About this Race Series

Upstate Trail Series in 2026 will be hosting the 11th Annual age group competition! The series will be comprised of 15 different events throughout the year. Upstate Race Series has been hosting a wide range of trail and road events since 2013. Whether it is your first time lacing up your running shoes or the 100th time you have completed an ultra we have the course, the distance, and the atmosphere to ensure your race weekend is challenging but rewarding. Let us be your "Sherpa" for the weekend as we lead you from starting line to finish line!
  • Distances are 13.1 Miles & Under
Welcome to the Upstate Trail Series, an exhilarating 15-event race series that beckons trail enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to embark on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Upstate South Carolina. Set against the backdrop of state and county parks, this series showcases the region's diverse terrain, offering trail runners an immersive experience that combines the thrill of competition with the beauty of the great outdoors. With a range of distances tailored to challenge all levels of runners, from seasoned trail veterans to those new to the off-road experience, the Upstate Trail Series invites participants to discover the untamed beauty of the Upstate in every step they take.
 
More than just a series of races, this trail-running adventure is also a testament to community spirit and support for the next generation of runners. By participating in the Upstate Trail Series, runners contribute to the Upstate Running Club's non-profit youth team, empowering young athletes to pursue their passion for running. As you traverse trails that wind through picturesque landscapes, you not only accumulate points based on age group performance but also become part of a community dedicated to fostering a love for running and preserving the natural beauty that makes the Upstate truly special. Lace up your trail shoes, embrace the challenge, and join us in supporting both personal accomplishments and the future of running in the Upstate.

 

Upstate Trail Series Schedule: 
 

*You are entered in the age group category based off of your age on December 31st of this year. You may still place in your current age group category for the individual races but the series is scored based on your end of year age. Athletes are automatically entered into the series when they register for any race and are scored automatically with our timing software. To ensure automatic scoring please use the same RunSignUp profile when registering for any Upstate Race Series event.

*Maximum of 5 Races Can Score (if you compete in more than 5 races we will take your top 5 finishes)

 

Age Group Series Awards for 2025

We will be recognizing our top 3 award winners at the end of the year at our Annual Awards Ceremony with awards made by Hickory Handcrafted.
  • 1st Place 
  • 2nd Place 
  • 3rd Place 

 

Races will be scored per your age group as of 12/31/2026

  • 1st Place - 10 points
  • 2nd place - 9 points
  • 3rd Place - 8 points
  • 4th Place - 7 points
  • 5th Place - 6 points
  • 6th Place - 5 points
  • 7th Place - 4 points
  • 8th Place - 3 points
  • 9th Place - 2 points
  • 10th Place and all remaining finishers receive 1 point

 

Age Group Categories

  • 20-29    
  • 30-34    
  • 35-39    
  • 40-44    
  • 45-49    
  • 50-54    
  • 55-59    
  • 60-64    
  • 65-69    
  • 70-79    
  • 80+    
 

Register for individual Races HERE

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this race series or its scoring, please use the following email address:


Included Events

Sassafras 8 Mile Run/Walk
Sassafras Struggle (8mi)

Sunday March 8, 2026
Sunset, SC US

Knock On Wood Trail Run/Hike - 13.1 & 10k
Hipster Hustle 10k

Saturday April 25, 2026
Marietta, SC US

Lakeside Park 8k Run/Walk
Lakeside Park 8k

Sunday May 3, 2026
Piedmont, SC US

Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 - 13.1 - 10k)
Dark Horse 10k

Saturday August 22, 2026
Mill Spring, NC US

Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 - 13.1 - 10k)
Dark Horse Half Marathon

Saturday August 22, 2026
Mill Spring, NC US

Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon
Jones Gap Half Marathon

Saturday September 12, 2026
Marietta, SC US

Lake Conestee 8k Run/Walk
Lake Conestee Nature Park 8k

Sunday September 20, 2026
Greenville, SC US

Paris Mountain Half Marathon
Paris Mountain Half Marathon

Saturday October 10, 2026
Greenville, SC US

Prisoner of War Trail Race (50k - 25k - 8mi)
Semper Fi 8 Mile

Saturday October 24, 2026
Spartanburg, SC US

Broad River Half Marathon
Broad River Half Marathon

Saturday November 21, 2026
Columbia, SC US


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