The Three Capes Relay follows the legendary Three Capes Scenic Loop on Oregon’s northern coast, passing through or adjacent to six state parks, two national wildlife refuges, and multiple county parks. Starting beside Cape Meares Lake, the five-leg, marathon-distance course traverses Cape Meares Lighthouse, the cliffs above Oceanside, the Whiskey Creek Fish Hatchery, Cape Lookout State Park, and Sand Lake before finishing at Web County Park near Pacific City. Nearly 2,400 feet of total climbing rewards runners with world-class ocean views at every headland.<\/p>\n
Held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the relay begins as early as 7:30 a.m. for solo walkers\/run-walkers, with an 8:00 a.m. early start and the official 9:00 a.m. gun. Teams of 2 or 5 (including groups of 3-4 who sign up as a 5-person team) can split the five legs however they choose. Solo registration is $95, two-person teams $165, and five-person teams $339. The race serves as a fundraiser supporting Tillamook High School athletics.<\/p>\n
The Three Capes Relay captures everything that makes Oregon coast running special: dramatic ocean headlands, working farms, forested canyons, and the raw beauty of a February storm coast. The five legs range from ‘easy’ to ‘extremely difficult,’ so teams can assign legs based on ability. February weather adds an element of authentic Pacific Northwest adventure \u2014 waterproof layers and reflective vests are part of the experience.<\/p>\n
Wear a reflective vest or bright clothing \u2014 the road is not closed to traffic. Study the leg difficulty ratings and assign your strongest runners to Legs 1 and 3. Book lodging in Pacific City or Tillamook early; February weekends on the coast fill up with storm-watchers and race teams alike. The new Web County Park finish is more accessible than the historic Cape Kiwanda beach finish.<\/p>\n