Q3 2026 · Run Club Edition
Upstate Running Club Newsletter
At Upstate Running Club, our mission is to promote health, fitness, and community through the power of running. We are dedicated to supporting our youth program participants, empowering club members, and fostering a strong sense of community. By providing inclusive and engaging running opportunities, we aim to build lifelong runners, enhance personal well-being, and create positive, lasting impacts both within our club and beyond.
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Your membership does more than you think
Because of members like you, our community has powered 175+ races, supported more than 10,000 runners, and helped raise more than we did all of last year for local organizations, school fundraisers, church groups, and other nonprofits. We are on track to our goal of $1 million. Every membership keeps that going.
All ages. All paces. All welcome.
This is a community built on showing up, not showing off.
You do not have to be fast. You do not have to be experienced. Whether you are chasing a personal best or just getting off the couch, walking your first 5K or running your fiftieth race, there is a place for you here.
Local run clubs meet across the Upstate, in Greenville, Anderson, Easley, Spartanburg, Greenwood, Fountain Inn and beyond. Eight of them tell their stories below.
Run Club Highlights
For our Q3 newsletter we decided to do things a little differently. Instead of highlighting specific runners, we wanted to highlight groups this go-around. We believe this will allow us to connect our readers more easily with clubs and groups in their areas, and contribute to a healthier and more unified running community!
We have 8 groups highlighted in this newsletter, but there are plenty more for you to connect with. To find a group in your area, head to our run club schedule, and we hope to see you out there!
Club 1 of 8
Anderson Run Club
| Led by Claire Blanton | When & where Five weekly runs, including Thursday pub run |
Who are you?
Claire Blanton
What is your group/club?
Anderson Run Club
Where do you meet and when?
Our weekly group runs include everything from Tuesday night hill repeats and Saturday long runs on the SRT to our original Thursday night pub run. Each year, a large group of ARC runners also travels to an out-of-town or out-of-state race for what we like to call an ARC-racation!
Why did you start this club and what keeps you going?
Back in February 2021, Anderson was lacking a community running club, so the idea of URC Anderson was born. What started as a simple Thursday night downtown pub run with just 11 runners at our very first gathering has grown into an incredible running community with five weekly group runs and more than 2,600 followers on Facebook!
In 2025, we transitioned to ARC (Anderson Run Club) to better align with our local community and embrace the addition of some of the great trails Anderson has to offer.
But ARC is about so much more than running. We are proud to be a strong and supportive running community that also believes in serving the community we call home. Throughout the year, we volunteer with organizations serving the unhoused, donate shoes and clothing, participate in community trash cleanups, and find other ways to give back.
We also love to have fun! Throughout the year, we host events like our no Donut Challenge, Beer Mile, Root Beer Mile for the kids, 5K marathons, and more.
What are your future plans for the club?
Looking ahead to 2027, ARC is excited to travel to Oak Island for their race series and expand our disciplines by creating a bike team for the Alzheimer’s Association July Ride Across the State.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, just getting started, or simply looking for a fun and welcoming community, everyone is welcome at ARC! If you’re interested in joining us or learning more about our group runs and upcoming events, please check out the links below.
Follow along
Club 2 of 8
Fountain Inn Run Group
| Led by Frank Kachinski & Alicia Foley | When & where Tuesdays, 6:00 PM · The Mill, Fountain Inn |
Introduce yourself and how you started running
I’m Frank Kachinski. I was firmly convinced that I was never going to become “a runner.” Then I accidentally stumbled into a run group one day and never really left. I initially came with the expectation of a one-time visit, but I kept coming back because of the people and the community surrounding it.
What is your group/club?
Alicia Foley and I currently host the Fountain Inn Run Group. We think of it less as a formal club and more as a community hangout where running happens to be the thing that brings everyone together. On any given Tuesday, we may have walkers, brand-new runners, stroller pushers, weekend warriors, people training for their first race, and ultrarunners who think 100 miles sounds reasonable. Some run together, some do their own thing, and occasionally some come just to hang out. It all counts.
Where do you meet and when?
We meet every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at The Mill in Fountain Inn.
The route is a consistent, mostly flat, paved out-and-back with only two road crossings, both at crosswalks. Because it is an out-and-back, everyone can choose the distance and pace that works for them. You can cut it short, extend it, walk it, run it, or whatever.
There is no registration or membership requirement. Just show up. The Mill is also a great spot with several food and drink options, so people usually get there early and stick around afterward, which is honestly as important to the group as the run itself.
Why did you start this club and what keeps you going?
