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

💀 Welcome to the Hottest Race This Side of the Grave…💀

🔥The Carolina Reaper Challenge! 🔥

Are you brave enough to survive the Carolina Reaper Challenge? 🌶️ The Reaper awaits. 😈🔥

Get ready to feel the burn as you lace up for the Carolina Reaper Running Race, where scorching heat meets extreme endurance. 🔥 Whether you’re tackling the 5-mile, half marathon, 50k, or the team relay, you’re about to test your grit in the fiery heat of South Carolina this July. ☀️🌡️

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ As you navigate the 2.62-mile loop at the Riverwest Nature Preserve, you’ll be embraced by the intense Southern heat, winding through rolling hills, wooden bridges, and scenic views that might just make you wish you were anywhere but here—unless you're a true heat-seeker! 🏞️

💀 It’s not just a race… it’s a battle for survival. Conquer the loop within 45 minutes per lap—or risk being left behind in the flames! 😈 You’ll need every ounce of your endurance, but don’t worry… each lap you conquer brings you closer to victory... and a refreshing taste of sweet, sweet survival! 🏅

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned speed demon, test your limits in the heat with like-minded souls who share your desire to conquer the sun. 🌞 Come for the race. Stay for the heat. 🔥 And remember, the Reaper’s always watching.

🕰️ Race Day Details:

When: All event distances start at 8:00am and packet pickup begins at 7am

Where: Riverwest Nature Preserve

Address: 2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville, SC 29611 *Attention: Be careful when crossing the median at New Easley Hwy which is located across the street from "Home Fur A While" animal boarding facility.

🚗 Parking & Drop-Off Info: All participants will park in the old driving range area, approximately 150 meters from the Start/Finish line. Limited parking spots are available, so please follow volunteer instructions upon arrival. We will have a designated drop-off zone near the staging area for runners to unload gear (tents, coolers, chairs, etc.) before being directed to the parking area by our volunteer team along the perimeter.

🏕 Athlete Village / Staging Area - The Athlete Village will be located between the Start and Finish lines, serving as a central hub for all runners. You’re welcome to bring a 10x10 canopy, cooler, chair, and whatever else helps you recover between laps. This is where the party lives—so share a tent, make some friends, and set up camp! Please note: While runners may stage gear at their vehicles, all parking is 150 meters away, so on-site tent setup is the best way to stay close to the action.

Course: On an old golf course the route is run on a PAVED 2.6 mile loop with plenty of shade and participant setup right at the start/finish line! The Preserve: The 240-acre Riverwest Nature Preserve was once a golf course, but now it’s the perfect place to test your limits. Rolling cart paths, wooden bridges, waterfalls, and riverfront views all surround you as you race toward glory. 🌲

• COURSE MAP HERE

Distances: Choose Your Own Hell

🔥😈 5 Miles – Short & fiery

🔥👿 Half Marathon – Devilishly tough

🔥💀😈 50k – Ultra pain, ultra evil

🔥😈🔁 Relay – Pass the torch... straight from hell

Loop Schedule: The bell rings every 45 minutes, and it’s your race against time! 🔔

• Lap 1 - 8:00am - The Reaper's Call 🔥

• Lap 2 - 8:45am

• Lap 3 - 9:30am

• Lap 4 - 10:15am

• Lap 5 - 11:00am

• Lap 6 - 11:45am

• Lap 7 - 12:30pm

• Lap 8 - 1:15pm

• Lap 9 - 2:00pm

• Lap 10 - 2:45pm

• Lap 11 - 3:30pm

• Lap 12 - 4:15pm

💀 Race Distances:

• 50k: 12 Loops (Conquer the Reaper!) 🏃‍♂️💨

• Relay: 12 Loops (A Team of 2-4 Runners) 👯‍♂️👯‍♀️

• Half Marathon: 5 Loops 🔥🏅

• 5 Mile: 2 Loops 😈🏃

Race and Timing Format:

You’ll receive your timing chip upon packet pickup. After each lap, we’ll record your lap split—but remember, the Reaper isn’t patient. ⏱️ Complete each lap in 45 minutes or you’ll be left in the heat. The last lap counts the most!

Aid Stations:

Fuel Up: Aid station at the start/finish with snacks like pickles, cookies, chips, pretzels.

