Engaging tomorrow's leaders

University of the Pacific’s Math Steeplechase is an annual event organized and hosted by Benerd College, the Department of Mathematics, and Pacific Athletics. Thousands of students have attended the half-day event, participating in riveting science experiments, athletics challenges hosted by student athletes, and the culminating Math Steeplechase math-a-thon competition.

The Math Steeplechase portion, the namesake for the event, brings out the ambitious and cooperative spirit in teams of fifth-grade students solving complex math problems in a matter of minutes in order to bring home the Victor’s Cup for their school. Problems are research-driven and handmade by Dr. Dennis Parker, with the intent to challenge 5th grade Math standards as well as critical thinking and student communication capabilities.

The winner of Benerd’s 17th Annual Math Steeplechase in 2025 was Brookside Elementary School.

The date for the 18th annual Math Steeplechase will be Thursday, April 23, 2026 and will welcome over a thousand 5th grade students across the northern Central Valley Area. 

math steeplechase
2026 Classroom Registration

Registration will open Monday, October 6, 2025 at 10am.

Register Now 

Classroom registrations will be processed in the order received, as this event is limited to 1000 students. Should registrations fill up, a wait list will be created.

Get involved
Volunteering

To sign up as a volunteer, please complete the form at the link below

Math Steeplechase

Event Date: April 23, 2026

Event Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Set-up starts at 9:00 a.m.)

* By attending any Benerd College-sponsored event, you agree to allow Benerd to use your image in any related publications, promotional products, or websites.

Volunteers have the option to enroll in XPCE 001 Leading in Dynamic Environments. Click link for more information.

steeplechase

Colin Mcinnis 

cmcinnis@Pacific.edu

(925)331-0621