RHSXC Portage Invite: Details
All, the largest (# of participants) cross country race of the season - including the state meet - is 07 October in Portage, Michigan at West Middle School. Nearly 8,000 racers compete in races every 35 minutes from 8:15 am through 4:30 pm. Please read below and be prepared as frustration will occur if you are not aware of the immense event that takes place in the middle of a neighborhood. To add this event to your calendar, click here. Please allow extra time as walking will be involved to get from car to camp.
Here are some general instructions from the meet manager: full document
Weather
Inclement weather could be the theme of the day. (Meet manager) INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN We are required to follow the MHSAA guidelines of waiting 30 minutes from the last detection of thunder or lightning. An announcement will be made from our DJ and Race Announcer. In the event of inclement weather (thunder, lightning, tornado, etc.), athletes and spectators shall utilize the provided plan for taking shelter: WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL • Division 1 and Division 3 High School Teams; • Middle School Teams with letters A-I. MOORSBRIDGE ELEMENTARY • Division 2 and Division 4 High School Teams; • Middle School Teams with letters J-Z.
Restrooms
It is HIGHLY recommended that you stop at the Alamo Rest Area 709 (just south of exit 44 on US131) to use the facilities. Porta Johns onsite are well known to run out of supplies before the afternoon sessions. Rockford will have a limited supply in the trailer but please be aware. I would encourage slipping a roll into your purse just in case.
Parking and Directions
(meet manager)
GETTING HERE
o VIA US-131 Take Exit 31 East on Centre St. to Moorsbridge Rd, turn left (North) to Event.
o VIA I-94: Take Exit 75 South on Oakland Dr, proceed South past Romence Rd, turn right (West) on Centre St, turn right (North) on Moorsbridge Rd to Event.
EVENT ACCESS – PORTAGE INVITE IS FREE TO SPECTATORS $10 PER CAR FOR PREFERRED ON SITE PARKING
TEAMS, COACHES, SPECTATORS, and VOLUNTEERS – PLEASE ALLOW FOR EXTRA TRAVEL TIME
Vehicles will not be allowed to turn south on Moorsbridge Road from Romence after 8:30 A.M;
Vehicles, Busses, etc. arriving after 8:30AM will be redirected past Moorsbridge to take a left Angling Road, then left on Centre St, and then left on Moorsbridge.
Buses will be parked off site at 879 Mall Drive , Portage. When a team is ready to be picked up- they must check in at the bus loop and call their bus. Buses who pull into the bus loop for pick up will be sent out if a team is not ready. We will provide shuttles from the bus parking for coaches and bus drivers.
Limited Van Parking is available to coaches on site. Coaches can also park on the streets north and east of the school and have a short walk. Coaches can use the bus loop to drop off items if needed.
SPECTATORS
There is no entry fee for spectators
Drivers must approach on Moorsbridge from the South via Centre Ave.
Limited on-site spectator parking for $10.00/car (CASH ONLY). No Busses, RV or Trailers permitted in this area;
You must pay again to re-enter.
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Limited on-site Handicap Accessible spectator parking\No Busses, RV or Trailers permitted in this area;
ADDITIONAL SPECTATOR PARKING
Additional spectator parking exists in the neighborhoods on the North and East sides of the course off of Romence. These areas along the street are less than a 5 minute walk from the course.
Located to the North, Amberly Elementary, 6637 Amberly St, Portage, MI 49024 and neighborhood surrounding is about a 3-5 minute walk to the Event.
FREE – ALTERNATE OFF-SITE PARKING WITH SHUTTLE
Off-site parking is available at Crossroads Mall to lessen traffic around the course.
Parking will be available on the Southeast end of Crossroads Mall (NEAR SEARS) located just North of Romence Road and West of Westnedge;
Shuttles will run approximately every 15 minutes and drop off/pick-up on Leawood Street which is on the East side of the XC course;
Parking and shuttle at the mall is FREE.
