Skip to main content
Date:
Sun, Mar 07, 2027 at 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:
123 Hancock Rd
Pickens County, South Carolina
29685
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:
upstateraceseries.com Register at runsignup.com
Tags:
8 Miles Run Trail Walk

UDPATES for 2027 Races Coming Soon!

Potential Updates to Course, Location, Time

NEW Swag, Apparel, Medals, and MORE!

Registration set to open for this race on September 1st

The First 100 Participants Receive Custom Race Socks

Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge🌄

Conquer the Climb. Take in the View. 🌲🏃‍♂️

Ready to rise to the challenge? The Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge is an epic race to the highest point in South Carolina. With steep climbs, stunning views, and a fast trail descent, this race blends grit with grandeur—perfect for seasoned runners and bold adventurers alike.

Race Overview🚩

Start Line: Rocky Bottom Retreat Center

Course: A steep & winding road climb leading to the summit of Sassafras Mountain, followed by a scenic trail descent back toward the finish.

Elevation Gain: Expect a significant climb—this is a true mountain challenge.

Course Map: [Click here for Strava Map]

What Makes This Race Unique🌟

🥵 A demanding uphill road section to Sassafras' iconic summit

🌄 Panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views at the peak

🌲 Beautiful, varied trail descent with natural terrain

🐐Ideal for trail runners, mountain goats, and nature lovers

🌿A one-of-a-kind experience in South Carolina’s Upstate wilderness

Race Day Details🎉

Date: March 7th, 2027 (Sunday)

Time: Race begins at 9:00 AM

Location: Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center

Address: 123 Hancock Rd, Sunset, SC 29685

Packet Pickup: begins at 8am

Aid Station: No on-course aid station. Water available at the Start/Finish line

Post-Race Pancakes: Celebrate your summit with fresh hot pancakes and mountain air 🥞⛰️

Awards: Top finishers will be recognized after the race at the summit gathering

Accommodations

Looking to make it a mountain getaway?

🏕️ Stay the Weekend at Rocky Bottom

🏕️ Primitive camping spots available

🛏️ Cabins with multiple bedrooms on-site

💧 Water access & bathroom facilities

Reservations:

Capture the Moment📸

From summit selfies to finish line triumphs, this race is packed with photo-worthy views. Be sure to bring your camera—or your crew—to capture the magic of the mountains!

Ready to Race to the Top?

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic climb and unforgettable descent. Sign up today for the Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge and experience the thrill of running above it all.

More races nearby

  • Azalea Festival 5k [doodletrail.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM

    Description

    The Azalea Festival is on. This is the 3rd race in The Pickens County 5k Race Series. Runners who complete three out of the four races in the series will receive a race series swag and be eligible...

    The Azalea Festival is on. This is the 3rd race in The Pickens County 5k Race Series. Runners who complete three out of the four races in the series will receive a race series swag and be eligible for series awards. This is a chip timed race starting and finishing at the Doodle Park in Pickens on a certified course.

    All proceeds from the race will go to the Beverly Smith Scholarship Fund.

    The Pickens Women’s Association (PWA) is a non-profit civic organization that works to increase community awareness and involvement in Pickens. Proceeds from our fundraising efforts go to the Beverly M. Smith Scholarship fund. This memorial scholarship honors Beverly Smith, who was an integral part of the Pickens Women’s Association but left this earth too soon. The Beverly M. Smith Scholarship is awarded each year to a female graduating from Pickens High School who exhibits exceptional leadership and civic skills. It is the largest non-academic private scholarship awarded at Pickens High School. Any proceeds above the scholarship amount are donated to local charities. You can make a difference in the lives of people in the Pickens community and have fun doing it!

    The race will start promptly at 10:00am. Award ceremony should be around 11:15am after the last runner has completed the course. Awards will be 3 deep for overall M/F and Masters M/F. Age group awards will be given at 10 year intervals. This year, to make it a family friendly event, there will be a 3 deep under 10 age group, 3 deep 10-14 and 1 deep 15-19 group.

    Overall Male and Females will receive cash awards

    1st $100

    2nd $75

    3rd $25

    Packet Pick-up

    Packet Pick-up will be under the shelter at the Doodle Park in Pickens on Friday 4/25/25 from 4:00pm-6:30pm. and race morning from 8:00am-9:30am.

    Tee Shirts

    All runners who register by 4/16/25 will receive a tee shirt. After 4/16/25 tee shirts will not be available.

