be set up in either of the following two locations:

1. General purpose grass field (750GP) south of the stadium scoreboard in designated areas.
2. Level 1 of the Champions Parking Structure
   1. Tents are not needed in the covered parking structure
      .

Team camps are NOT allowed in the stadium, stadium infield or practice track area.

Please share with your parents/spectators/etc. the approximate area your team camp will be. The #1 question asked each year by spectators is “Do you know where (school) has their team camp?”

Race Schedule

This is an approximate time schedule. FINAL RACE SCHEDULE will be posted after final race confirmations are posted.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024

Divisions 3, 4 and 5 

Division 3

• 10:00am to 12:00pm

Divisions 4 & 5

• 12:00pm to 4:30pm

Sweepstakes (D3, D4 & D5)

• 4:30pm to 6:00pm

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024

Divisions 1 & 2 

Division 1

• 7:30am to 1:00pm

Division 2

• 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Sweepstakes (D1 & D2)

• 8:30am to 10:30am

What Time Is My Race?

Final meet Schedule/Confirmations with specific race numbers and start times will be published on our website: runmtsac.com beginning on Monday, October 21st.

Please share that information with your athletes and their parents.

Race start times are quite specific (8:33am or 2:57pm). This is done based on decades of experience.  With up to four races on the course at one time, it is imperative that we start on time in order to keep the competition time schedule on time.  

We have worked diligently to set up a schedule in which nearly every competing school has all of its races within a 3 hour window.

Warm-up Area

• Warm-ups should be done on the practice track (Flex Field).
• No warm-up permitted on the main track (inside the stadium), nor on the course.  .

Clerk-of-the-Course

• All athletes MUST report to the Clerk-of-the-Course at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start of their race.  
• The Clerk is located along the west fence inside the warm-up track area/flex field (750FLX).
• Teams will be grouped and then escorted from the Clerk-Of-the-Course to the start line.

Start Line

• Each school with 5 or more runners will receive one spot on the start line.  The rest of the team will line up, single file, behind the first runner.    Runners on teams with 4 or less runners will line up (in a group) on the furthest outside boxes on the start line. 
• Please instruct your athletes the order in which you want them to line up.
• Runners should be instructed to keep their distance (front and behind) away from other runners at the start. The runner they may trip up… might be their own teammate!

Course

You can download the map of our 3-mile course at the link above.

On the day of the meet, there are as many as four races going on at the same time. There will be runners on all parts of the course, so no one is allowed to “jog” the course on the day of the meet.

For safety and due to the width of certain parts of the course, ONLY coaches with wristbands will be allowed anywhere West of the Airstrip (Saddle, Reservoir Hill).

The map also contains restroom locations, team camp locations, walking paths, first aid locations and much more.

Safety Gate

In recent years, we have had competitors that were in no way fit enough to handle the demands of cross country running, let alone our course.

The Safety Gate policy was created to protect the health and safety of competitors who:

• Clearly are not fit enough to finish the race on race day.
• May not have the proper conditioning on race day to handle the second and most difficult half of the course without medical attention.
• Are most likely to require medical attention, which in turn will place stress on our local EMS system.  

The Safety Gate is located behind the stadium at the back side of Switchbacks Hill, approximately 1.4 miles into the race. This is a location, where athletes can be discreetly directed off the course and to their team camps. 

The cut-off times listed below are very generous. Years of data supports our claim that a runner who fails to reach the safety gate by the times listed below, will have a much higher likelihood to require Medical Attention.  

At times, illness or injury may hamper a runner’s ability to compete at their normal proficiency. Although we understand this situation, we feel strongly that a runner in this situation should not be competing under these circumstances. Our extensive charting/research of past medical issues indicate that runners who struggle in the first half of the race are most likely to require emergency medical attention. Our number one priority is the safety of all of our competitors. Since implementing this policy, the number of severe medical issues has drastically decreased. 

Safety Gate Cut-Off Times 

• Varsity Boys = 12:30
• Non-Varsity Boys = 13:00
• Varsity Girls = 13:50
• Non-Varsity Girls = 14:00

Awards

Awards may be picked up in the area located on the practice field, on the east end of the scoreboard approximately 15 minutes after the conclusion of a race.

