12 events in Greenville County, South Carolina

💀 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! 💀

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

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 💪.

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

❄️ Snowbird Challenge: A Run for the True Winter Wanderers 🐧

❄️ Snowbird Challenge: The Race That Makes You Crave Sunshine 🐧

Brrr... if only I could stay bundled up indoors and sip hot cocoa instead of hitting the chilly paths, but here we are with the Snowbird Challenge – the race for those of us who’d rather be warm in Florida! ☀️🏝️ Even if you're like me—dodging frostbite and dreaming of tropical breezes—this 2.62-mile loop offers a mini escape from the winter grind. Ready to push through for that taste of “almost-summer”? Let's do this!

🏃‍♀️ Race Options to warm you up!

Solo Snowbird Challenge:

• Hop from lap to lap (2.62 miles each) and cover anywhere from 5 miles to 50K. Each lap completed adds a little warmth to your heart (and earns you a finisher medal worthy of any snowbird brag)!

• Awards for finishing at least 2 laps, with extra kudos for reaching 5 and 12 laps.

• Milestone distances:

• 5 Miles

• 13.1 Miles

• 31 Miles

Relay Teams (2–4 People):

• Join forces with fellow warm-blooded run enthusiasts as you complete 12 laps together—because misery loves company, especially when it ends in a break!

🕗 Race Day Details

• When: 8:00 AM sharp – yes, it’s early, but the sooner you run, the sooner you can dream of Florida beaches!

• Where: Riverwest Preserve

• Address: 2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville SC 29611

• Packet Pickup: An hour before the race at the start/finish area. Grab your gear, bundle up, and brace yourself!

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

Aid Stations & Support

• Need a pick-me-up? There's an aid station at the start/finish brimming with:

• Pickles, cookies, chips, Little Debbie snacks, and more goodies to warm your insides.

• Drinks like water, Tailwind, Coke, and ginger ale

• no cups provided—bring your own to avoid the frostbite of disposable plastic!

⏱️ Race Format Rules – For the Reluctant Cold Conqueror

• The Loop: You’re running a 2.62-mile loop on sidewalks and paved paths (with a bit of trail action for variety).

• Lap Start: A cheerful kettle bell sound marks the beginning of each lap. When you hear it, it's time to beat the clock!

• Timed Laps: You have 45 minutes to complete each loop. Get it done fast, or the cold will have the last laugh and you'll be disqualified.

• Rest Intervals: Once you finish a lap, wait until the full 45 minutes are up for the next one.

• Finish in 25 minutes? Enjoy a 20-minute break to warm up your muscles.

• Finish in 40 minutes? That gives you a quick 5-minute breather before the next lap.

So, while I'd much rather be lounging in flip-flops and soaking up the sun, I know some of us brave souls can’t resist a challenge—even in the cold. Lace up, keep that timer close, and let's run our way from the winter blues toward a little Florida fantasy! 🏃‍♀️🌴

Gear up, coordinate with your teammates, and get ready to tackle each lap with speed and precision—every minute counts! Happy racing and may the best snowbirds soar! ❄️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

When & Where: Greenville, South Carolina, Pleasant Ridge Camp and Retreat Center starting at 8:00am, January 30th 2027

Greenville County Recreation presents an endurance race that will be sure to test your limits, the Pleasant Ridge Backyard Ultra! A race that is not about who is the fastest but who can endure the longest and will test even the toughest of athletes mental grit. The race format is one for everyone! You do not have to be an ultra runner to participate. We want anyone and everyone who is interested in running to come try for their personal best distance.

What is a backyard ultra? It is simple, run as many 4.167 mile laps every hour on the hour until you are no longer able to continue. If a runner is unable to complete a lap or returns after the hour is up they will be given a DNF. The last person running who is able complete a full lap will be declared the winner. There are no runner categories, every runner starts at the same time.

Course Summary: The Pleasant Ridge Backyard ultra will feature sections of the JFA trail and paved paths. It will be a beautiful and challenging course.

Entry Fee:

Early registration before Aug 31, 2026: 75.00

Registration after Aug 31: 85.00

Schedule:

January 29 | Friday

Early bib pickup and racer aid station setup will be available on Friday January 29th from 10:00am - 5:00pm. Aid station will be first come first serve. If using a pop-up tent please bring something to secure it down.

January 30 | Saturday

6:30- 7:30 am- Runner check-in and bib pick up

7:30 am- Runner information meeting

8:00 am- Race officially starts (No late starts will be accepted)

March 8 | Sunday

Race continues

*The event is open-ended and will continue until one participant remains.

DNF Prize: Most races you do not get anything for finishing as a DNF. In this race however the DNF is a trophy in of itself. It means that you tried your hardest and tested your limits. Every runner will receive a DNF camp mug and T-shirt. The winner of the race will receive a finisher award.