We were only a small part of getting this one started. Run groups have added a tremendous amount to our lives, and we wanted more people to have the opportunity to experience that. We still visit and support other local groups; hosting this one simply gives people another night, another location, and another community to join.
What keeps us going is watching what happens when people keep showing up. They make friends, become more active, train for things they never imagined doing, lose weight, gain confidence, and generally become healthier and happier. Run groups seem to create a remarkably one-directional arrow: people join, and their lives tend to get better. We love this!
As long as people keep showing up and having a good time, we’ll keep being there.
What are your future plans for the club?
The group already has the casual, welcoming personality we hoped for, so our main plan is not to overengineer it or mess up a good thing. We want it to continue growing naturally while remaining a place where a first-timer can arrive alone and quickly feel like part of the group.
We’ll occasionally add special events, shoe demos, giveaways, and other fun reasons to gather, but the foundation will remain simple: show up Tuesday, do whatever works for you, and enjoy time with friends.
Follow along
Club 3 of 8
Forward Training
| Led by Ian Thompson & Gabe Garcia | When & where Fridays, 6:00 AM · Greenville High track |
Introduce yourself and how you started running
Forward Training was originally co-founded by our two good friends, Wes Cannon and Lucas Williams. At the beginning of this year, Wes had to step away to focus on his family and newfound business. Similarly, at the beginning of the summer Lucas and his spouse moved to Charlotte to be closer to family. Since then, Ian Thompson and Gabe Garcia have taken the reins from Lucas and Wes and help lead the group with the assistance of several other friends.
Our running journeys started a little differently. Ian ran cross-country (not well) in high school 19 years ago, and then stopped running entirely while he played lacrosse in college. About 4 years ago, he got talked into doing the Monuments 10k in Richmond, and discovered the addiction that is running, the community that supports it, and the rest, as they say, is history. Gabe is a newbie to running and picked it up as a way to meet new people, before quickly falling in love with it.
What is your group/club?
Our group is Forward Training and it originally began meeting up Tuesday afternoons in front of Lululemon in downtown Greenville, before moving our workouts to the track at GVL High.
Where do you meet and when?
We meet every Friday morning (rain or shine) at GVL High at 6am. We do a quick briefing beforehand to get everyone on the same page about that day’s workout, then start the workout promptly at 6am.
Ultimately, all paces are welcome. There will always be someone to run with and someone to cheer you on each Friday.
Why did you start this club and what keeps you going?
The purpose of Forward is to bring together a collective of like-minded runners, athletes, and goal-driven individuals, with the goal of helping one another to push further and support one another in pursuit of our respective goals. In essence, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Or simply put, “Iron sharpens iron.”
Honestly it’s the community that keeps us going. The running community in GVL is unmatched. Seeing new people join each week, share their stories and goals, and letting us be part of their journey is incredibly empowering and impactful. Running is a team sport, and the hardest miles are made easier with friends.
What are your future plans for the club?
We have several ideas in motion, but for now the primary goals remain the same. Continue to support and push one another. Several of our members have races coming up this fall, such as The Chicago Marathon, The Augusta Half Ironman, Spinx Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, and Hyrox Nashville.
Towards the end of the summer we are looking to organize a 5k to help fundraise for the group (Greenville High charges us an annual fee of $1000 to use the track + insurance) and in the fall we will be leading longer runs on the weekends: 9s@9. At least 9-mile runs beginning at 9:00am.
How can we follow along and see updates?
Follow along on Strava and Instagram! @forward.training is the handle. On Strava we have a recurring event set up for Friday mornings, and that’s where we post announcements regarding pop-up events, races, or workouts. On IG we post the Friday morning track workout to our story 24 hours before, to give our members an idea of what’s to come.
Follow along
Club 4 of 8
Rockers Run Club
| Led by Seth Novak | When & where Tuesdays, 6:00 PM · Rockers Brewing, downtown Spartanburg |
Introduce yourself and how you started running
Seth Novak. I’ve always been into hiking and backpacking but started running in my 30s as a more consistent way to get cardio.
What is your group/club?
Rockers Run Club started in 2016 as a partnership between Rockers Brewing Company and PAL Spartanburg as a way to initiate growth in an active community in town.
Where do you meet and when?
We meet every Tuesday at 6 PM at Rockers Brewing Company in downtown Spartanburg.
Why did you start this club and what keeps you going?