In the Team Sweepstakes Races...  

• Each divisional team champion (1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 | boys and girls) will receive 7 backpacks, Large Sweepstakes Cow Bell, Sweepstakes Team Plaque, Coach of the Year Plaque and 7 individual medals.
• Top 30 individual finishers will receive a medal
• Top overall finisher in the Division 1 & 2 combined, and Division 3, 4 & 5 combined races will receive a champion cowbell

In the Individual Sweepstakes Races...  

• Top 3 teams in the Division 1 & 2 and Division 3, 4 & 5 will receive a team plaque and 7 individual medals
• Top 30 individual finishers will receive a medal
• Top overall finisher in the Division 1 & 2 combined, and Division 3, 4 & 5 combined races will receive a champion cowbell

Race Schedule

This is the approximate time schedule for the 2024 Mt. SAC XC Invitational.

FINAL RACE SCHEDULE will be posted after registration closes and posted with race confirmations.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024

Divisions 3, 4 and 5 

Division 3

• 10:00am to 12:00pm

Divisions 4 & 5

• 12:00pm to 4:30pm

Sweepstakes (D3, D4 & D5)

• 4:30pm to 6:00pm

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024

Divisions 1 & 2 

Division 1

• 7:30am to 1:00pm

Division 2

• 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Sweepstakes (D1 & D2)

• 8:30am to 10:30am

Parking

Due to the thousands of people in attendance at the Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational, we ask that you please plan your departure/arrival time accordingly. We recommend planning for additional travel time in order to park, pick-up team packets, enter and set-up team camps.

• Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational Parking will be available in Lot F (North of Temple Ave), the Gateway Parking Structure and Lot H (if Lot F is filled).
• There will be NO PARKING ALLOWED in the Champion Parking Structure, with the exception of Handicapped Parking ($10) on the upper level.
• Bus Drop Off – Bus Map will be included in the Final Information Packet (10/21).  Buses will drop off and then be directed to another lot to park.  Please make sure you can communicate with your driver, so that your driver can meet and pick you up quickly at the Drop Off area.  
• Teams arriving in school vans and/or personal vehicles will park in Lot F (if space is available).
• Vans may also use the Lot F Drop Off area then park in an available lot.

$10 Parking Charge for ALL vehicles. No parking charge for school buses or marked school vans.

Spectators

Due to attendance numbers and the nature of cross country running, individuals with mobility and health issues are cautioned that attending the Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational may be a physical burden on them. Those attending are subject to:

• Walking long distances (easily over 1 mile)
• Elevation changes
• Uneven and unstable walking surfaces
• Dusty conditions
• Heat

Spectator Rules – Please SEE MAP

• All spectators must enter through the Main Stadium Gate (Gate 3, North).
• No outside drink or food allowed
• No coolers allowed
• There is no spectator “Drop Off” zone near the course.
• NO spectators will be allowed anywhere West of the Airstrip.  The “Saddle, Reservoir and Poop Out Hills are off limits due to runner safety

GATE ADMISSION

Parking Fee:  $10
Spectator Fees:

• Adults (12 years or older) – $12
• Seniors  (65 years or older) – $6
• Students (with Student ID – $6
• Children (12 years or younger) – $6
  

CIF-SS and CIF State are the only passes accepted for admission. 

In order to speed up you entry into the stadium/cross country course, we strongly recommend that you…
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!!!  NO WAITING IN LINE!

Restrooms

As with any meet of this size, there are going to be times when restrooms are in great demand. Please plan ahead. There are numerous permanent restroom facilities throughout our new stadium and a few portable restrooms in other areas (please see map for nearest facility).  

We HIGHLY recommend that you bring your own toilet paper. Although the facilities are stocked and restocked, the TOILET PAPER GREMLIN always seems to reappear each year, stealing endless rolls of papers from our restroom facilities!

Medical

Medical help will be located throughout the course with a main station near the finish line.  If you or someone needs medical attention, please see a medical staff member (Medical Staff Shirt) or a staff member with a radio (direct communication with medical staff).  

Contacts

High School Division

High School Coordinator
Mark Gardner
mgardner@cnusd.k12.ca.us

General Inquiries

RunMtSAC.com Staff
Aliki Rutnam
arutnam@mtsac.edu