SPIRE East Coast Invitational

The SPIRE Invitational is entering its 11th year with a new vision: bringing homeschool and private school cross country programs from across the East Coast together for a championship-style meet and creating a race that athletes and teams can look forward to each fall.

Saturday, October 31, 2026
Third Winchester Battlefield Park
Winchester, VA

This year’s Invitational will welcome homeschool programs and private schools from 17 states across the East Coast, giving athletes the opportunity to compete against new teams, experience a competitive field, and race on one of Virginia’s well-known cross country courses.

The meet has grown over more than a decade and now brings together 25+ teams and 500+ runners each year. From athletes chasing personal bests to teams preparing for national competition, the race is designed to give runners a meaningful and memorable way to finish their season.

The championship will include Fully Automatic Timing, clearly marked spectator-friendly courses, team and individual awards, winner shirts, and championship recognition, along with concessions and a welcoming atmosphere for athletes, coaches, and families.

As the event continues to grow, we’re also looking forward to adding new elements to the championship experience, including a Championship Race featuring the top 10 runners, exclusive East Coast Championship swag, expanded awards and prizes, food trucks, and college coaches and scouts in attendance.

The race will once again take place at Third Winchester Battlefield Park, located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, about 90 minutes from Washington, D.C. With gently rolling terrain and long straightaways, the course provides a great setting for athletes to compete, families to gather, and teams to come together for a fall race weekend.

We hope you’ll join us for the 2026 SPIRE Invitational and be part of the beginning of a new East Coast championship tradition.

Registration is open now at Milestat.com.