Sassafras 8 Mile Run/Walk

SOUTH CAROLINA TRAIL RUNNERS

Runners and families are invited to enjoy the great outdoors on the doorstep of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest South Carolina. The scenic 5k course is a great for novice trail runners and experienced racers alike. The single track trails meander along and across scenic Carrick Creek from the nature center as you

climb toward Pinnacle Mountain. After a short climb, the 5k runners will race downhill, looping back toward the start finish line.

Up for more of a challenge? The 15k race course, which is currently closer to a17K, will test the most seasoned trail runners. It follows the same route as the 5k for the first two miles. However, the 15k course climbs nearly 2000 feet over the first 5 miles. You will struggle to make it over several gaps and reach the race’s high point of Pinnacle Mountain. As you descend you will be rewarded with spectacular views from Bald Rock and other overlooks. More stream crossings, gnarly roots and jagged rocks will keep you on your toes as you wind your way back down the valley toward the finish. All racers will welcome the sight of the finish line where there will be plenty of food and ice cold drinks to replenish your body after a tough run. And, receive our super soft shirts and finishers awards will be provided to all runners.

Event details and schedule

Saturday, August 9th

Don't forget your $6.00 entry fee into the park at the front gate. We love our SC parks!

• 6:30am: Race Day Registration and packet pick-up at The Pinnacle Pavilion, formerly known as The Barn

• 7:30 am: 15K start time

• 7:35 am: 5K start time

Awards for First, Second and Third place overall winners.

First place Age group awards.

Please enter park at the West Gate and turn left at the Country Store, driving past the start/finish line

to park at the Pinnacle Pavilion.

We are delaying this race to correspond with the opening our new Youth Hub in Rosman.

The third annual race is getting ready to be run.

We run over mixed surfaces, a gravel track initially, through woods and around fields, alongside the French Broad River across the Rosman airport (who knew!) around town and back across fields and through the woods.

It has an elevation climb of a little over 10 feet !! - so a perfect first 5K to either run or walk.

Come and join us.

Jones Gap Half Marathon – A Scenic Journey Through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area 🌲

The Upstate Race Series invites you to the breathtaking Jones Gap State Park for the Annual Jones Gap Half Marathon! Get ready for an unforgettable 13.1-mile adventure through one of South Carolina’s most serene natural settings 🌿. This year’s course takes you on an awe-inspiring route that showcases the stunning Rainbow Falls 🌈, a section of the Rim of the Gap Trail 🌄, and the iconic Little Pinnacle Mountain 🏔️—all set against the backdrop of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.

Jones Gap State Park offers a peaceful retreat deep within the mountains 🏞️. Nestled within 13,000 acres of pristine woodlands 🌳, the park is part of the larger Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which connects with Caesar’s Head State Park. The trails here invite you to explore the beauty of nature 🍃, with connections to the Foothills Trail and Palmetto Trail—two of the most beloved hiking paths in South Carolina 🥾. Along the way, you’ll pass Rainbow Falls, experience the rush of the Middle Saluda River 🌊, and be immersed in a wilderness that feels both untamed and timeless.

As you journey through this incredible landscape, you’ll be treated to the sights of waterfalls 💦, miles of untouched hiking trails 🛤️, and a variety of wildlife 🦅. The rugged terrain will challenge you, while the natural beauty will keep you moving forward with awe and inspiration.

Race Day Details

What: Jones Gap Half Marathon 🏃‍♂️

When: Race starts at 8:00 AM ⏰

Where: River Falls Lodge (just outside Jones Gap State Park) 🏕️

Address: River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SC 29661 📍

Packet Pickup: River Falls Lodge (Start/Finish Line) @ 7:00 AM 🎽

Course Map: Strava Course Map - HERE

With a total elevation gain of 2,000 feet ⛰️, the course begins with a stretch of road leading into Jones Gap before it ascends onto a series of challenging single-track trails 🏞️. Prepare for stunning views, including Rainbow Falls 🌈💦, and a climb to Little Pinnacle Mountain 🏔️. The trail’s breathtaking beauty and the uphill climbs will test your endurance 💪, but the scenery will make every step worthwhile 🌄.