Hydration (water, coke, ginger ale). 💧

Cup-less Event: Bring your own hydration vessel—no cups, only your vessel of survival! 💀

Julie Valentine Center Run2Overcome Information

Join us for the 18th Annual Julie Valentine Center Run2Overcome, a celebration of courage, resilience, and community support! On this special day, we come together to not only raise funds for the vital services provided by the Julie Valentine Center but also to honor the incredible strength and bravery of survivors of sexual assault and abuse.

Every step you take in this charity run represents a beacon of hope for those who have experienced unimaginable trauma. By participating, you are not only contributing to a worthy cause but also sending a powerful message of solidarity and support to survivors everywhere.

Imagine the impact we can make together as we lace up our running shoes and hit the pavement, united in our commitment to creating a world where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered to heal. Each stride brings us closer to our goal of spreading awareness, raising funds, and inspiring others to join us in our mission of hope and healing.

The Run2Overcome is more than just a race—it's a testament to the human spirit and the transformative power of community. So, whether you're a runner, walker, donor, and/ or supporter, we invite you to join us as we run for a cause, run for change, and run for hope. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for survivors everywhere.

Packet Pickup

• Friday - Packet pick-up is July 31st from 2-6 at the Julie Valentine Center, 2905 White Horse Road, Greenville SC 29611. We encourage everyone to do early packet pick-up.

• Saturday - You can also pick up bibs & t-shirts at First Baptist Church Greenville, 847 Cleveland Street on the morning of the run, Saturday, August 1st, starting at 6:45am a.m. and ending at 7:30am at the registration table.

New Start & Finish Line at First Baptist Church Greenville, 847 Cleveland Street

• Run2Overcome 10k - 8:00am

• Run2Overcome 5k - 8:00am

• Run2Overcome Kids Fun Run Dash - August 16th - 9:00am

Course:

• 5k Course Map on HERE

• 10k Course Map on HERE

Awards

• Chip Start Awards will start tentatively at 9am

• Top 3 (Male and Female) Overall

• Top (Male and Female) in the following Age Groups

• 0-12

• 13-19

• 20-29

• 30-34

• 35-39

• 40-44

• 45-49

• 50-54

• 55-59

• 60-69

• 70-79

• 80+

SWIM: 400 Meters (Pool)

BIKE: 15 Miles

RUN: 3 Miles

Andy's Race has become one of South Carolina's largest and most hotly contested triathlon events. With its beginner friendly atmosphere and elite level field, Andy's Race offers something for all ranges of athlete. It is very rare to see an event with so many first timers racing along side some of the state's best.

Since 2019, this event has been dedicated to the memory of Andy Van Evera. Andy was a triathlete who was passionate about life, racing and this event in particular. The Greenville Triathlon was Andy's "Greenville World Championship" event and he looked forward to racing it each year. While he loved going fast at this race, he loved the post race experience even more. Sharing war stories with his friends and teammates while celebrating each finisher was just as much a part of who he was. The triathlon community lost a great soul, and an incredible role model, when Andy Van Evera left us and we are honored to be able to dedicate this event in his memory. May we all play as hard as Andy would, and celebrate the smallest moments in life as if they were all our "World Championship" moments. When you toe the line at Andy's race you better come prepared to race hard, and play even harder.

The event begins with a 400 meter pool swim in the 50 meter Westside Aquatic Center facility. Athletes will begin one at a time, going off every 5 seconds and swim one way in each lane. At each wall athletes will go under the lane rope and into the next lane until a total of 8 lengths have been completed.

The bike course is a one loop 15 mile course. The first and last sections of the course are on fairly busy 4 lane highways. However, the curbside lane is closed from traffic on all these sections of highway. The middle portion of the course is on quiet country roads. Terrain is moderate to hilly with no major grades, just long rolling climbs and descents. Turns are marked with pavement arrows and directional signs. Police and volunteers control all intersections on the course.

The run course is a two loop 3 mile course. Athletes will begin the first 1.5 mile loop in front of the aquatic center before returning back to the aquatic center to begin lap number two. After the second lap a right turn to the finish will end the day. The course is mostly pavement with a 1/4 mile stretch of each loop being run on hard packed dirt roads. Turns are marked with pavement arrows and directional signs.

Aquabike (swim - bike)

SWIM: 400 Meters (Pool)

BIKE: 15 Miles

Aquathlon (swim - run)

SWIM: 400 Meters (Pool)

RUN: 3 Miles

Duathlon (run - bike - run)

RUN1: 1.5 Miles

BIKE: 15 Miles

RUN2: 3 Miles

Part of the South Carolina Triathlon Series

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.

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 💪.