I did not start it, but took it over about 5 years ago and decided to see what I could do to grow the community. So I started putting some extra effort into making folks feel welcome and recognizing the achievements of folks in the club. I added a number of themed nights: Hawaiian shirt night, ’Murica Night, the Halloween Chase the Clown run, to name a few. These nights are great for building community and showing Spartanburg how much fun we have!
What are your future plans for the club?
Just keep doing what we are doing.
Follow along
Club 5 of 8
SRT URC Club Run
| Led by Andy Anderson | When & where Wednesdays, 6:00 PM · Double Stamp Brewery, Swamp Rabbit Trail |
Introduce yourself
My name is Andy Anderson and I lead the Wednesday group run from Double Stamp Brewery.
What is your group/club?
My group is the SRT URC Club Run, also known as Dub Club. We originally met at Brewery 85, the old starting spot for the Brewery Series races. When Brewery 85 closed their doors we moved to Double Stamp Brewery and the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Where do you meet and when?
We meet every Wednesday at 6 PM at Double Stamp Brewery. The group runs an out-and-back on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and hangs out afterwards.
Why did you start this club and what keeps you going?
I inherited the club many years ago and have met many wonderful people through the club. The people are what keep it going. We have a very friendly and welcoming group of runners who show up every week, and if it wasn't for them this club would have disappeared a long time ago.
What are your future plans for the club?
We host a handful of special events throughout the year, from shoe demos to the always amazing Christmas cookie exchange, but for the most part I plan on keeping it simple and enjoying the camaraderie of Greenville's running community.
Follow along
Club 6 of 8
Tuesday Night Paris Mountain Trail Club
| Led by Sebastian F. Smith & Erin | When & where Tuesdays, 6:00 PM · Paris Mountain State Park |
Introduce yourself and how you started running
I am a human and started running initially by moving my feet back and forth really fast.
More specifically, I am Sebastian F. Smith. I was originally born in Bakersfield, California but grew up in the Middle East and have either been to or lived in 28 different countries and 36 states. I got my start in running from my parents, who are themselves marathoners and track coaches; in other words, I didn’t have a chance!
What is your group/club?
My fiancé Erin and I manage the Tuesday Night Paris Mountain Trail Club. While we’ve led trail night for about a year at this point, the group really originated with Bill Linn and a park policy to stay open later on Tuesdays.
Where do you meet and when?
While our specific meeting location moves throughout the year, you can catch us on Tuesdays at 6pm in Paris Mountain State Park. Check our Facebook or Strava group for specific meeting details the Monday before a run!
Why did you start this club and what keeps you going?
While I cannot take credit for starting the club, what keeps me inspired are the many moods of the mountain! The trails change so much with every season, making it an all-new experience again and again.
What are your future plans for the club?
We plan to keep building an inclusive, supportive environment for trail runners of all abilities, and maybe a collaboration or two with Piney!
How can we follow along and see updates?
Follow us in Upstate SC Trail Running on Facebook and Strava! All paces welcome: run, hike, crawl, we do it all.
Follow along
Club 7 of 8
Washington Street Run Club
| Led by Aimee Trepanier | When & where Tuesdays, 6:00 PM · Run In Greenville · 3 miles |
Introduce yourself and how you started running
Aimee Trepanier. Running and I found each other out of necessity, but entirely by accident. The honest truth is that I went home to visit my grandparents one weekend and had gained enough weight that my grandmother actually thought I was pregnant. I was embarrassed, ashamed, and knew I needed to take control of my body.
After that trip, I joined the local gym in my college town and started running on the treadmill simply because I didn't know how to do anything else. I figured running was simple and anyone could do it, so I started. That first step led to a local 5K with dogs, which led to a half marathon, then full marathons, and eventually ultra distances. It was in ultrarunning that I truly found my love for the sport and discovered everything it both gives and takes from us.
What is your group/club?
The Washington Street Run Club was born from a similar spirit of initiative. Having worked at Run In Greenville for over five years, people frequently asked why the shop didn’t have a run club. It didn’t make sense not to have one, but no one else seemed to have the passion to spearhead it. I finally asked Dane, the owner of Run In Greenville, if he was on board. He gave me the green light, needing someone to “run” with it, and that I did.
Where do you meet and when?
Every Tuesday at 6:00 PM (rain or shine) at Run In Greenville. Distance: 3 miles.
Why did you start this club and what keeps you going?
I started this club because I wanted a place where everyone feels like they belong. I know what it feels like to show up to a group knowing no one, feeling nervous, and being new to the sport while just wanting a bit of community and a friend or two. Having been to many run clubs that rarely felt welcoming, I wanted to design one where there is always a spot for whoever shows up.