    Parking

    Parking is available on E. Cedar Rock St and at City Works on Railroad St

    Map of the race is available HERE

    20.7 km
    415 E. Cedar Rock St, Pickens, South Carolina, 29671, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k Run Trail

  • Brevard Classic Races [idaph.net] [Register at raceroster.com]

    Sat, May 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    The Brevard Classic Races return on May 23, 2026, taking place during White Squirrel Weekend in downtown Brevard!

    Choose a 5K or 12K and run scenic, community-lined streets with a downtown start and...

    The Brevard Classic Races return on May 23, 2026, taking place during White Squirrel Weekend in downtown Brevard!

    Choose a 5K or 12K and run scenic, community-lined streets with a downtown start and finish. This race offers a fun and welcoming experience for runners of all levels, combining small-town charm with a thoughtfully designed course.

    Held alongside one of Heart of Brevard’s most beloved annual weekends, participants can enjoy a free community celebration featuring live music, children’s activities, craft vendors, and local downtown shopping, making it a perfect way to experience Brevard at its best.

    Both courses start and finish in the heart of Downtown Brevard and wind through scenic neighborhoods, greenways, and country roads. Expect a mix of fast, fun miles and classic race day excitement!

    This event isn’t just about the run—it’s about celebrating community and connection. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just soaking in the vintage race atmosphere, this is your chance to be part of Brevard’s newest running tradition.

    • Downtown start and finish—steps from great shops and restaurants

    • Historic neighborhoods along East Main Street featuring early 1900s Colonial Revival and Craftsman homes

    • Greenway paths and peaceful stretches that highlight Brevard’s small-town charm and nearby mountain scenery

    • A celebration of community, camaraderie, and classic race day energy

    • Earn a super cool woodalion finisher medal—crafted to celebrate Brevard’s local spirit

    • Snag an iconic, classic race shirt—free with registration before the shirt deadline!

    Sign up and join us for this exciting race experience in Brevard!

    21.1 km
    115 East Morgan Street, Brevard, North Carolina, 28712, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k 12k Road Run Virtual

  • Doodle Trail 5k and 15k [doodletrail.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, May 30, 2026 at 7:15 AM

    Description

    We are happy to present the 9th Annual Doodle Trail 5k and 15k Challenge. The 5k is a well attended, exciting event on a certified rolling course. Age group awards are given at 10 year intervals and...

    We are happy to present the 9th Annual Doodle Trail 5k and 15k Challenge. The 5k is a well attended, exciting event on a certified rolling course. Age group awards are given at 10 year intervals and include overall and Master awards for both males and females. The finish line is at the new Pickens Doodle Trail park.

    The 5k will start at 8:00am and finish in Pickens at the new Trail Head Park. The course starts on the road and you complete the last 1.5 miles on the Doodle Trail. Packet pickup for the 5k will be available Friday May 30, 2024 from 5-7pm and Sat May 31, 2024 from 6:00-7:30am at the Pickens Trail Head

    Map for 5k

    The 15k will start in Easley at 7:15am. There is a 1 hour and 45 minute cut-off for this challenge. This race starts in front of the Easley Police Department. Unfortunately, there will not be complimentary shuttle service this year. This is a change from previous years. Due to this change, there will be packet pickup at the race start in Easley on race morning for the 15k only. You can NOT pickup 15k packets in Pickens on race morning. They must be picked up in Easley

    Packet pick-up will be available Friday May 30, 2025 from 5-7pm at the Pickens Doodle Park Trailhead for both races. On race morning, Sat May 31, 2025 packet pickup will be available from 6:00-7:00am at the race starting line in front of the Law Enforcement Center 220 NW Main St, Easley, SC which is the Starting Line for the race. All of the 15k bibs and tee shirts will be at the starting line in Easley on race morning.

    Map for 15k

    Remember, you must register by Thursday May 22 to be guaranteed a tee shirt. Tee-shirt cutoff date is strict. Registrations after that date will not receive a tee-shirt. Please spread the word to your friends and encourage them to register early.

    Please take note of the changes for packet pickup

    This will be the final race of The Pickens County 5k Race Series. Series awards will be handed out at the conclusion of the race.

    20.7 km
    415 E. Cedar Rock St, Pickens, South Carolina, 29671, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k 15k Run Trail

  • Koala Bottle Table Rock 15K & 5K [runsignup.com]

    Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 7:30 AM

    Description

    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...

    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.

    9.9 km
    1025 Table Rock State Park Road, Pickens County, South Carolina, 29671, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k 15k Run Trail

  • Rosman Rumble 2026 [runsignup.com]

    Fri, Aug 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM

    Description

    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...

    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.

    11.1 km
    Pickens Highway, Transylvania County, North Carolina, 28772, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    3.1 Miles Gravel Run Walk

More races nearby →
Like Wikipedia, anyone can contribute. Sign up to add your local events.