Sassafras 8 Mile Run/Walk

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.

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.