“We don’t run fast, we run for fun, and we run together. We will always wait for you, not because we feel like we have to, but because we want to run side by side with you.”
Running is so much more than just physical exercise; it connects us to ourselves, the world, and others. It builds family, provides a source of power and confidence, and teaches valuable life lessons. The desire to better myself, uplift my community, and serve as a reliable light during dark times is what keeps me going.
What are your future plans for the club?
While we do not have rigid, defined future plans, our primary goal remains simple: to always be there for the community however we can.
I love partnering with brands, local businesses, and community partners, such as our collaborations with Junkyard Fitness, to host fun events and informational sessions. My objective is to provide people with what they need, both physically and personally. Whether it is fun, community, knowledge, or an outlet, the Washington Street Run Club will always strive to be that space.
Follow along
Strava · Instagram: Run In Greenville · Instagram: @aimee433443
Club 8 of 8
We Run In Simpsonville
| Led by Bennie Waddell | When & where Thursdays, 6:00 PM · Run In Simpsonville |
Introduce yourself and how you started running
My name is Bennie Waddell. I am a Greenville native and lifelong resident of the area. About 10 years ago I became sober through a 12 Step program. Friendships and encouragement from that experience led me back to running, something I enjoyed doing earlier in my life.
What is your group/club?
I lead the Simpsonville URC Run Group. It formed out of a small neighborhood group of runners 4 years ago, shortly after the Run In Simpsonville location opened.
Where do you meet and when?
We meet every Thursday evening at 6PM at the Run In store in Simpsonville.
Why did you start this club and what keeps you going?
Basically I linked the small group of runners to URC so we could promote our activities to a bigger audience. I knew there was a healthy presence of local runners in Simpsonville but had no idea it would grow into such a large community so quickly.
What are your future plans for the club?
We will continue to have shoe demos, raffles, and fun activities that are safe and inclusive for all runners and walkers.
Follow along
Group Runs of the Upstate
Free weekly club runs happen across the Upstate every day of the week. Find one near you on the Club Run Schedule, and join the conversation in our Facebook Group.
Building the Next Generation of Runners
Our youth program is free for every young athlete who joins. Each year, more than 100 kids learn to run, compete, and belong, guided by real coaches who care about more than finish times. It is one of the things we are proudest of.
Three seasons a year: fall cross country, winter indoor track, and spring track with AAU/USATF post-season. Every membership helps keep it free.
Support the Youth TeamSticky’s Corner
You asked, Sticky answered.
Q: Will this summer weather ever go away? It's so hot and the air is a soup! What do I do?
A: While I would love to tell you that when you wake up tomorrow it will be a crisp 65 Fahrenheit outside, that's just not true. However, it shouldn't be too long now until summer starts winding down and fall picks up. In the meantime, I say take it easy and stay hydrated. If you have a gym membership, perhaps a nice chilly dreadmill run would be preferable to the outside temps. Stay safe out there!
Q: Have you ever hallucinated on a run? I have heard of that happening to people during ultras.
A: Yes, but only a few times. The first ultra I did was Long Night in Lanford and I distinctly remember being by myself in the middle of the woods convinced that the zombies from Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island were in the woods just out of sight. Even then I knew it wasn't true, but I had convinced myself it was and every snapping branch kept me on edge.
Q: When did you first feel like a real runner?
A: I don't recall exactly, but it took longer than it should have and I still don't know if I consider myself one. This is a problem I see in the running community where we try and place rigid definitions on things that don't need them. If you run then you are a runner, it is as simple as that.
The problem I find is that I, and many others, have placed barriers to entry to being a runner. You are an Ironman when you finish an Ironman, but running doesn't have that required qualification. Saying you have to run so far or do a certain race in a certain time is a slippery slope. I have previously put those limits on myself, but whenever I finally become a “runner” by completing a goal, I don't feel I earned it, and I shift the goal posts. If there is no real qualification, then making some up will only hurt you in the long run.
To sum up my ramblings: if you run, you are a runner. End of story.
Q: Sticky, I often find it difficult to balance strength training and running. Do you have any tips?
A: I don't, but I know some people who do. Check out the article below by Hunter Pickens at Swamp Rabbit Physio and see what he's got to say!
Strength Training for Runners
How to make it actually help your running
Hunter Pickens, PT, DPT, UESCA · Doctor of Physical Therapy & Certified Running Coach, Swamp Rabbit Physio
Running is hard on the body. Strength training should support it. Most runners know that. It’s not the “what” that’s confusing, but the “how” that is harder to figure out.
