EVENT OVERVIEW

Host Profile:
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) was founded in 1905 as a voluntary, self-supported non-profit organization to administer the junior and senior high school athletic and activities programs in the state of Washington. The WIAA currently serves approximately 400 member high schools and 400 member middle schools and operates over 120+ High School State Championship events each school year.

Event Profile:
The WIAA State Cross Country Championships are the culmination of the high school cross country season. Member schools are divided into five boys and girls classifications (4A, 3A, 2A, 1A, 1B/2B) along with an ambulatory and wheelchair division. Each race is run on a 5-kilometer course except for ambulatory (shortened distance) and wheelchair (contested on a paved/concrete course).

Event Extent and Corresponding Dates:
The WIAA is looking to secure a facility for the next four (4) years of the classification cycle, at which time it will consider a longer contract.

2024 2025 2026 2027
November 9 November 8 November 7 November 6

Projected Team & Attendee Profile (Subject to Change):
  • 2,300 athletes from across the state
  • Over 400 coaches
  • Families and classmates of the participating student-athletes
  • WIAA Staff, Event Staff, Sponsors and Vendors
Facility Requirements:
  • Space for a 5-kilometer course and access for a road course (wheelchair division)
  • Facility with ticket gate / pass gate entrances with ease of managing and separating participants and spectators.
  • Restrooms / Access for Port-a-potties.
  • Sound System Capability. 
  • Internet Access (open for streaming, live scoring, and social media.)
  • Designated area for media, streaming, event staff.
  • Meeting area for event officials
  • Sufficient Parking for spectators and participants including school busses / vans.
  • Sufficient areas for spectators to stand and move around the course.
  • Emergency Action Plan.
  • Space for vendors / sponsor displays / booths.
  • Ice / water on site for sports medicine.
  • Concessions for spectators or allowance for outside vendors.
  • Appropriate space for team tents
Host Responsibilities
  • On-site Event Manager
  • Facility maintenance, set-up and management
  • Ticket sellers / ticket takers
  • Pass gate for teams and officials
  • Parking attendants / traffic flow
  • Custodial / clean up
  • Security
  • PA Announcer
  • Hospitality area (with food and beverages) for tournament staff
  • Event Volunteers
  • Meet Officials
  • Team/Coaches Packet Organizing
Hotel Requirements:
The host city must have access to safe, reasonably priced hotel rooms for schools that must travel.

Community Involvement:
Seeking community involvement is encouraged to enhance the event for participants and spectators alike. Hosts that can provide meals, gifts and courtesy relationships are preferred. The WIAA reserves the right to determine any promotion of such involvement and to review the details of any agreements.

Current Site: Sun Willows Golf Course (Pasco)

Financial Agreement:
It shall be the decision of the bidding organization as to the amount of the financial aspect / agreement in their bid, and if so, what that amount shall be. Any costs to the WIAA must be outlined in the proposal. The host can retain all parking and concessions, provided that complimentary parking is provided for WIAA staff and officials, as well as team busses. If charging for parking, the rate must be included in this bid for review. The WIAA retains the right to establish ticket prices.

BID TIMELINE: Open June 22, 2023 – Closes August 1, 2023
SITE VISIT(S): August/September as needed
BOARD DECISION: September 2023
SPORT CONTACT: Justin Kesterson, WIAA Assistant Executive Director

T