Spokane Sports has been awarded over $280,000 from the Washington state Department of Commerce to help fund construction of The Course Spokane Valley, a cross-country venue expected to open in the fall.

The grant will support the installation of a permanent finish-line arch at The Course, which will be capable of hosting cross-country events of all levels, including regional, national, and international championships.

"A finish-line arch is more than just a marker. It’s a signature of a premium course," says Ashley Blake, CEO of Spokane Sports in a press release. "We prioritized this feature because we know how much it matters to event organizers and athletes. It elevates the entire experience."

The $7 million construction project is primarily funded by lodging tax revenue.

Construction of the running course, which is located east of Flora Road between the Spokane River and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, began in September 2024.

The Course will host a preview season later this year, with a full championship season launching in 2026.

The venue is already scheduled to host multiple events, including the 2027 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Western Regional Championships.

The course is being constructed on 46 acres of land that the city of Spokane Valley purchased from the Washington state Department of Transportation in 2020.

The city has also been granted right-of-entry for an additional 16 acres of Washington State Parks-owned land along the Spokane River. As previously reported by the Journal, Spokane Valley intends to sign a long-term lease for the additional land.

Future phases that could include other sports and amenities are being considered for the 62-acre site, although no plans have been finalized as the focus is on the cross-country course for now, Blake says.