People strength train for all different reasons, so everyone has their own structure. The way runners can optimize their strength training is unique. You’re trying to fit strength workouts around your running while also targeting the movements that will be most beneficial for you.
First, timing matters. For strength training to really support your running, there has to be enough time to recover after a strength session before your next hard run. If running performance is the priority, run first, strength train second.
A straightforward approach is to stack your strength training on the same day as a hard run. Ideally, separate the strength session by several hours (6 hours is a good target when your schedule allows), but it can also be done immediately following a hard run if needed.
The next day should be either an easy run or an off day. This is the “keep the hard days hard and the easy days easy” approach. Then, when possible, allow roughly 48 hours before your next key run (another hard workout or long run). This gives your muscles time to recover so you can perform at your best when it matters.
Next, exercise selection has to be intentional.
Read the full articleThe Giving Series
The Club behind the Upstate Giving Series. Upstate Running Club founded and manages the Giving Series, connecting race day with local nonprofits. The Club handles donations for every nonprofit partner, and Upstate Race Series provides the races, timing and registration. In 2026 we have already raised more than $647,000, more than all of last year, and we are on track to our goal of $1 million.
New for 2026: Charity Donations
When you donate through one of the 30 events produced by Upstate Race Series, you are doing more than supporting a race. You are directly supporting one of 30 local nonprofit organizations right here in the Upstate of South Carolina.
This new giving initiative is designed so that every dollar donated at our events goes directly to a partner nonprofit already making a difference in our community. These organizations are serving families, supporting children, promoting health, protecting the environment, and strengthening the places we call home.
Last year alone, together with our participants, we helped generate more than $500,000 in race registrations and donations that went directly back to nonprofit organizations. In 2026, we are formalizing and expanding that impact so that every time someone signs up, donates, or invites a friend to race, they can clearly see the difference they are helping make.
Every mile can help fund
- Essential programs and services for people in need
- Community outreach and education
- Resources that keep our neighborhoods healthy, active, and connected
Partner nonprofits include
- Operation Active Kids
- First Flight Alliance
- Spartanburg County Foundation
- Kids Enrichment Center
- Let There Be Mom
- New Foundations Home for Children
- Play4Kay
- Clemson Sunrise Rotary Club
- The Champions Center for Special Children
- The Bridge Center Recovery
- March of Dimes
- Prisma Health Patient Assistance Fund
- Adopting Families Fund
- Julie Valentine Center
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Front Porch Housing
- Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas
- The Parenting Place
- Pickens County Meals on Wheels
- Just Say Something
- Greenwood Genetic Center
- Greenville County Animal Care
- Defenders for Children
The Club Store Is Open
Official Upstate Running Club gear is live and taking orders. Everything is printed on demand, so there is no leftover stock, and every purchase goes back to the club: free weekly runs, the free youth program, and the Giving Series.
Tees, hoodies, racing team kit, hats, drinkware and more, plus a Members Only collection with the 2027 Member Tee. See the Members Only collection.
Shop all 34 items at upstate-running-club-gear.myshopify.com
Membership Has Its Perks
Membership runs on the calendar year, January through December. Renew on Black Friday for the best price, or join any time during the year. The price drops each quarter, so you only pay for the months you get. Every dollar helps keep club runs free and supports our youth program.
Membership pays for itself fast
- Up to 15% off more than 175 races across the Upstate
- FREE weekly club runs across the Upstate
- Discounts with local retail and fitness partners
- Access to our club on Strava
- Membership apparel
- Club socials, the Race Series and the Annual Member Celebration
Partner discounts
| 15% off | 175+ Upstate Race Series races all year |
| 15% off | at Run In |
| 10% off | GUTS apparel |
| Free 1st session | and 50% off your first month at Fit Body Bootcamp Simpsonville |
| 50% off | your initial consultation at Swamp Rabbit Physio |
| 35%+ off | at Body Dynamix |
Our story
Started by a Runner, for Runners.
The Upstate Running Club started in 2020 with a simple idea: build a community where movement, service, and connection come together.
Years later, that idea has grown into thousands of members, dozens of runs, and hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for the community. We are still out there running alongside you, because that is the whole point.
Join or RenewConnect with us
Website · Club Store · Run Club Schedule · Strava Club · Facebook Page · Facebook Group · Instagram · YouTube
Proudly supported by
Our community is stronger because of the local businesses that stand behind it. A special thanks to Snyder Construction and Samantha Snyder Realty for helping keep the Upstate running.
Discounted Races
Members save on races all year. The full, always-current list is just below.