Parking & Address

Runners can park at River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SC 29661 🚗. We recommend carpooling to reduce congestion 🚙. Packet pickup will also take place at this location 📦.

Aid Stations

There will be ONLY 2 aid stations at Mile 2 and Mile 11

Available items may include: pickles 🥒, cookies 🍪, chips 🥨, assorted candy 🍬, fig newtons 🍪, and pretzels 🥨. Hydration options: water 💧, coke 🥤, and ginger ale 🥤. Cup-less Event: Please bring your own hydration vessel 🏞️. We also accept aid station donations of food items you’d like to see at the race! 🍫

Prepare for a day filled with scenic beauty 🌿, a challenging course 🏃‍♀️, and the spirit of adventure 🌟. The Jones Gap Half Marathon is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature 🌲 while testing your endurance 💪.

Our annual Walk For Life 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This is a timed race starting and finishing at Doodle Park in Pickens, SC. The race will be ran on a Certified Course. The 5K Run/Walk is family friendly for all ages and a great way to involve your family in supporting the sanctity of life!

We are a pregnancy care center serving families in Pickens County and surrounding areas during and after pregnancy. We believe that life begins at conception and that salvation comes through belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All proceeds from this race will go directly to Hope Women's Center in supporting their ministry.

The race will begin at 9:00AM. Awards will be presented around 10:00am. Awards for 1st/2nd/3rd overall for M/F as well as individual age brackets.

Registration cost will include race entry and race t-shirt. Cut off date for t-shirt is September 27th. If registered after September 27th, no t-shirt will be included.

RACE PACKET PICK UP WILL BE ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 FROM 4:00PM-6:00PM AT HOPE WOMEN’S CENTER BACK PARKING LOT OR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 FROM 4:00PM-6:00PM AT THE PICKENS DOODLE PARK. PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO PICK UP PACKETS PRIOR TO RACE DAY.

SATURDAY MORNING PICK UP WILL BE FROM 7:30AM-8:30AM AT THE PICKENS DOODLE PARK.

November 14 | 10k 10AM | 5k 10:15AM | Cub Crawl 9:40AM

The Bear Country 5k & 10k are family friendly races in the beautiful mountain town of Brevard, NC. Both races start and finish at Oskar Blues Brewery. The courses take runners on the Brevard greenway, where they'll be surrounded by mountain views.

Bring your kiddo along for the Kids Cub Crawl (12 & under) that starts at 9:40am! It's a ~.25 mile run on pavement. Cub Crawlers will receive a bib and race medal.

A wooden Finisher Medal, long sleeve Race Shirt, chip timing, donation to Mountain Roots and an Oskar Blues beer are included in 10k/5k race registration! Oskar Blues has N/A options available as well.

Can't make it to race day but still want the swag? Virtual options available! We'll mail the race shirt, medal, and bib to you after the event. US shipping only.

Strollers are welcome! Dogs are welcome at the brewery but are not allowed to join runners during the race.

*For safety purposes, and in compliance with our race insurance, we do not allow dogs or any other animals to run with participants at our events. Service animals will be allowed with prior approval (more than 5 days ahead of race day send request to [email protected]) and supporting documentation. Running with your animal will result in disqualification from award categories and timing results.

2026 Adult Long Sleeve Shirt

2026 Youth Long Sleeve Shirt

Mountain Roots is the Non Profit Partner for the 2026 Bear Country 10k & 5k!

Mountain Roots is dedicated to fostering connections between young people, their communities, and the great outdoors. Through hands-on Outdoor Education programs across Western North Carolina, they inspire students to discover themselves, form lasting bonds, and embrace the natural world.