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 16th Annual Math Steeplechase in 2024 was EPIC Academy in Lathrop.

The 17th annual Math Steeplechase will occur in Spring 2025, and will welcome over a thousand 5th grade students across the northern Central Valley Area.