Coon Dog Day 5k

Ready, Set… WOOF! 🐾

Join us at Patton Park on Saturday, August 1 for the 4th Annual Bark & Bolt Races, presented by Hunter Subaru, in Hendersonville.

This family and pup-friendly morning celebration features something for everyone — two-legged and four-legged alike.

Choose from the Bark & Bolt 5K or One Mile, and have the option to join in the crowd-favorite 100-Meter Paw Pursuit. New for 2026, all registered participants will earn a Bark & Bolt finisher medal, making this year’s event extra special!

After the races, stick around for the Top Dog Contest and Bark in the Park Dog Fair, featuring local, pet-friendly vendors and community partners.

We’re proud to partner with Blue Ridge Humane Society, helping support rescue efforts and connect more pups with loving homes.

New & Noteworthy for 2026

• New! Official Bark & Bolt Finisher Medal

• Youth pricing available: $25 early/$30 late

• Youth-sized race tee options

• New! Bike Corral option — ride your bike to the event and earn a fun thank-you incentive!

Whether you’re running with your dog, walking with family, or cheering from the sidelines, Bark & Bolt is all about community, connection, and celebrating our love for dogs. Come make a morning of it — and help us make tails wag all across Hendersonville.

We're excited to present the Twilight Trail 5k at Kanuga, Saturday, August 8th, 2026!

The Twilight Trail 5K is a golden-hour trail race at the Kanuga Conference Center designed to welcome runners of all abilities. Featuring a thoughtfully designed 5K course with mixed surfaces and gentle elevation changes, this event offers an approachable introduction to trail running while remaining engaging for experienced trail runners.

You're invited to come just for the trail race or make a full weekend of it at Kanuga. After the finish, runners can enjoy healthy food, relax by a bonfire (weather permitting), and spend the evening connecting with others in a laid-back, community-forward environment.

Kanuga Trail & Tri Weekend Challenge!

Make a full weekend of it and participate in both the Twilight Trail 5K, Saturday, August 8th, and the Kanuga Triathlon, Sunday, August 9th! Weekend Challenge participants receive finisher medals for both events, along with special recognition celebrating their commitment and versatility across the weekend, and will also be awarded a Nomadix-style performance towel!

Before you sign up for the Kanuga Twilight Trail 5k: Sign up for BOTH the Twilight Trail 5k at Kanuga and the Kanuga Triathlon at the same time through the link below and receive a discount!

KANUGA TRAIL & TRI

WEEKEND CHALLENGE SIGN UP

🐎 Gallop Through the Trails at the Dark Horse Trail Race! 🌲

Giddy up, runners! The Dark Horse Trail Marathon & Half Marathon at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in beautiful Tryon, North Carolina is the perfect opportunity for you to feel the wind in your hair as you race through stunning trails set against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush forests 🏞️. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a newcomer, this race promises an unforgettable adventure through a unique blend of athleticism and the natural beauty that only the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains can offer 🌳.

Imagine galloping through wide dirt paths, winding your way through single-track trails, and trotting across grassy meadows 🌾. Along the way, you'll take in breathtaking views, and if you're lucky, you might spot a fellow horse galloping by as you run through the very grounds that host the world's grandest equestrian events 🏇. This is the place where nature and sport collide, creating a race day experience like no other. Whether you're chasing that marathon glory or just here for the half marathon fun, each step brings you closer to the heart of this magical, four-legged world.

After crossing the finish line, enjoy the post-race festivities alongside your fellow runners and equestrian fans 🎉. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is always buzzing with energy, and you can celebrate your victory with food 🍔, drinks 🍻, and live music 🎶 while taking in the beautiful atmosphere of this renowned venue. It’s not just about the race—it’s about connecting with the land, nature, and the incredible spirit of adventure 🐾.

Event Details

When: All Races Start at 8:00 AM ⏰

Where: Tryon Equestrian Center

Address: 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 📍

Packet Pickup: Will be held at the Start/Finish Line starting 1 hour before your event 🏁.

Course Cutoff: For the marathon: Runners have 6 hours to complete but must start last lap before 5 hours

Parking: When you enter the Equestrian Center, stay to the left to enter the main gate 🏇. Let them know you're here for the race, and follow the driveway to the left, which will lead you to participant parking, right by the start/finish line next to the General Store 🚗

Amenities located within eye sight of the start/finish line

• Breakfast Diner 🍳

• Coffee Shop ☕

• Convenient Store 🛒

• Bars/Restaurants 🍽️

• Indoor Bathrooms 🚻

Course Map: Strava Course Map - HERE🗺️

The course consists of a 6.5-mile loop that meanders through the equestrian center with a mixture of wide packed dirt paths, single-track trails, and meadows 🐴. The course has 600 feet of elevation gain per loop, offering you a steady challenge as you gallop through this beautiful terrain 🏞️.

Aid Station

There is one aid station at the start and finish line 🏁.

You'll find pickles 🥒, cookies 🍪, chips 🥨, fig newtons, and pretzels 🥨.

Hydration will include water 💧, coke 🥤, and ginger ale 🥤.

Cup-less Event: Please bring your own hydration vessel for use at the aid station 🏅.

Feel free to donate any homemade snacks or supplies you'd like to see at the aid station 🍪.

Staging Area - Camping & Personal Aid Stations

We offer camping for participants and their crews during registration ⛺. There’s no water or power, but you'll have plenty of space to spread out next to the course and enjoy the serenity of nature 🌲. Drop bags can be placed at the start/finish line area 👜. Please label your drop bag with your name and bib number to ensure it’s waiting for you at the finish line when you’re done 🏁.

Don’t miss the chance to trot, gallop, and race through the scenic beauty of the Tryon Equestrian Center. This is your opportunity to experience the thrill of the Dark Horse Trail Race! 🏇🐴🌿

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 💪.